Steering and Suspension Systems Components and Maintenance _4 wheels or more_ — IMI Awards Ltd Vocationally-Related Qualification Motor Vehicle & Transport Revision
This subtopic covers the fundamental inspection and maintenance of non-assisted steering and suspension systems on vehicles with four or more wheels. Learn
Topic Synopsis
This subtopic covers the fundamental inspection and maintenance of non-assisted steering and suspension systems on vehicles with four or more wheels. Learners will develop practical skills in identifying key components, understanding their basic operation, and performing routine checks and services such as inspection for wear, lubrication, and adjustment, all while adhering to essential health and safety procedures.
Key Concepts & Core Principles
- Health and safety regulations: COSHH, PPE, and risk assessments are essential for preventing accidents in the workshop.
- Tools and equipment: Knowing the difference between hand tools (spanners, sockets) and power tools (impact wrenches, drills) and when to use each.
- Vehicle systems: Basic understanding of the engine, braking system, steering, suspension, and electrical circuits.
- Routine maintenance: Tasks like oil changes, tyre pressure checks, and fluid top-ups are core to vehicle upkeep.
- Manufacturer specifications: Always refer to service schedules and torque settings to avoid damage.
Exam Tips & Revision Strategies
- During practical assessments, verbally explain each safety step as you do it, such as fitting wheel chocks and checking the stability of axle stands, to demonstrate your understanding of safe working practices.
- For knowledge-based questions on components, use labelled diagrams to help memorise the location and appearance of each part; practice matching component names to their functions.
- When reporting defects, be specific with terms like 'excessive play', 'perished rubber', 'leaking fluid', and 'corroded spring' rather than vague descriptions, as this mirrors professional workshop practices and earns higher marks.
- Before any routine maintenance task, review the vehicle's service manual or job card for specific torque settings and specifications, and mention this in your responses to show awareness of following manufacturer guidelines.
Common Misconceptions & Mistakes to Avoid
- Lifting the vehicle and allowing the suspension to hang before checking for play in ball joints and bushes; always check with the vehicle's weight on the wheels or as specified by the manufacturer.
- Confusing the steering rack with the steering column, or misidentifying a track rod end as a tie rod, leading to incorrect diagnosis.
- Assuming that all shock absorbers with similar external leaks are equally defective without considering manufacturer tolerances or fluid seepage norms.
- Overlooking the importance of checking tyre pressures and wheel balancing before diagnosing steering or suspension faults, which can mimic component wear.
Examiner Marking Points
- Award credit for safely preparing the vehicle and work area, including correct use of PPE, wheel chocks, and appropriate lifting/jacking techniques with axle stands before commencing any inspection or maintenance.
- Award credit for accurately identifying and naming major non-assisted steering components (steering wheel, column, rack and pinion, track rod ends, steering arms) and major suspension components (springs, dampers, wishbones, anti-roll bars, bushes) during a visual inspection.
- Award credit for correctly carrying out a systematic check for wear and damage in steering linkages and suspension joints by applying manual force in the correct directions, and for distinguishing between acceptable play and excessive wear.
- Award credit for performing a basic functional check of shock absorbers/dampers by bounce testing each corner of the vehicle and interpreting the results against given criteria.
- Award credit for recording findings accurately on a job card or inspection sheet, including any defects noted, measurements taken, and actions recommended, using appropriate technical terminology.