STANDARD COMPETENCIES:

 

 1. Identify causes of fixed and driver adjustable steering column and shaft noise, looseness, and binding problems; determine needed action.

 2. Inspect and service steering shaft U-joint(s), slip joints, bearings, bushings, and seals; phase shaft.

 3. Check cab mounting and ride height.

 4. Remove the steering wheel (includes steering wheels equipped with electrical/electronic controls and components); install and center the

    steering wheel.  Inspect, test, replace and calibrate steering angle sensor.

 5. Disable and enable supplemental restraint system (SRS) in accordance with manufacturers’ procedures.

 6. Inspect and align pitman arm; replace as needed.

 7. Inspect front axles and attaching hardware; determine needed action.

 8. Inspect and lubricate steering components.

 9. Inspect front axles and attaching hardware; determine needed action.

 10. Inspect and service kingpin, steering knuckle bushings, locks, bearings, seals, and covers; determine needed action.

 11. Inspect shock absorbers, bushings, brackets, and mounts; replace as needed.

 12. Inspect leaf springs, center bolts, clips, pins and bushings, shackles, slippers, insulators, brackets, and mounts; determine needed action.

 13. Inspect axle aligning devices such as radius rods, track bars, stabilizer bars, torque arms, related bushings, mounts, shims, and

     cams; determine needed action.

 14. Inspect tandem suspension equalizer components; determine needed action.

 15. Inspect and test air suspension pressure regulator and height control valves, lines, hoses, dump valves, and fittings; adjust, repair

     or replace as needed.

 16. Inspect air springs, mounting plates, springs, suspension arms, and bushings; replace as needed.

 17. Measure ride height; determine needed action.

 18. Identify rough ride problems; determine needed action

 TOPICAL OUTLINE:

 

 I.      Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair

         A.      Leaf Springs

         B.      Air Spring Suspensions

         C.      Mechanical Suspensions

         D.      Equalizing Beams

         E.      Roll Stability Control

         F.      Cab Air Suspensions and Driver Seats

         G.      Ride Analysis

 II.     Wheel and Tires

         A.      Wheels and Rims

         B.      Tires

         C.      Tire Maintenance

         D.      Chassis Tire Pressure Management

         E.      Wheel bearing service and Adjustment

         F.      Wheel End Conclusion