AUT 148 - Automotive Suspension, Steering, and Alignment

Description
In this course, students learn theory, operation, and service procedures of tire and wheel assemblies, suspension systems, and steering systems. Students also learn wheel-alignment principles and procedures. The study and hands-on learning in this course meet standards specified by the ASE Education Foundation in the area of Suspension and Steering (A4).

Recommend Skills: Automotive Technology students must be able to read and comprehend complex technical information and instructions.

Credit Hours: 3
Contact Hours: 4

School: School of Business & Industry
Department: Automotive
Discipline: AUT

Major Course Revisions: Prefix, N/A
Last Revision Date Effective: 20220216T10:08:53
Course Review & Revision Year: 2026-2027

Course Type:
Program Requirement- Offering designed to meet the learning needs of students in a specific GRCC program.
Course Format:
Lecture/Lab - Must meet Lecture & Lab Ratios

General Education Requirement: None
General Education Learner Outcomes (GELO):
NA

Course Learning Outcomes:
1. Diagnose and repair steering systems, including conventional and rack-and-pinion.

2. Diagnose and repair suspension systems.

3. Understand wheel alignment angles and perform alignment.

4. Service tire and wheel assemblies, including Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS).

5. Clearly and completely state and describe a problem/issue.

6. Develop a plan to implement a solution to a problem or issue.

Approved for Online Delivery?: No

Course Outline:
I. Wheel Bearings

II. Wheels and Tires

III. Suspensions

A. Front

B. Rear

C. Shocks and Struts

IV. Steering

A. Linkages and Components

B. Power Steering

V. Wheel Alignment

A. Alignment Angles

B. Adjustments

Mandatory CLO Competency Assessment Measures:
None

Name of Industry Recognize Credentials: None

Instructional Strategies:
Lecture and Demonstration: 35-50%

Worksheets and Laboratory Exercises: 50-65%

Mandatory Course Components:
None

Academic Program Prerequisite: None
Prerequisites/Other Requirements: None
English Prerequisite(s): None
Math Prerequisite(s): None
Course Corerequisite(s): None
Course-Specific Placement Test:
Course Aligned with IRW: NA
Consent to Enroll in Course: No Department Consent Required

Total Lecture/Lab Hours Per Week: 4
Faculty Credential Requirements:
Master’s Degree (GRCC general requirement), Program Accreditation Requirement (list below), Certification/License Requirement (list below)
Faculty Credential Requirement Details: The instructor must be ASE certified in this subject area and have at least 2 years of work experience in the automotive field, in order to meet ASE Education Foundation accreditation requirements.

General Room Request: Automotive Classroom and Auto Lab Space

Maximum Course Enrollment: 24
Dual Enrollment Allowed?: Yes
AP Min. Score:
Number of Times Course can be taken for credit: 1
Programs Where This Courses is a Requirement:
Automotive Technology, A.A.A.S., Automotive Technology Certificate
Course Fees: $20.00
People Soft Course ID Number: 101707
Course CIP Code: 47.9999