Scheme of work and areas of suggested revision

Identify the action and purpose of steering geometry, i.e. castor angle, camber angle, kingpin or swivel pin inclination, negative offset, wheel alignment (tracking) (toe in and toe out), toe out on turns, steered wheel geometry.

• To improve vehicle stability, handling, and tyre wear

• To increase engine power output

• To enhance fuel efficiency

• To reduce vehicle weight

Which of the following terms is associated with the principle that ensures the inner and outer wheels of a vehicle follow concentric paths during a turn?

• Ackerman principle

• Slip angle

• Oversteer

• Self-aligning torque

Identify the components layout and operation of hydraulic power steering systems, piston and power cylinders, drive belts and pumps, hydraulic valve (rotary, spool and flapper type), hydraulic fluid.

• They are all essential parts of a hydraulic power steering system.

• They are only found in manual steering systems.

• They are unrelated to automotive steering systems.

• They are only used in electric power steering systems.

The advantages of power assisted steering include:

• Increased steering effort

• Reduced driver fatigue

• Decreased vehicle control

• Higher maintenance costs

State the principles and operation of electronic power steering.

• Electronic power steering uses an electric motor to assist the driver in steering, based on input from sensors and a control unit.

• Electronic power steering uses hydraulic fluid to assist the driver in steering.

• Electronic power steering operates only when the vehicle is stationary.

• Electronic power steering does not use any sensors or control units.

Identify the procedures used for inspecting the serviceability and condition of manual and power steering systems.

• Visual inspection, checking fluid levels, testing steering response, and examining for leaks or wear.

• Only checking the tire pressure.

• Replacing the entire steering system without inspection.

• Ignoring any unusual noises from the steering system.

Identify typical steering defects including uneven tyre wear, wear on outer and inner edges of tyres, uneven wear, flats on tread, steering vibrations, wear in linkage, incorrect wheel alignment and incorrect steering geometry.

• Steering defects include uneven tyre wear, wear on outer and inner edges, flats on tread, steering vibrations, wear in linkage, incorrect wheel alignment and incorrect steering geometry.

• Steering defects only include engine overheating and brake failure.

• Steering defects are limited to battery issues and fuel leaks.

• Steering defects are only related to air conditioning problems.

Identify the layout and components including advantages of different suspension systems, i.e. non-independent suspensions, independent front suspension (IFS), independent rear suspension (IRS), hydraulic, hydro-pneumatic, rigid axle types.

• Non-independent suspensions use a rigid axle connecting both wheels, while independent suspensions allow each wheel to move separately, offering better ride comfort and handling.

• Non-independent suspensions use hydraulic systems for each wheel, while independent suspensions use only mechanical linkages.

• Hydro-pneumatic suspensions are only used in non-independent systems, while rigid axle types are exclusive to independent suspensions.

• Independent rear suspension (IRS) is less comfortable than non-independent suspensions and offers less handling stability.

Which of the following best describes the principles of electronic suspension systems and the forces acting on suspension systems during braking, driving, and cornering, as well as the methods of locating the road wheels and controlling cornering forces?

• Electronic suspension systems use sensors and actuators to adjust damping and ride height, counteracting forces during braking, driving, and cornering. Road wheels are located using control arms and links, and anti-roll bars control cornering forces.

• Electronic suspension systems only provide manual adjustment of ride height, with no effect on braking or cornering forces. Road wheels are fixed, and anti-roll bars are not used.

• Electronic suspension systems are purely mechanical, with no electronic components. Road wheels are located by springs only, and cornering forces are uncontrolled.

• Electronic suspension systems are used only in off-road vehicles, and do not affect braking, driving, or cornering forces.

Which of the following terms refers to the up and down movement of a vehicle's suspension after hitting a bump?

• Rebound

• Pitch

• Roll

• Dive