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Unit 11 worksheet: Inspect steering systems and components

Competency unit: AURLTD004 Diagnose and repair light vehicle steering systems

Activity summary:

This worksheet will be used as evidence regarding your work within the following
competencies:

1. Identify steering system components, including type, function and location.

2. State safety procedures and requirements to safely carry out steering service and
maintenance.
3. Diagnose steering system faults and systems in accordance with workplace and
manufacturers’ requirements and specifications.

Reference material:

Automotive Mechanics: 10e, Chapter 13.

Safety precautions:

1. Personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn.

2. Follow all standard operating procedures (SOP) when using workshop tools and
equipment.
3. Power steering systems produce heat and oil at high pressure.

Teacher/supervisor activity record

YES NO
Teacher/ All tasks completed by student □ □
supervisor
Tasks performed to standard as outlined in assessment observation □ □
to complete
checklists
Student evidence provided and attached to this file □ □
Teacher/supervisor comments:

Teacher/supervisor signature:

Date:

Activity result Completed □ Not yet completed □

Unit 11 Worksheet
To accompany May & Simpson Automotive Mechanics 10e
© McGraw-Hill Education 2018
 2

Student self-assessment record

YES NO
Student Did you find these tasks difficult to complete? □ □
to
Did the outcomes of the activity meet your needs? □ □
complete
Were the tasks relevant to the type of work carried out in your workplace? □ □
Did the instruction given to you prior to and during this activity assist you in □ □
completing the tasks?
Additional student comments:

Name of workplace:

Student name:

Student signature:

Date:

Unit 11 Worksheet
To accompany May & Simpson Automotive Mechanics 10e
© McGraw-Hill Education Australia 2018
 3

Competency unit: AURLTD004 Diagnose and repair light vehicle steering systems

Section 1: General questions:

a. Explain the basic operating principles of variable-ratio gearing within a rack-and-pinion

steering system:

b. Outline the basic steps involved with bleeding air from a power steering system:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

c. Name the three components used in electric power steering to eliminate the
requirements of having a power steering pump or other hydraulics:

a.
b.
c.

d. The following table lists a range of problems that can occur within a steering system.
Provide an explanation as to the possible causes for each problem or fault that the
customer has mentioned and what repair you would recommend to rectify them by
completing the blank sections of the table:

Customer complaint Possible causes Rectification methods

There is a constant
rattle when I go over
bumps or rough roads.

Unit 11 Worksheet
To accompany May & Simpson Automotive Mechanics 10e
© McGraw-Hill Education Australia 2018
 4

Customer complaint Possible causes Rectification methods

The steering has
become more difficult
to turn.

My car drifts all over the

road and I am
constantly correcting it.

The steering wheel

shakes at a certain
speed.

When I brake, the car

wants to steer itself to
one side.

The steering wheel

feels loose, and if I turn
it from left to right
quickly nothing much
seems to happen.

When I do a sharp turn

the tyres squeal.

Unit 11 Worksheet
To accompany May & Simpson Automotive Mechanics 10e
© McGraw-Hill Education Australia 2018
 5

(Optional) Section 2: Practical task: steering service

This practical task involves the correct completion of the following criteria:

a. Select two different vehicles with different steering systems fitted. As a minimum, one
vehicle must have rack-and-pinion steering and one must have a recirculating ball or
worm-type steering box.

b. Conduct a full steering service and inspection by checking all components.

c. If required, repairs to faulty components can be carried out or replacement
components can be fitted. This task can only be performed if you have direct
assistance from your teacher or supervisor.

d. Report on your findings using the activity sheets provided.

During this task you must:

a. have a supervisor or teacher observing you complete all tasks

b. follow all standard operating procedures (SOP) as applied to machinery being used

c. wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)

d. not dismantle any component that contains high oil pressure or has a compressed
spring fitted without direct assistance from your teacher or supervisor

e. record all findings on the activity record provided.

Steering Service 1: Serviced by: Customer Details

_____________________________________________
Date:
Contact Phone _______________________________
Vehicle Make Body style Registration
& Model Number
VIN Odometer

Steering
type

Unit 11 Worksheet
To accompany May & Simpson Automotive Mechanics 10e
© McGraw-Hill Education Australia 2018
 6

Unsatisfactory û

Unsatisfactory û
Satisfactory ü
Satisfactory ü

Not fitted û

Not fitted û
Checks completed Checks completed

Rack-and-pinion systems Worm or recirculating ball steering

boxes
Rack-and-pinion bellows for Tie rod ends for wear
cuts/tears
Rack-and-pinion oil leaks Track rods for wear

Rack-and-pinion mounting Drag link ball joints for wear

bolts
Steering column universal Pitman for wear
joint/s
Rack ends wear Pitman arm retaining nut tension

Ball joints for wear Pitman arm and steering shaft spline
security
Ball joint bellows Steering box adjustment (where
required)
Front suspension components Hub/king pin free play

Power steering system General checks

Fluid level Tyre condition

✔
Condition of drive belt Tyre pressure

Pump operation/excessive Steering wheel free play

noise
Chaffed or damaged hoses Road test

Report on any relevant issues/further work required to this suspension system:

Student Teacher/supervisor signature

signature

Steering Service 2: Serviced by: Customer Details

_____________________________________________
Date:
Contact Phone _______________________________
Vehicle Body style Registration
Make & Number
Model
VIN Odometer

Steering
type

Unit 11 Worksheet
To accompany May & Simpson Automotive Mechanics 10e
© McGraw-Hill Education Australia 2018
 7

Unsatisfactory û

Unsatisfactory û
Satisfactory ü

Satisfactory ü
Not fitted û

Not fitted û
Checks completed Checks completed

Rack-and-pinion systems Worm or recirculating ball steering

boxes
Rack-and-pinion bellows for Tie rod ends for wear
cuts/tears
Rack-and-pinion oil leaks Track rods for wear

Rack-and-pinion mounting bolts Drag link ball joints for wear

Steering column universal joint/s Pitman for wear

Rack ends wear Pitman arm retaining nut tension

Ball joints for wear Pitman arm and steering shaft

spline security
Ball joint bellows Steering box adjustment (where
required)
Front suspension components Hub/king pin free play

Power steering system General checks

Fluid level Tyre condition

Condition of drive belt Tyre pressure

Pump operation/excessive noise Steering wheel free play

Chaffed or damaged hoses Road test

Report on any relevant issues/further work required to this suspension system:

Student signature Teacher/supervisor signature

Unit 11 Worksheet
To accompany May & Simpson Automotive Mechanics 10e
© McGraw-Hill Education Australia 2018