MEC3150 Wheel Alignment

Advanced · 1 credit · TMT - Trades, Manufacturing and Transportation

Description: Students develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for repairing and aligning various vehicle steering systems.
Prerequisite: MEC2150: Suspension Systems
Parameters: Access to wheel alignment equipment and supporting resources. Note: Customer work must be supervised and checked by a certified technician.
Supporting courses: MEC2160: Steering Systems

Outcomes The student will:

1 follow established safe work procedures
- 1.1 demonstrate knowledge of and follow laboratory safety procedures
2 investigate and determine the condition of various components that affect wheel alignment and tracking
- 2.1 solve common steering and suspension problems including:
  - 2.1.1 loose steering
  - 2.1.2 hard steering
  - 2.1.3 vehicle wander
  - 2.1.4 pulling to one side
  - 2.1.5 wheel shimmy
  - 2.1.6 wheel tramp
  - 2.1.7 improper tire wear
3 identify measurements and angles used to check and adjust suspension and steering systems
- 3.1 define and explain camber, caster, toe, steering axis inclination, toe-out on turns and tracking
4 use specialized alignment equipment to check and adjust alignment angles on various suspension types to manufacturer’s specifications
- 4.1 demonstrate how to:
  - 4.1.1 check and correct tire pressures and determine reason for abnormal tire wear
  - 4.1.2 check and adjust wheel bearings
  - 4.1.3 check and adjust wheel/tire runout
  - 4.1.4 check and correct tire balance
  - 4.1.5 check and correct steering linkage problems
  - 4.1.6 check and adjust steering gear
  - 4.1.7 check and correct shock absorber problems
  - 4.1.8 check and correct riding height
  - 4.1.9 check vehicle tracking
- 4.2 check alignment angles for a given vehicle using the appropriate alignment equipment
- 4.3 adjust alignment angles to manufacturer’s specifications on at least two different suspension types
5 demonstrate basic competencies
- 5.1 demonstrate fundamental skills to:
  - 5.1.1 communicate
  - 5.1.2 manage information
  - 5.1.3 use numbers
  - 5.1.4 think and solve problems
- 5.2 demonstrate personal management skills to:
  - 5.2.1 demonstrate positive attitudes and behaviours
  - 5.2.2 be responsible
  - 5.2.3 be adaptable
  - 5.2.4 learn continuously
  - 5.2.5 work safely
- 5.3 demonstrate teamwork skills to:
  - 5.3.1 work with others
  - 5.3.2 participate in projects and tasks
6 create a transitional strategy to accommodate personal changes and build personal values
- 6.1 identify short-term and long-term goals
- 6.2 identify steps to achieve goals