chapter 14© 2007 rolling hills publishing 1 auto upkeep basic car care, maintenance, and repair (2...

Chapter 14 © 2007 Rolling Hills Publishing www.AutoUpkeep.com

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Auto UpkeepBasic Car Care, Maintenance, and Repair (2nd Edition)

Chapter 14Suspension, Steering, and Tires


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Fuel for Thought

• What would it feel like to ride in a vehicle that did not have a suspension system?

• Why might the steering wheel of a vehicle pull to one side?

• How are tires designed to help you determine when they are worn out?


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Objectives

• Upon completion of this chapter and activities, you will be able to:– Define the purpose and identify the functions

of the suspension system.– Define the purpose and identify the functions

of the steering system.– Discuss the importance of tires and explain

their ratings.– Inspect suspension and steering components.– Inspect and rotate tires.


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Suspension System Purpose

• Control the up and down movement of the vehicle.

• Keeps the tires in contact with the road.


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Suspension Components

• Frame or unibody

• Shocks

• Springs

• Struts


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Steering System Purpose

• The steering system controls the directional movements of the vehicle.


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Steering System Components

• Steering wheel

• Steering linkage

• Power steering pump– Some are electric


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Tire Classifications

• Tread Design– M + S– Snow

• Tire Sizes


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• Tire Plies• Tire Grading

– Treadwear– Traction– Temperature


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• Light Truck Tire Load Range


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• Run Flat Tires– Self-sealing– Self-supporting– Tire/wheel combination systems


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Tire Care and Maintenance

• Tire wear


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• Tire Wear Indicator Bars– Set at 2/32nds of an inch (1.6 mm)


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• Tire Rotation


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• Torque lug nuts in a star pattern


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• Tire Repairs– Use a patch/plug combination – requires

removal of tire from wheel– Do not repair sidewalls

• Tire Pressure Monitoring System– Monitors tire pressure– Required on vehicles built on or after Sept 1st,

2007


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• Always refer to the tire placard for tire pressure information


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Summary

• The suspension system absorbs bumps in the road to give you a smooth ride.

• The steering system allows the operator to control left and right motions of the vehicle.

• Tires provide the traction (adhesive friction) necessary for maneuvering.

chapter 14© 2007 rolling hills publishing 1 auto upkeep basic car care, maintenance, and repair (2...

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