1. PROPERTY OF PIMA COUNTY JTED, 2010
Automotive Technology
Suspension & Steering
Lesson 1
“beginning steering” 1
PROPERTY OF PIMA COUNTY JTED, 2010

2. PROPERTY OF PIMA COUNTY JTED, 2010
Bellwork
In your notebook respond to the following prompt:
Think back to a time when you were riding a bike or a skateboard.
Did you ever have a problem steering?
What do you think affected the difficulty of steering?
Share with a partner and be ready to answer when called upon. 2
PROPERTY OF PIMA COUNTY JTED, 2010

3. PROPERTY OF PIMA COUNTY JTED, 2010
Introduction
Today we are going to be defining, identifying and explaining steering systems and components. 3
PROPERTY OF PIMA COUNTY JTED, 2010

4. PROPERTY OF PIMA COUNTY JTED, 2010
Objectives
Before you leave today you will be able to:
Define terms
Identify and explain steering systems
Explain principles of steering
Describe rack-and-pinion steering
Identify rack-and-pinion steering system components
Identify recirculating ball and nut steering system components 4
PROPERTY OF PIMA COUNTY JTED, 2010

5. PROPERTY OF PIMA COUNTY JTED, 2010
K.I.M. Vocabulary
K = Key Word
I = Information
M = Memory Strategy
Rotary motion
movement in a circular direction 5
PROPERTY OF PIMA COUNTY JTED, 2010

6. PROPERTY OF PIMA COUNTY JTED, 2010
K.I.M. Vocabulary
K = Key Word
I = Information
M = Memory Strategy
Linear motion
movement in a straight line 6
PROPERTY OF PIMA COUNTY JTED, 2010

7. PROPERTY OF PIMA COUNTY JTED, 2010
K.I.M. Vocabulary
K = Key Word
I = Information
M = Memory Strategy
Rack-and-pinion
type of steering system used on the majority of new passenger vehicles and many light trucks 7
PROPERTY OF PIMA COUNTY JTED, 2010

8. PROPERTY OF PIMA COUNTY JTED, 2010
K.I.M. Vocabulary
K = Key Word
I = Information
M = Memory Strategy
Recirculating ball & nut (worm gear)
type of steering system used on heavier vehicles 8
PROPERTY OF PIMA COUNTY JTED, 2010

9. PROPERTY OF PIMA COUNTY JTED, 2010
K.I.M. Vocabulary
K = Key Word
I = Information
M = Memory Strategy
Reaction force
causes suspension systems to react to road conditions 9
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10. PROPERTY OF PIMA COUNTY JTED, 2010
K.I.M. Vocabulary
K = Key Word
I = Information
M = Memory Strategy
Sprung weight or mass
vehicle weight that is supported by the suspension system 10
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11. PROPERTY OF PIMA COUNTY JTED, 2010
K.I.M. Vocabulary
K = Key Word
I = Information
M = Memory Strategy
Unsprung weight or mass
vehicle weight that is not supported by the suspension system 11
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12. PROPERTY OF PIMA COUNTY JTED, 2010
K.I.M. Vocabulary
K = Key Word
I = Information
M = Memory Strategy
Wheel unit location
wheel alignment in relation to the other wheels and the vehicle frame 12
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13. PROPERTY OF PIMA COUNTY JTED, 2010
K.I.M. Vocabulary
Steering shaft
I = Information
M = Memory Strategy
Steering wheel
transfers rotary motion from the driver to the steering shaft 13
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14. PROPERTY OF PIMA COUNTY JTED, 2010
K.I.M. Vocabulary
K = Key Word
I = Information
M = Memory Strategy
Steering shaft
transfers rotary motion from the steering wheel to the steering gearbox 14
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15. PROPERTY OF PIMA COUNTY JTED, 2010
K.I.M. Vocabulary
K = Key Word
I = Information
M = Memory Strategy
Steering column
supports steering wheel and steering shaft 15
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16. PROPERTY OF PIMA COUNTY JTED, 2010
K.I.M. Vocabulary
K = Key Word
I = Information
M = Memory Strategy
Steering linkage
a combination of rods, and arms, that transmit the movement of the steering gear to the wheels 16
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17. PROPERTY OF PIMA COUNTY JTED, 2010
K.I.M. Vocabulary
K = Key Word
I = Information
M = Memory Strategy
(Ball) Joint
swivel connections mounted in the outer ends of the front control arms, and on the steering track rods and tie-rods 17
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18. PROPERTY OF PIMA COUNTY JTED, 2010
K.I.M. Vocabulary
K = Key Word
I = Information
M = Memory Strategy
Bushing
act as a bearing at suspension fulcrum points, to allow for movement of the component, while maintaining its alignment 18
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19. PROPERTY OF PIMA COUNTY JTED, 2010
K.I.M. Vocabulary
K = Key Word
I = Information
M = Memory Strategy
Solid axle
reaches from hub to hub; usually transmits power to the wheels (live) 19
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20. PROPERTY OF PIMA COUNTY JTED, 2010
K.I.M. Vocabulary
K = Key Word
I = Information
M = Memory Strategy
Dead axle
does not transmit power to the wheels 20
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21. PROPERTY OF PIMA COUNTY JTED, 2010
K.I.M. Vocabulary
K = Key Word
I = Information
M = Memory Strategy
Macpherson strut
coil spring and shock absorber formed into a single unit 21
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22. PROPERTY OF PIMA COUNTY JTED, 2010
K.I.M. Vocabulary
K = Key Word
I = Information
M = Memory Strategy
Independent suspension
allows for wheels on the same axle to operate individually 22
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23. PROPERTY OF PIMA COUNTY JTED, 2010
K.I.M. Vocabulary
K = Key Word
I = Information
M = Memory Strategy
Coil spring
spiral wound steel wire 23
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24. PROPERTY OF PIMA COUNTY JTED, 2010
K.I.M. Vocabulary
K = Key Word
I = Information
M = Memory Strategy
Leaf spring
flexible arched metal usually layered with different lengths 24
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25. PROPERTY OF PIMA COUNTY JTED, 2010
K.I.M. Vocabulary
K = Key Word
I = Information
M = Memory Strategy
Shackle
leaf spring attachment to a vehicle’s frame 25
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26. PROPERTY OF PIMA COUNTY JTED, 2010
K.I.M. Vocabulary
K = Key Word
I = Information
M = Memory Strategy
Torsion bar
straight bar that allows spring action by twisting around its center 26
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29. Upper arm Location: above lower arm
Connects to the vehicle and the steering knuckle

30. Lower Arm Location: under the upper arm
Connects to the frame and the steering knuckle

31. Steering Knuckle Location: directly behind the tire
Connects to: upper and lower arm, brake system and tires

32. Ball Joint
Allows the tires to flex back and forth and move with the road conditions
Commonly wear out
Connects to the upper and lower arm and they are bolted to the steering knuckle

33. Idler arm
Stabilizes the steering system to the frame of the vehicle

34. Pitman arm
Connect the gear box to the steering system

35. Sway Bar
While turning, this item keeps your vehicle from body roll

36. Sway bar links
Connect sway bar to lower control arm or strut

37. Tie rods
Inner and outer tie rods are connected by an adjustment sleeve.
Purpose is to be able to adjust toe on a vehicle

38. Strut Dampens road vibrations
Connects to the upper inner fender and lower arms
Has a spring built into it

39. Shock Dampens road vibration No spring attached
Spring goes around the shock on a separate mount
Attaches to lower arm and upper inner fender

40. Steering box
Allows motion from the steering wheel to be moved to the wheels
Location: at the end of the steering shaft

41. Rack and Pinion Worm gears or pinion gears
Allow the steering wheel to tranfer turning to the wheels
Location: under the engine from left to right

42. Leaf spring Dampens road vibration Typically on heavy trucks
Most common on the rear of vehicles, but some trucks have them on the front as well

43. Coil Spring Located on the strut or around a shock absorber
Dampens road vibration