ATF 324 - Ford Steering/Suspension

1. Assess Ford steering systems  
   1. Identify types of steering systems. 
   2. Identify steering linkage component nomenclature. 
   3. Discuss power steering hydraulic theory. 
   4. Determine power steering systems component nomenclature. 
   5. Examine electronic steering systems. 
2. Evaluate Ford steering systems  
   1. Diagnose steering column noises, looseness, and binding concerns (including tilt mechanisms); determine necessary action. 
   2. Diagnose power steering gear (rack and pinion/non-rack and pinion) binding, uneven turning effort, looseness, hard steering, and noise concerns; determine necessary action. 
   3. Evaluate steering system linkage; determine necessary action. 
   4. Evaluate power steering system operation; determine necessary action. 
   5. Flush, fill, and bleed power steering system. 
3. Examine Ford suspension systems  
   1. Identify front suspension system design and nomenclature. 
   2. Identify rear suspension system design and nomenclature. 
   3. Explain the importance of correct curb height. 
   4. Discuss design and operation of shock absorbers. 
   5. Determine diagnostic procedure used to evaluate shock absorber serviceability. 
   6. Discuss Electronic Level and Ride Control Systems. 
4. Interpret Ford suspension systems.  
   1. Research applicable vehicle and service information, vehicle service history, service precautions, and technical service bulletins. 
   2. Identify and interpret suspension and steering system concerns; determine necessary action. 
   3. Diagnose short and long arm suspension system noises, body sway, and uneven ride height concerns; determine necessary action. 
   4. Diagnose strut suspension system noises, body sway, and uneven ride height concerns; determine necessary action. 
   5. Inspect, remove and install front suspension system components using correct tools and procedures. 
   6. Inspect, remove and install rear suspension system components using correct tools and procedures. 
   7. Diagnose ELC system concerns; determine necessary action.
5. Service tire and wheel assemblies
   1. Inspect tire condition; identify tire wear patterns; check for correct tire size and application (load and speed ratings) and adjust air pressure; determine necessary action. 
   2. Diagnose wheel/tire vibration, shimmy, and noise; determine necessary action. 
   3. Measure wheel, tire, axle flange, and hub runout; determine necessary action. 
   4. Diagnose tire pull problems; determine necessary action. 
6. Differentiate steering and suspension angles.  
   1. Explain operation and purpose of caster angle. 
   2. Describe operation and purpose of camber angle. 
   3. Explain operation and purpose of steering axis inclination angle. 
   4. Describe operation and purpose of the turning radius angle. 
   5. Describe operation and purpose of toe angle. 
   6. Differentiate between alignment types. 
   7. Describe typical alignment adjustment procedures. 
   8. Discuss alignment related handling concerns. 
   9. Discuss non-alignment related handling concerns. 
7. Distinguish wheel alignment diagnosis, adjustment and repair.  
   1. Diagnose vehicle wander, drift, pull, hard steering, bump steer, memory steer, torque steer, and steering return concerns; determine necessary action. 
   2. Perform pre-alignment inspection and measure vehicle ride height; perform necessary action. 
   3. 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. 
   4. Check toe-out-on-turns (turning radius); determine necessary action. 
   5. Check SAI (steering axis inclination) and included angle; determine necessary action. 
   6. Check rear wheel thrust angle; determine necessary action. 
   7. Check for front wheel setback; determine necessary action. 
   8. Check front and/or rear cradle (sub-frame) alignment; determine necessary action. 
   9. Reset steering angle sensor. 
8. Characterize Noise, Harshness, and Vibrations (NVH
   1. Explain terms related to NVH. 
   2. Diagnose NVH concerns.