Curriculum Committee Approval: 04/07/2020 Lecture Contact Hours: 48-54; Homework Hours: 96-108; Total Student Learning Hours: 144-162 Laboratory Contact Hours: 96-108; Homework Hours: 0; Total Student Learning Hours: 96-108 CUYAMACA COLLEGE COURSE OUTLINE OF RECORD AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY 140 – FOUR WHEEL ALIGNMENT 3 hours lecture, 6 hours laboratory, 5 units Catalog Description Four wheel alignment principles as applied to checking and correcting alignment settings. Repair and replacement of suspension components, computerized steering and ride controls. Additional training in wheel balancing. Emphasis on practical experience on “live” automobiles. Students will be required to complete associated tasks in the shop as specified by NATEF (National Automotive Training Educational Foundation). Preparation for ASE A-4 Certification. Prerequisite None Course Content 1) Lecture: a. Introduction and safety b. Equipment operation c. Suspension theory and design d. Alignment procedures e. Suspension component repair and replacement f. Manual steering control systems g. Power steering control systems h. Testing and diagnosis of electronically controlled steering systems i. Tire and wheel design j. Tire balancing principles k. Four wheel steering systems l. Operation of computerized steering and ride controls 2) Lab: a. Introduction and safety b. Laboratory procedures c. Equipment operation d. Pre-alignment checks e. Tire balancing f. Alignment procedures g. Suspension components diagnosis, repair and replacement h. Manual steering system repair and adjustment i. Power steering system repair and adjustment j. Testing and diagnosis of electronically controlled steering systems k. Tire and wheel care l. Alignment of four wheel steer cars m. Diagnosis and repair of computerized steering and ride controls Course Objectives Students will be able to: 1) Demonstrate standardized safety and hazardous waste handling practices. AUTO 140 Page 2 of 3 2) Apply suspension and steering theory in order to identify steering and suspension concerns, determine necessary action. 3) Using prescribed industry standards, diagnose and repair/replace power steering system components. 4) Demonstrate proper procedures to test and diagnose electronically controlled steering systems. 5) Following prescribed industry standards, diagnose and repair/replace front and rear suspension systems and components. 6) Adjust and replace front and rear wheel bearings to prescribed industry standards. 7) Diagnose and adjust vehicle alignment settings to prescribed industry standards. 8) Diagnose and adjust or replace wheel and tire components to prescribed industry standards. 9) Utilize manufacturers’ repair information and technical service bulletins for accurate diagnosis and repair. Method of Evaluation A grading system will be established by the instructor and implemented uniformly. Grades will be based on demonstrated proficiency in subject matter determined by multiple measurements for evaluation, one of which must be essay exams, skills demonstration or, where appropriate, the symbol system. 1) Quizzes, written exams, and hands-on performance exam that measure students’ ability to safely identify necessary action or repair, diagnose steering and suspension components, and perform necessary tasks related to steering and suspension. 2) Practical exercises that measure students’ progress toward mastering tasks related to diagnosis, replacement, repair, testing, and adjustment of steering and suspension related systems and components. 3) Skills-based summative assessment that measures students’ ability to successfully complete the necessary NATEF tasks related to diagnosis, replacement, repair, testing, and adjustment of steering and suspension systems and components. Special Materials Required of Student 1) Basic hand tool set 2) Approved safety glasses 3) Specialized alignment tools Minimum Instructional Facilities 1) Auto tech lab (6 bays) 2) Complete four wheel alignment center 3) Computer tire balance equipment 4) Specialized alignment and suspension repair tools 5) Smart classroom Method of Instruction 1) Lecture and demonstration 2) Individual assistance Out-of-Class Assignments 1) Reading assignments 2) Written homework Texts and References 1) Required (representative example): Kerwin, Automotive Steering and Suspension. CDX Master Automotive Technician Series, 2020, ISBN: 9781284102093 2) Supplemental: None AUTO 140 Page 3 of 3 Exit Skills Students having successfully completed this course exit with the following skills, competencies and/or knowledge: 1) Understand steering and suspension concerns and determine necessary action. 2) Diagnose and repair/replace power steering system components. 3) Test and diagnose electronically controlled steering systems. 4) Diagnose and repair/replace front and rear suspension systems and components. 5) Adjust and replace front and rear wheel bearings. 6) Diagnose and adjust vehicle alignment settings to industry standard. 7) Diagnose and adjust or replace wheel and tire components to industry standard. Student Learning Outcomes Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: 1) Diagnose and repair suspension and steering concerns according to industry standards. 2) Communicate information about findings and repairs to customers and management. 3) Demonstrate standardized safety and hazardous waste handling practices following federal and state rules and regulations. .