3
At first glance, the study of suspension and steering
systems can seem overwhelming. There are a vast number
of suspension and steering system designs used in late-
model cars, trucks, and sport-utility vehicles. On most late-
model vehicles, the alignment of both the front and rear
wheels must be checked and adjusted. Additionally, there
may be electrical and electronic systems that govern sus-
pension and steering operation. It is natural to wonder if,
and how, you can gain the knowledge and hands-on skills
needed to become a certified suspension and steering
technician.
Auto Suspension and Steering will help you in your
quest to become a suspension and steering technician. It
does this by first providing you with a thorough explana-
tion of the various suspension and steering systems found
on modern vehicles. This information is followed by
detailed instructions for logically diagnosing suspension
and steering components, including:
• Performing road tests to confirm problems.
• Making visual inspections for bent, damaged, leaking,
or worn parts.
• Performing manual tests for bent and worn parts.
• Testing electronic steering and suspension system
components.
• Checking wheel alignment.
• Checking the condition of related parts, such as
brakes, wheel bearings, and tires.
Once the problem has been located, the suspension
and steering components must be repaired or replaced.
The material in Auto Suspension and Steering will teach
you to:
• Repair or replace defective suspension and steering
parts.
• Fill, bleed, and flush power steering systems.
• Replace defective electronic control system
components.
• Use alignment equipment and tools to perform both
two- and four-wheel alignment.
This book also covers the maintenance of steering and
suspension systems, including lubrication and adjustment.
The ability to read is an essential skill for today’s auto-
motive technician. The technician must read service man-
uals and textbooks to gather information on diagnostic
procedures, test specifications, etc. In many cases, this
information is provided on compact discs or on the
Internet. To access this information, the technician must be
able to operate a computer. Be sure to improve your read-
ing and computer skills at every opportunity.
Auto Suspension and Steering has been carefully
designed so all components are identified and operating
principles fully explained before troubleshooting and
repair procedures are discussed. The early chapters cover
basic parts and operating principles. Later chapters build
on the information presented in the early chapters.
Each chapter of this text begins with objectives that
provide focus for the chapter. A list of important technical
terms is also presented at the beginning of each chapter.
Be sure to look for these terms as you read through the
Introduction