Major Work Activity F - Diagnoses and repairs steering, suspension, braking and control systems, tires, hubs and wheel bearings

Table of Contents

Task F-18 Diagnoses steering, suspension, braking and control systems, tires, wheels, hubs and wheel bearings

Task Descriptor

Steering systems transmit inputs from the driver to the wheel assembly actuated through various mechanical and electrical inputs and outputs. The steering system is designed for precise directional control of the vehicle.

Suspension systems are used to support and cushion the vehicle, absorbing road surface irregularities and smoothing the vehicle ride. The suspension is designed for controlled movement over irregular surfaces.

Braking systems slow or stop the vehicle in a safe and controlled manner by using hydraulic or electronic controls. The vehicle braking systems are operated by the power unit that supplies hydraulic or electric inputs and outputs to various components such as calipers, wheel cylinders and actuators.

Control systems such as antilock braking systems (ABS), adaptive cruise control (ACC), traction control systems (TCS), dynamic stability control (DSC), and ADAS are incorporated into many of today’s vehicles.

Tires, wheels, hubs and wheel bearings are diagnosed by automotive service technicians in order to ensure the safe and correct operation of the vehicle such as wheel balance and wheel alignment.

Automotive service technicians diagnose these systems according to manufacturers’ service information.

F-18.01 - Diagnoses steering, suspension and control systems

F-18.01 - Diagnoses steering, suspension and control systems
NL NS PE NB QC ON MB SK AB BC NT YT NU
yes yes NV yes ND yes yes yes yes yes NV NV NV
Skills
Reference Code Performance Criteria Evidence of Attainment
F-18.01.01P verify concern concern is verified to determine diagnostic strategy
F-18.01.02P select and use tools and equipment tools and equipment are selected and used according to task and manufacturers’ service information
F-18.01.03P perform road test road test is performed, and steering, suspension and control system concerns are identified
F-18.01.04P determine type of steering system type of steering system is determined by visual inspection and manufacturers’ service information
F-18.01.05P determine type of suspension system type of suspension system is determined by visual inspection and manufacturers’ service information
F-18.01.06P determine type of control systems for steering and suspension systems type of control system is determined according to vehicle service information and manufacturers’ service information
F-18.01.07P inspect steering, suspension and control components steering, suspension and control components are inspected according to manufacturers’ service information and inspection procedures
F-18.01.08P perform tests tests are performed according to manufacturers’ service information to determine cause of failure
F-18.01.09P record, interpret and analyze results of tests and inspections results of tests and inspections are recorded, interpreted, analyzed and compared to manufacturers’ service information, and required repair is determined

Range of Variables

Knowledge
Reference Code Learning Outcomes Learning Objectives
F-18.01.01L demonstrate knowledge of suspension systems, their components, characteristics, applications and operation identify types of suspension systems and their components, and describe their characteristics and applications
describe operating principles of suspension systems and their components
identify types of springs and describe their purpose and operation
identify types of dampers and their components, and describe their purpose and operation
describe suspension geometry
F-18.01.02L demonstrate knowledge of procedures used to diagnose suspension systems and their components identify tools and equipment used to diagnose suspension systems and their components, and describe their characteristics, applications and procedures for use
describe procedures used to diagnose suspension systems and their components
F-18.01.03L demonstrate knowledge of steering systems, their components, characteristics, applications and operation identify types of steering systems and their components and operation
describe operating principles of steering systems and their components
identify types of steering columns and their components, and describe their characteristics and applications
identify related systems and describe their relationship to steering systems
identify types of steering assist systems and their components, and describe their characteristics, applications and operation
identify types of power steering pumps and their components, and describe their characteristics, applications and operation
identify types of fluids and lubricants, fasteners, tubing, hoses, gaskets and seals and describe their applications
describe procedures used to disarm passive restraints
describe steering geometry
F-18.01.04L demonstrate knowledge of procedures used to diagnose steering systems and their components identify tools and equipment used to diagnose steering systems and their components, and describe their characteristics, applications and procedures for use
identify hazards and describe safe work practices pertaining to steering systems and their components
describe procedures used to diagnose steering systems and their components
F-18.01.05L demonstrate knowledge of electronically-controlled suspension systems, their components, characteristics, applications and operation identify types of electronically-controlled suspension systems and their components, and describe their characteristics and applications
describe operating principles of electronically-controlled suspension systems and their components
F-18.01.06L demonstrate knowledge of procedures used to diagnose electronically-controlled suspension systems and their components describe procedures used to diagnose electronically-controlled suspension systems and their components
F-18.01.07L demonstrate knowledge of procedures used to diagnose and perform wheel alignments describe procedures used to diagnose and perform wheel alignments

Range of Variables

F-18.02 - Diagnoses braking and control systems

F-18.02 - Diagnoses braking and control systems
NL NS PE NB QC ON MB SK AB BC NT YT NU
yes yes NV yes ND yes yes yes yes yes NV NV NV
Skills
Reference Code Performance Criteria Evidence of Attainment
F-18.02.01P verify concern concern is verified to determine diagnostic strategy
F-18.02.02P perform road test when safe to do so to identify braking concerns road test is performed if safe to do so and braking concerns are identified
F-18.02.03P select and use tools and equipment tools and equipment are selected and used according to task and manufacturers’ service information
F-18.02.04P determine type of braking system type of braking system is determined
F-18.02.05P inspect braking system components and fluids braking system components and fluids are inspected according to manufacturers’ service information
F-18.02.06P identify control system components control system components are identified, and their operation is related to vehicle and other systems
F-18.02.07P perform tests tests are performed according to manufacturers’ service information
F-18.02.08P record, interpret and analyze results of tests and inspections results of tests and inspections are recorded, interpreted, analyzed and compared to manufacturers’ service information, and required repair is determined

Range of Variables

Knowledge
Reference Code Learning Outcomes Learning Objectives
F-18.02.01L demonstrate knowledge of braking systems, their components, characteristics, applications and operation identify types of braking systems and their components, and describe their characteristics and applications
describe operating principles of braking systems and their components
explain hydraulic principles related to braking systems
identify types of braking systems in hybrid and EVs
identify types of power assists and their components, and describe their characteristics, applications and operation
identify types of brake fluids and describe their characteristics, applications and procedures for use
identify types of fittings, flaring, tubing and hoses and describe their characteristics, applications and procedures for use
identify types of trailer brakes and controls and describe their components and operation
identify hazards and describe safe work practices pertaining to braking and control systems, and their components
F-18.02.02L demonstrate knowledge of procedures used to diagnose braking systems and their components identify tools and equipment used to diagnose braking systems and their components, and describe their characteristics, applications and procedures for use
describe procedures used to diagnose braking systems and their components
F-18.02.03L demonstrate knowledge of control systems, their components, characteristics, applications and operation identify types of control systems and their components, and describe their characteristics, applications and operation
F-18.02.04L demonstrate knowledge of procedures used to diagnose control systems and their components identify tools and equipment used to diagnose control systems and their components, and describe their characteristics, applications and procedures for use
describe procedures used to diagnose control systems and their components

Range of Variables

F-18.03 - Diagnoses tires, wheels, hubs and wheel bearings

F-18.03 - Diagnoses tires, wheels, hubs and wheel bearings
NL NS PE NB QC ON MB SK AB BC NT YT NU
yes yes NV yes ND yes yes yes yes yes NV NV NV
Skills
Reference Code Performance Criteria Evidence of Attainment
F-18.03.01P verify concern concern is verified to determine diagnostic strategy
F-18.03.02P perform road test when safe to do so road test is performed when safe to do so and tire, wheel, hub and wheel bearing concerns are identified
F-18.03.03P select and use tools and equipment tools and equipment are selected and used according to task and manufacturers’ service information
F-18.03.04P inspect tires and wheels tires and wheels are inspected for damage, defects, irregular wear, and specified application and size
F-18.03.05P inspect hubs and wheel bearings hubs and wheel bearings are inspected for excessive play and noise
F-18.03.06P perform tests tests are performed according to manufacturers’ service information
F-18.03.07P record, interpret and analyze results of tests and inspections results of tests and inspections are recorded, interpreted, analyzed and compared to manufacturers’ service information, and required repair is determined

Range of Variables

Knowledge
Reference Code Learning Outcomes Learning Objectives
F-18.03.01L demonstrate knowledge of tires, wheels, hubs, wheel bearings, their components, characteristics, applications and operation identify types of tires and describe their construction
interpret tire codes and sidewall markings
describe importance of tire pressure and rotation
identify types of wheels and their components and construction
identify types of hubs and bearing assemblies, and their components, and describe their operation
identify types of TPMS and describe their applications
identify types of lubricants and describe their characteristics, applications and procedures for use
describe the relationship between steering, suspension and wheel assemblies
F-18.03.02L demonstrate knowledge of procedures used to diagnose tires, wheels, hubs and wheel bearings, and their components identify tools and equipment used to diagnose tires, wheels, hubs, wheel bearings, and their components, and describe their characteristics, applications and procedures for use
identify hazards and describe safe work practices pertaining to tires, wheels, hubs and wheel bearings, and their components
describe procedures used to diagnose tires, wheels, hubs and wheel bearings, and their components

Range of Variables

F-18.04 - Diagnoses advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) components related to steering, suspension and braking systems

F-18.04 - Diagnoses advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) components related to steering, suspension and braking systems
NL NS PE NB QC ON MB SK AB BC NT YT NU
yes yes NV yes ND yes yes yes yes yes NV NV NV
Skills
Reference Code Performance Criteria Evidence of Attainment
F-18.04.01P verify concern concern is verified to determine diagnostic strategy
F-18.04.02P select and use tools and equipment tools and equipment are selected and used according to task and manufacturers’ service information
F-18.04.03P inspect ADAS components related to steering, suspension and braking systems ADAS components related to steering, suspension and braking systems are inspected for wear, damage, failure or obstructions
F-18.04.04P interpret viewed values and DTCs viewed values and DTCs are interpreted to determine condition of systems and components
F-18.04.05P interpret wiring diagrams wiring diagrams are interpreted to determine structure of circuits
F-18.04.06P perform tests and calibrations tests and calibrations are performed according to manufacturers’ service information to pinpoint failure
F-18.04.07P record, interpret and analyze results of inspections, tests and calibrations results of inspections, tests and calibrations are recorded, interpreted, analyzed and compared to manufacturers’ service information, and required repair is determined

Range of Variables

Knowledge
Reference Code Learning Outcomes Learning Objectives
F-18.04.01L demonstrate knowledge of ADAS components related to steering, suspension and braking systems, characteristics, applications and operation identify types of ADAS components related to steering, suspension and braking systems and describe their characteristics and applications
describe operating principles of ADAS components related to steering, suspension and braking systems
F-18.04.02L demonstrate knowledge of procedures used to diagnose ADAS components related to steering, suspension and braking systems identify tools and equipment used to diagnose ADAS components related to steering, suspension and braking systems, and describe their characteristics, applications and procedures for use
identify hazards and describe safe work practices pertaining to ADAS components related to steering, suspension and braking systems
describe procedures used to diagnose ADAS components related to steering, suspension and braking systems
F-18.04.03L demonstrate knowledge of training requirements to diagnose ADAS components related to steering, suspension and braking systems identify training requirements to diagnose ADAS components related to steering, suspension and braking systems

Range of Variables

Task F-19 Repairs steering, suspension, braking and control systems, tires, wheels, hubs and wheel bearings

Task Descriptor

Steering, suspension, braking and control systems, tires, wheels, hubs and wheel bearings work together with the vehicle’s control systems.

Automotive service technicians repair and maintain these systems according to manufacturers’ service information. Incorrect processes can result in personal injury and component failure.

F-19.01 - Repairs steering, suspension and control systems

F-19.01 - Repairs steering, suspension and control systems
NL NS PE NB QC ON MB SK AB BC NT YT NU
yes yes NV yes ND yes yes yes yes yes NV NV NV
Skills
Reference Code Performance Criteria Evidence of Attainment
F-19.01.01P select and use tools and equipment tools and equipment are selected and used according to vehicle specifications and manufacturers’ service information
F-19.01.02P select repair materials repair materials are selected according to repair requirements and manufacturers’ service information
F-19.01.03P remove, replace and service steering and suspension system components steering and suspension system components are removed, replaced and serviced according to manufacturers’ service information
F-19.01.04P verify functionality of control systems control systems are functional and no DTCs are present
F-19.01.05P perform adjustments and calibrations adjustments and calibrations are performed according to manufacturers’ service information and procedures
F-19.01.06P perform maintenance procedures maintenance procedures are performed according to manufacturers’ service information
F-19.01.07P verify repair repair is verified by system re-test and road test

Range of Variables

Knowledge
Reference Code Learning Outcomes Learning Objectives
F-19.01.01L demonstrate knowledge of suspension and steering systems, their components, characteristics, applications and operation identify types of suspension and steering systems, and their components, and describe their characteristics and applications
describe operating principles of suspension and steering systems, and their components
identify types of springs and describe their purpose and operation
identify types of dampers and describe their components and operation
identify related systems and describe their relationship to steering systems
F-19.01.02L demonstrate knowledge of procedures used to repair suspension systems and their components identify tools and equipment used to repair suspension systems and their components, and describe their characteristics, applications and procedures for use
identify hazards and describe safe work practices pertaining to suspension systems and their components
describe procedures used to repair suspension systems
describe procedures used to remove and reinstall suspension system components
describe procedures used to adjust, repair and replace suspension system components
F-19.01.03L demonstrate knowledge of procedures used to repair steering systems and their components identify tools and equipment used to repair steering systems and their components, and describe their characteristics, applications and procedures for use
identify hazards and describe safe work practices pertaining to steering systems and their components
describe procedures used to remove and reinstall steering system components
describe procedures used to adjust, repair and replace steering system components
F-19.01.04L demonstrate knowledge of procedures used to repair wheel alignment and electronically-controlled suspension systems describe procedures used to remove and reinstall electronically-controlled suspension systems components
describe procedures used to adjust, repair and replace electronically-controlled suspension systems components
describe procedures to perform wheel alignments
describe procedures to reset steering sensors
describe maintenance procedures
describe procedures used to verify repair

Range of Variables

F-19.02 - Repairs braking and control systems

F-19.02 - Repairs braking and control systems
NL NS PE NB QC ON MB SK AB BC NT YT NU
yes yes NV yes ND yes yes yes yes yes NV NV NV
Skills
Reference Code Performance Criteria Evidence of Attainment
F-19.02.01P select and use tools and equipment tools and equipment are selected and used according to task and manufacturers’ service information
F-19.02.02P select repair materials repair materials are selected according to repair requirements and manufacturers’ service information
F-19.02.03P remove, replace and service components components are removed, replaced and serviced according to manufacturers’ service information
F-19.02.04P perform maintenance procedures maintenance procedures are performed according to manufacturers’ service information
F-19.02.05P verify repair repair is verified by system re-test and road test

Range of Variables

Knowledge
Reference Code Learning Outcomes Learning Objectives
F-19.02.01L demonstrate knowledge of braking systems, their components, characteristics, applications and operation identify types of braking systems and their components, and describe their characteristics and applications
describe operating principles of braking systems and their components
explain hydraulic principles related to braking systems
identify types of power assists and their components, and describe their characteristics, applications and operation
identify types of control systems and their components, and describe their characteristics, applications and operation
identify types of brake fluids and describe their characteristics, applications and procedures for use
identify types of fittings, flaring, tubing and hoses and describe their characteristics, applications and procedures for use
identify types of trailer brakes and controls and describe their components and operation
identify types of braking systems in hybrid and EVs
F-19.02.02L demonstrate knowledge of procedures used to repair braking systems and their components identify tools and equipment used to repair braking systems and their components, and describe their characteristics, applications and procedures for use
identify hazards and describe safe work practices pertaining to braking systems and their components
describe procedures used to repair braking systems and their components
describe procedures used to flush and bleed hydraulic and anti-lock brakes
describe procedures used to measure and machine components
describe procedures used to adjust, repair and replace braking system components
describe maintenance procedures
describe procedures used to verify repair
F-19.02.03L demonstrate knowledge of procedures used to repair control systems describe procedures used to repair control systems

Range of Variables

F-19.03 - Repairs tires, wheels, hubs and wheel bearings

F-19.03 - Repairs tires, wheels, hubs and wheel bearings
NL NS PE NB QC ON MB SK AB BC NT YT NU
yes yes NV yes ND yes yes yes yes yes NV NV NV
Skills
Reference Code Performance Criteria Evidence of Attainment
F-19.03.01P select and use tools and equipment tools and equipment are selected and used according to task and manufacturers’ service information
F-19.03.02P select repair materials repair materials are selected according to repair requirements and manufacturers’ service information
F-19.03.03P perform manufacturer and jurisdiction-approved procedures procedures are performed according to manufacturers’ service information and jurisdictional specifications/regulations
F-19.03.04P mount tire on wheel, balance wheel assemblies and set pressure tire is mounted on wheel, wheel assembly is balanced and tire pressure is set according to manufacturers’ service information
F-19.03.05P reset, reprogram and calibrate TPMS TPMS is reset, reprogrammed and calibrated according to manufacturers’ service information
F-19.03.06P remove, replace and service wheels, hubs and wheel bearings wheels, hubs and wheel bearings are removed, replaced and serviced according to manufacturers’ service information
F-19.03.07P perform maintenance procedures maintenance procedures are performed according to manufacturers’ service information
F-19.03.08P verify repair repair is verified by system re-test and road test

Range of Variables

Knowledge
Reference Code Learning Outcomes Learning Objectives
F-19.03.01L demonstrate knowledge of tires, wheels, hubs, wheel bearings, their components and operation identify types of tires and describe their construction
interpret tire codes and sidewall markings
describe the importance of tire rotation, balance and pressure
identify types of wheels and describe their components and operation
identify types of hubs and bearing assemblies, and describe their components and operation
identify types of TPMS and describe their applications
identify types of lubricants and describe their characteristics, applications and procedures for use
describe the relationship between steering, suspension and wheel assemblies
F-19.03.02L demonstrate knowledge of procedures used to repair tires, wheels, hubs and wheel bearings identify tools and equipment used to repair tires, wheels, hubs and wheel bearings, and describe their characteristics, applications and procedures for use
identify hazards and describe safe work practices pertaining to tires, wheels, hubs and wheel bearings
describe procedures used to repair and replace tires, wheels, hubs and wheel bearings
describe procedures used to remove and reinstall tires, wheels, hubs and wheel bearings
describe maintenance procedures
describe procedures used to verify repair

Range of Variables

F-19.04 - Repairs advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) components related to steering, suspension and braking systems

F-19.04 - Repairs advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) components related to steering, suspension and braking systems
NL NS PE NB QC ON MB SK AB BC NT YT NU
yes yes NV yes ND yes yes yes yes yes NV NV NV
Skills
Reference Code Performance Criteria Evidence of Attainment
F-19.04.01P select and use tools and equipment tools and equipment are selected and used according to task and manufacturers’ service information
F-19.04.02P replace, repair and program ADAS components related to steering, suspension and braking systems ADAS components related to steering, suspension and braking systems are replaced, repaired and programmed according to manufacturers’ service information
F-19.04.03P adjust ADAS components related to steering, suspension and braking systems ADAS components related to steering, suspension and braking systems are adjusted according to manufacturers’ service information
F-19.04.04P calibrate ADAS components related to steering, suspension and braking systems ADAS components related to steering, suspension and braking systems are calibrated according to manufacturers’ service information
F-19.04.05P verify repair repair is verified by system re-test and road test

Range of Variables

Knowledge
Reference Code Learning Outcomes Learning Objectives
F-19.04.01L demonstrate knowledge of ADAS components related to steering, suspension and braking systems, their characteristics, applications and operation identify types of ADAS components related to steering, suspension and braking systems, and describe their characteristics and applications
describe operating principles of ADAS components related to steering, suspension and braking systems
F-19.04.02L demonstrate knowledge of procedures used to repair ADAS components related to steering, suspension and braking systems identify tools and equipment used to repair ADAS components related to steering, suspension and braking systems, and describe their characteristics, applications and procedures for use
identify hazards and describe safe work practices pertaining to ADAS components related to steering, suspension and braking systems
describe procedures used to adjust, calibrate, repair or replace ADAS components related to steering, suspension and braking systems
describe procedures used to verify repair
describe procedures and obligations to document calibration and repairs
F-19.04.03L demonstrate knowledge of training requirements to diagnose ADAS components related to steering, suspension and braking systems identify training requirements to diagnose ADAS components related to steering, suspension and braking systems

Range of Variables