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(A4) Suspension and Steering Task Sheets by ASE area

General

Research vehicle service information such as fluid type, vehicle service history, service precautions, technical service bulletins, and recalls including vehicles equipped with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

Identify suspension and steering system components and configurations.

Vehicle Chassis Identification

Microsoft Word version

Fillable PDF version

Suspension and Steering System Information

Microsoft Word version

Fillable PDF version

Retrieve and record DTCs, OBD monitor status, and freeze frame data; clear codes and data when directed.

Retrieving OBD II Diagnostic Trouble Codes

Microsoft Word version

Fillable PDF version

Retrieve DTCs, Monitor Status & Freeze Frames

Microsoft Word version

Fillable PDF version

Disable and enable supplemental restraint system (SRS); verify indicator lamp operation.

Airbag System and Steering Wheel Service

Microsoft Word version

Fillable PDF version

Identify and interpret suspension and steering system concerns; determine needed action.

Diagnose Suspension Concerns

Microsoft Word version

Fillable PDF version

Steering Column Related Diagnosis

Microsoft Word version

Fillable PDF version

Steering Problem Diagnosis

Microsoft Word version

Fillable PDF version

Suspension Problem Diagnosis

Microsoft Word version

Fillable PDF version

Steering Systems

Inspect rack and pinion steering gear inner tie rod ends (sockets) and bellows boots; repair or replace as needed.

Inner Tie Rod Ends and Bellows Boots

Microsoft Word version

Fillable PDF version

Inspect power steering fluid level and condition.

Drain and replace power steering system fluid; use proper fluid type per manufacturer specification.

Inspect for power steering fluid leakage; determine needed action.

Diagnose Power Steering Fluid Leakage

Microsoft Word version

Fillable PDF version

Remove, inspect, replace, and/or adjust power steering pump drive belt.

Inspect, remove and/or replace power steering hoses and fittings.

Inspect Power Steering Hoses and Fittings

Microsoft Word version

Fillable PDF version

Inspect, remove and/or replace pitman arm, relay (centerlink/intermediate) rod, idler arm and mountings, and steering linkage damper.

Inspect and Replace Steering Components

Microsoft Word version

Fillable PDF version

Inspect, replace, and/or adjust tie rod ends (sockets), tie rod sleeves, and clamps (non-rack and pinion).

Tie-Rod End Inspection and Replacement

Microsoft Word version

Fillable PDF version

Inspect and test electric power steering system; determine needed action.

Electronically Controlled Steering Systems

Microsoft Word version

Fillable PDF version

Remove and replace steering wheel; center/time supplemental restraint system (SRS) coil (clock spring).

Airbag System and Steering Wheel Service

Microsoft Word version

Fillable PDF version

Diagnose steering column noises, looseness, and binding concerns (including tilt/telescoping mechanisms); determine needed action.

Steering Column Related Diagnosis

Microsoft Word version

Fillable PDF version

Diagnose power steering gear (non-rack and pinion) binding, uneven turning effort, looseness, hard steering, and noise concerns; determine needed action.

Diagnose power steering gear (rack and pinion) binding, uneven turning effort, looseness, hard steering, and noise concerns; determine needed action.

Inspect steering shaft universal-joint(s), flexible coupling(s), collapsible column, lock cylinder mechanism, and steering wheel; perform needed action.

Steering Column Related Diagnosis

Microsoft Word version

Fillable PDF version

Remove and replace rack and pinion steering gear; inspect mounting bushings and brackets.

Steering Gear Adjustment and Replacement

Microsoft Word version

Fillable PDF version

Remove and reinstall power steering pump.

Service Power Steering Pump

Microsoft Word version

Fillable PDF version

Remove and reinstall press fit power steering pump pulley; check pulley and belt alignment.

Service Power Steering Pump

Microsoft Word version

Fillable PDF version

Test power steering system pressure; determine needed action.

Power Steering System Pressure Test

Microsoft Word version

Fillable PDF version

Suspension Systems

Inspect, remove, and/or replace upper and/or lower control arms, bushings, and shafts.

Suspension Inspection/Component Replacement

Microsoft Word version

Fillable PDF version

Inspect and replace rebound/jounce bumpers.

Suspension Inspection/Component Replacement

Microsoft Word version

Fillable PDF version

Inspect, remove, and/or replace track bar, strut rods/radius arms, and related mounts and bushings.

Suspension Inspection/Component Replacement

Microsoft Word version

Fillable PDF version

Inspect, remove, and/or replace upper and/or lower ball joints (with or without wear indicators).

Suspension Inspection/Component Replacement

Microsoft Word version

Fillable PDF version

Inspect, remove, and/or replace suspension system coil springs and spring insulators.

Suspension Inspection/Component Replacement

Microsoft Word version

Fillable PDF version

Inspect, remove and/or replace torsion bars and mounts.

Inspect, remove and/or replace front/rear stabilizer bar (sway bar) bushings, brackets, and links.

Strut Rod and Stabilizer Bushings

Microsoft Word version

Fillable PDF version

Inspect, remove, and/or replace strut assembly, strut coil spring, insulators, and upper strut bearing mount.

Shock Absorber/Strut Cartridge Replacement

Microsoft Word version

Fillable PDF version

Inspect, remove, and/or replace components of suspension systems (Coil, Leaf, and Torsion).

Strut Rod and Stabilizer Bushings

Microsoft Word version

Fillable PDF version

Suspension Inspection/Component Replacement

Microsoft Word version

Fillable PDF version

Inspect, remove, and/or replace components of electronically controlled suspension systems.

Electronic Suspension Diagnosis

Microsoft Word version

Fillable PDF version

Inspect, remove and/or replace steering knuckle assemblies.

Inspect and Replace Steering Components

Microsoft Word version

Fillable PDF version

Inspect, Remove, or Replace Suspension Components

Microsoft Word version

Fillable PDF version

Suspension Inspection/Component Replacement

Microsoft Word version

Fillable PDF version

Diagnose suspension system noises, body sway, and uneven ride height concerns; determine needed action.

Diagnose Suspension Concerns

Microsoft Word version

Fillable PDF version

Related Suspension and Steering Service

Inspect, remove, and/or replace shock absorbers; inspect mounts and bushings.

Front Shock Absorber Replacement

Microsoft Word version

Fillable PDF version

Inspect, service, and/or replace front and rear wheel bearings.

Sealed Wheel Bearing Replacement

Microsoft Word version

Fillable PDF version

Wheel Bearing and Race Replacement

Microsoft Word version

Fillable PDF version

Describe the function of electronically controlled suspension and steering systems and components, (i.e., active suspension and stability control).

Electronic Suspension Diagnosis

Microsoft Word version

Fillable PDF version

Wheel Alignment

Perform pre-alignment inspection, measure vehicle ride height; determine needed action.

Describe four-wheel alignment angles (camber, caster, and toe) and effects on vehicle handling\tire wear.

Prepare vehicle for wheel alignment on alignment machine; perform four-wheel alignment by checking and adjusting front and rear wheel caster, camber; and toe as required; center steering wheel.

Check toe-out-on-turns (turning radius); determine needed action.

Check steering axis inclination (SAI) and included angle; determine needed action.

Check rear wheel thrust angle; determine needed action.

Diagnostic Alignment Angles

Microsoft Word version

Fillable PDF version

Check for front wheel setback; determine needed action.

Diagnostic Alignment Angles

Microsoft Word version

Fillable PDF version

Identify front and/or rear cradle (subframe) misalignment; determine needed action.

Diagnostic Alignment Angles

Microsoft Word version

Fillable PDF version

Reset steering angle sensor

Diagnose vehicle wander, drift, pull, hard steering, bump steer, memory steer, torque steer, and steering return concerns; determine needed action.

Diagnose Alignment-Related Faults

Microsoft Word version

Fillable PDF version

Wheels and Tires

Inspect tire condition; identify tire wear patterns; check for correct tire size, application (load and speed ratings) and air pressure as listed on the tire information placard/label.

Rotate tires according to manufacturer’s recommendations including vehicles equipped with tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS).

Dismount, inspect, and remount tire on wheel (with/without TPMS); balance wheel and tire assembly.

Inspect tire and wheel assembly for air loss; perform needed action.

Tire Inspection and Air Loss

Microsoft Word version

Fillable PDF version

Repair tire following vehicle manufacturer approved procedure.

Identify indirect and direct tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS); calibrate/relearn system; verify operation of instrument panel lamps.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Microsoft Word version

Fillable PDF version

Demonstrate knowledge of steps required to remove and replace sensors (per OEM/sensor manufacturer) in a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Microsoft Word version

Fillable PDF version

Perform Road Force balance/match mounting.

Content coming soon.

Diagnose wheel/tire vibration, shimmy, and noise; determine needed action.

Tire Vibration and Pull Diagnosis

Microsoft Word version

Fillable PDF version

Measure wheel, tire, axle flange, and hub runout; determine needed action.

Tire, Wheel, Axle, and Hub Runout

Microsoft Word version

Fillable PDF version

Diagnose tire pull problems; determine needed action.

Tire Vibration and Pull Diagnosis

Microsoft Word version

Fillable PDF version