NATEF Task Area A4 Suspension, Steering, Alignment • A. Steering System Diagnosis & Repair
• B. Suspension System Diagnosis & Repair
• C. Wheel Alignment Diagnosis & Adjustment
• D. Wheel & Tire Diagnosis & Repair
NATEF Task Area A4 Suspension, Steering, Alignment, and Tires A. General Suspension and Steering System Diagnosis
Complete work order to include customer information, vehicle identifying information, verify customer concern, related service history, cause, & correction.
A4.A.1
NATEF Task Area A4 Suspension, Steering, Alignment, and Tires A. General Suspension and Steering System Diagnosis
Identify and interpret suspension and steering concern; determine necessary action
A4.A.2
NATEF Task Area A4 Suspension, Steering, Alignment, and Tires A. General Suspension and Steering System Diagnosis
Research applicable vehicle service information, such as suspension and steering system operation, vehicle service history, service precautions, and technical service bulletins.
A4.A.3
NATEF Task Area A4 Suspension, Steering, Alignment, and Tires A. General Suspension and Steering System Diagnosis
Locate and interpret vehicle and major component identification numbers (VIN, vehicle certification labels, & calibration decals)
A4.A.4
NATEF Task Area A4 Suspension, Steering, Alignment, and Tires B. Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair
Disable & enable supplemental restraint system (SRS) in accordance with manufacturer’s procedures
A4.B.1
NATEF Task Area A4 Suspension, Steering, Alignment, and Tires B. Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair
Remove and replace steering wheel; center/time supplemental system (SRS) restraint coil (clock spring) following mfgr. procedures.
A4.B.2
NATEF Task Area A4 Suspension, Steering, Alignment, and Tires B. Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair
Diagnose steering column noises, looseness, & binding concerns (incl. tilt mechanisms); take action
A4.B.3
NATEF Task Area A4 Suspension, Steering, Alignment, and Tires B. Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair
Diagnose power steering gear (nonrack and pinion) binding, uneven turning effort, looseness, hard steering, noise, and fluid leakage concerns; determine necessary action.
A4.B.4
NATEF Task Area A4 Suspension, Steering, Alignment, and Tires B. Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair
Diagnose power steering gear (rack and pinion) binding, uneven turning effort, looseness, hard steering, noise, and fluid leakage concerns; determine necessary action.
A4.B.5
NATEF Task Area A4 Suspension, Steering, Alignment, and Tires B. Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair
Inspect steering shaft universaljoint(s), flexible coupling(s), collapsible column, lock cylinder mechanism, and steering wheel; perform necessary action.
A4.B.6
NATEF Task Area A4 Suspension, Steering, Alignment, and Tires B. Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair
Adjust manual or power nonrack and pinion worm bearing preload and sector lash.
A4.B.7
NATEF Task Area A4 Suspension, Steering, Alignment, and Tires B. Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair
Remove & replace manual or power rack and pinion steering gear; inspect mounting bushings & brackets.
A4.B.8
NATEF Task Area A4 Suspension, Steering, Alignment, and Tires B. Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair
Inspect and replace manual or power rack and pinion steering gear inner tie rod ends and bellows boots.
A4.B.9
NATEF Task Area A4 Suspension, Steering, Alignment, and Tires B. Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair
Determine proper power steering fluid type; inspect fluid level and condition. A4.B.10
NATEF Task Area A4 Suspension, Steering, Alignment, and Tires B. Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair
Flush, fill, and bleed power steering system. A4.B.11
NATEF Task Area A4 Suspension, Steering, Alignment, and Tires B. Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair
Diagnose power steering fluid leakage; determine necessary action. A4.B.12
NATEF Task Area A4 Suspension, Steering, Alignment, and Tires B. Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair
Remove, inspect, replace, and adjust power steering pump belt. A4.B.13
NATEF Task Area A4 Suspension, Steering, Alignment, and Tires B. Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair
Remove and reinstall power steering pump A4.B.14
NATEF Task Area A4 Suspension, Steering, Alignment, and Tires B. Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair
Remove and reinstall power steering pump pulley; check pulley and belt alignment.
A4.B.15
NATEF Task Area A4 Suspension, Steering, Alignment, and Tires B. Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair
Inspect and replace power steering hoses and fittings. A4.B.16
NATEF Task Area A4 Suspension, Steering, Alignment, and Tires B. Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair
Inspect & replace pitman arm, relay (center link/intermediate) rod, idler arm, mountings, & steering damper.
A4.B.17
NATEF Task Area A4 Suspension, Steering, Alignment, and Tires B. Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair
Inspect, replace, and adjust tie rod ends (sockets), tie rod sleeves, and clamps. A4.B.18
NATEF Task Area A4 Suspension, Steering, Alignment, and Tires B. Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair
Test and diagnose components of electronically controlled steering systems using a scan tool; determine necessary action.
A4.B.19
NATEF Task Area A4 Suspension, Steering, Alignment, and Tires B. Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair
Inspect and test nonhydraulic electric power assist steering. A4.B.20
NATEF Task Area A4 Suspension, Steering, Alignment, and Tires B. Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair
Identify hybrid vehicle power steering system electrical circuits, service and safety precautions.
A4.B.21
NATEF Task Area A4 Suspension, Steering, Alignment, and Tires C. Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair
1. Front Suspension Diagnose short and long arm suspension system noises, body sway, and uneven riding height concerns; determine necessary action.
A4.C.1.1
NATEF Task Area A4 Suspension, Steering, Alignment, and Tires C. Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair
1. Front Suspension Diagnose strut suspension system noises, body sway, and uneven riding height concerns; determine necessary action.
A4.C.1.2
NATEF Task Area A4 Suspension, Steering, Alignment, and Tires C. Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair
1. Front Suspension Remove, inspect, and install upper and lower control arms, bushings, shafts, and rebound bumpers.
A4.C.1.3
NATEF Task Area A4 Suspension, Steering, Alignment, and Tires C. Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair
1. Front Suspension Remove, inspect, install, and adjust strut (compression/tension) rods and bushings.
A4.C.1.4
NATEF Task Area A4 Suspension, Steering, Alignment, and Tires C. Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair
1. Front Suspension Remove, inspect, and install upper and lower ball joints. A4.C.1.5
NATEF Task Area A4 Suspension, Steering, Alignment, and Tires C. Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair
1. Front Suspension Remove, inspect, and install steering knuckle assemblies. A4.C.1.6
NATEF Task Area A4 Suspension, Steering, Alignment, and Tires C. Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair
1. Front Suspension Remove, inspect, and install short and long arm suspension system coil springs and spring insulators.
A4.C.1.7
NATEF Task Area A4 Suspension, Steering, Alignment, and Tires C. Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair
1. Front Suspension Remove, inspect, install, and adjust suspension system torsion bars; inspect mounts.
A4.C.1.8
NATEF Task Area A4 Suspension, Steering, Alignment, and Tires C. Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair
1. Front Suspension Remove, inspect, and install stabilizer bar bushings, brackets, and links. A4.C.1.9
NATEF Task Area A4 Suspension, Steering, Alignment, and Tires C. Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair
1. Front Suspension Remove, inspect, and install strut cartridge or assembly, strut coil spring, insulators (silencers), and upper strut bearing mount.
A4.C.1.10
NATEF Task Area A4 Suspension, Steering, Alignment, and Tires C. Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair
1. Front Suspension Lubricate suspension and steering system pivot points. (Grease Job) A4.C.1.11
NATEF Task Area A4 Suspension, Steering, Alignment, and Tires C. Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair
2. Rear Suspension Remove, inspect, and install coil springs and spring insulators. A4.C.2.1
NATEF Task Area A4 Suspension, Steering, Alignment, and Tires C. Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair
2. Rear Suspension Remove, inspect, and install transverse links, tracking bars, control arms, bushings, and mounts.
A4.C.2.2
NATEF Task Area A4 Suspension, Steering, Alignment, and Tires C. Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair
2. Rear Suspension Remove, inspect, & install leaf springs, leaf spring insulators, shackles, brackets, bushings, and mounts.
A4.C.2.3
NATEF Task Area A4 Suspension, Steering, Alignment, and Tires C. Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair
2. Rear Suspension Remove, inspect, and install strut cartridge or assembly, strut coil spring and insulators (silencers).
A4.C.2.4
NATEF Task Area A4 Suspension, Steering, Alignment, and Tires C. Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair
3. Miscellaneous Service Inspect, remove, and replace shock absorbers. A4.C.3.1
NATEF Task Area A4 Suspension, Steering, Alignment, and Tires C. Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair
3. Miscellaneous Service Remove, inspect, and service or replace front and rear wheel bearings. A4.C.3.2
NATEF Task Area A4 Suspension, Steering, Alignment, and Tires C. Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair
3. Miscellaneous Service Diagnose, inspect, adjust, repair or replace components of electronically controlled suspension systems using a scan tool; determine necessary action.
A4.C.3.3
NATEF Task Area A4 Suspension, Steering, Alignment, and Tires D. Wheel Alignment Diagnosis, Adjustment, and Repair
Diagnose vehicle wander, drift, pull, hard steering, bump steer, memory steer, torque steer, and steering return concerns; determine necessary action.
A4.D.1
NATEF Task Area A4 Suspension, Steering, Alignment, and Tires D. Wheel Alignment Diagnosis, Adjustment, and Repair
Perform prealignment inspection; perform necessary action. A4.D.2
NATEF Task Area A4 Suspension, Steering, Alignment, and Tires D. Wheel Alignment Diagnosis, Adjustment, and Repair
Measure vehicle riding height; determine necessary action. A4.D.3
NATEF Task Area A4 Suspension, Steering, Alignment, and Tires D. Wheel Alignment Diagnosis, Adjustment, and Repair
Check and adjust front and rear wheel camber; perform necessary action. A4.D.4
NATEF Task Area A4 Suspension, Steering, Alignment, and Tires D. Wheel Alignment Diagnosis, Adjustment, and Repair
Check and adjust caster; perform necessary action. A4.D.5
NATEF Task Area A4 Suspension, Steering, Alignment, and Tires D. Wheel Alignment Diagnosis, Adjustment, and Repair
Check and adjust front wheel toe and center steering wheel. A4.D.6
NATEF Task Area A4 Suspension, Steering, Alignment, and Tires D. Wheel Alignment Diagnosis, Adjustment, and Repair
Check toeoutonturns (turning radius); determine necessary action. A4.D.7
NATEF Task Area A4 Suspension, Steering, Alignment, and Tires D. Wheel Alignment Diagnosis, Adjustment, and Repair
Check SAI (steering axis inclination) & included angle; determine necessary action. A4.D.8
NATEF Task Area A4 Suspension, Steering, Alignment, and Tires D. Wheel Alignment Diagnosis, Adjustment, and Repair
Check and adjust rear wheel camber & toe. A4.D.9
NATEF Task Area A4 Suspension, Steering, Alignment, and Tires D. Wheel Alignment Diagnosis, Adjustment, and Repair
Check rear wheel thrust angle; determine necessary action. A4.D.10
NATEF Task Area A4 Suspension, Steering, Alignment, and Tires D. Wheel Alignment Diagnosis, Adjustment, and Repair
Check for front wheel setback; determine necessary action. A4.D.11
NATEF Task Area A4 Suspension, Steering, Alignment, and Tires D. Wheel Alignment Diagnosis, Adjustment, and Repair
Check front cradle (subframe) alignment; determine necessary action. A4.D.12
NATEF Task Area A4 Suspension, Steering, Alignment, and Tires E. Wheel and Tire Diagnosis & Repair
Diagnose tire wear patterns; determine necessary action. A4.E.1
NATEF Task Area A4 Suspension, Steering, Alignment, and Tires E. Wheel and Tire Diagnosis & Repair
Inspect tires; check and adjust air pressure. A4.E.2
NATEF Task Area A4 Suspension, Steering, Alignment, and Tires E. Wheel and Tire Diagnosis & Repair
Diagnose wheel/tire vibration, shimmy, and noise; determine necessary action. A4.E.3
NATEF Task Area A4 Suspension, Steering, Alignment, and Tires E. Wheel and Tire Diagnosis & Repair
Rotate tires according to manufacturer’s recommendations. A4.E.4
NATEF Task Area A4 Suspension, Steering, Alignment, and Tires E. Wheel and Tire Diagnosis & Repair
Measure wheel, tire, axle, and hub runout(s); determine necessary action. A4.E.5
NATEF Task Area A4 Suspension, Steering, Alignment, and Tires E. Wheel and Tire Diagnosis & Repair
Diagnose tire pull (lead) problem; determine necessary action. A4.E.6
NATEF Task Area A4 Suspension, Steering, Alignment, and Tires E. Wheel and Tire Diagnosis & Repair
Balance wheel and tire assembly (static and dynamic/couple). A4.E.7
NATEF Task Area A4 Suspension, Steering, Alignment, and Tires E. Wheel and Tire Diagnosis & Repair
Dismount, inspect, repair, and remount tire on wheel. A4.E.8
NATEF Task Area A4 Suspension, Steering, Alignment, and Tires E. Wheel and Tire Diagnosis & Repair
Dismount, inspect, repair, and remount tire on wheel equipped with tire pressure sensor.
A4.E.9
NATEF Task Area A4 Suspension, Steering, Alignment, and Tires E. Wheel and Tire Diagnosis & Repair
Reinstall wheel; torque lug nuts using correct specification & sequence A4.E.10
NATEF Task Area A4 Suspension, Steering, Alignment, and Tires E. Wheel and Tire Diagnosis & Repair
Inspect tire and wheel assembly for air loss; perform necessary action. A4.E.11
NATEF Task Area A4 Suspension, Steering, Alignment, and Tires E. Wheel and Tire Diagnosis & Repair
Repair tire using internal patch. A4.E.12