DSL 211 Diesel Technology Suspension and Steering

Lecture Hours: 2
Lab Hours: 8
Credits: 6

Covers suspension and steering, tires and wheels, alignment of medium and heavy-duty vehicles, and fifth wheels. The major emphasis will be on methods used to check and adjust alignment, and inspection and repair methods for suspension systems.

Prerequisite: DSL 130 and DSL 131 each with a grade of C or better; or consent of instructor.
Concurrent: DSL 210.
Student Learning Outcomes:

Analyze and determine the problem and implement the correct repair of wheels and tires, and steering and suspension systems.
Conduct repairs in an ethical and professional manner, respecting industry safety and environmental guidelines.
Communicate with co-workers, customers, management, and public in a professional and knowledgeable manner.
Students will learn how to disassemble, inspect, reassemble, and understand components of wheels and tires, steering systems, suspension systems, and fifth wheels.
Students will learn how to use tools to properly repair and maintain steering systems, suspension systems, wheels, tires, and fifth wheels.
Students will learn how to diagnose failures and practice researching the failure symptoms in service manuals and other sources to research and diagnosis failures.
Students will learn use protective gear and safe procedures in all work areas.

Content Outline

Commercial vehicle tires
- Inspect, test, and service tires.
- Wheels Rims and Hubs
Front axle and vehicle alignments
- Diagnosis alignment issues
- Perform a wheel alignment
Truck frames and suspension systems
- Check steering for proper operation
- Diagnosis steering related issues
- Identify concerns related to steering systems
Steering systems and Integral Steering gears
- Inspect, test, and service shock absorbers, bushings, brackets, shackles etc.
Fifth Wheels and Coupling Systems
- Inspect, test, and service fifth wheel adjustment, pivot pins, bushings, locking