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General Information

Course ID (CB01A and CB01B)
AUTOD051A
Course Title (CB02)
Introduction to Automotive Principles - Chassis Systems
Course Credit Status
Credit - Degree Applicable
Effective Term
Fall 2023
Course Description
A selective study of the automobile's chassis and drive line systems. Knowledge and skills necessary for basic repair, maintenance, and troubleshooting of today's chassis and drive line systems. Can be used to fulfill the prerequisite to the Automotive Technology Program.
Faculty Requirements
Course Family
Not Applicable

Course Justification

This CTE, CSU transferable course is intended as an introduction to automotive systems and to better prepare students to enter the Day and Evening Programs as advised by our industry advisory committee. This course belongs to the General Service Technician Certificate of Achievement. This course will inform students of vehicle repair safety and the importance of properly maintained vehicles in a theory based lecture with an emphasis on under car concepts.

Foothill Equivalency

Does the course have a Foothill equivalent?
No
Foothill Course ID

Course Philosophy

Formerly Statement

Course Development Options

Basic Skill Status (CB08)
Course is not a basic skills course.
Grade Options
  • Letter Grade
  • Pass/No Pass
Repeat Limit
0

Transferability & Gen. Ed. Options

Transferability
Transferable to CSU only

Units and Hours

Summary

Minimum Credit Units
4.0
Maximum Credit Units
4.0

Weekly Student Hours

TypeIn ClassOut of Class
Lecture Hours4.08.0
Laboratory Hours0.00.0

Course Student Hours

Course Duration (Weeks)
12.0
Hours per unit divisor
36.0
Course In-Class (Contact) Hours
Lecture
48.0
Laboratory
0.0
Total
48.0
Course Out-of-Class Hours
Lecture
96.0
Laboratory
0.0
NA
0.0
Total
96.0

Prerequisite(s)

Corequisite(s)

Advisory(ies)

  • ESL D272. and ESL D273., or ESL D472. and ESL D473., or eligibility for EWRT D001A or EWRT D01AH or ESL D005.
  • Elementary algebra or equivalent (or higher), or appropriate placement beyond elementary algebra

Limitation(s) on Enrollment

Entrance Skill(s)

General Course Statement(s)

Methods of Instruction

Lecture and visual aids

Discussion of assigned reading

Discussion and problem solving performed in class

Quiz and examination review performed in class

Collaborative learning and small group exercises

Assignments

  1. Required reading from text and syllabus
  2. Required worksheets from syllabus
  3. Multiple choice quizzes
  4. Final Exam

Methods of Evaluation

  1. The number of correctly answered questions on worksheets, quizzes and comprehensive final exam that require the students to understand tires, brakes, suspensions.
  2. Final exam consisting of multiple-choice questions that require that the student understand drive line theory, clutch and transmission service and diagnosis.

Essential Student Materials/Essential College Facilities

Essential Student Materials: 
  • Safety glasses for laboratory demonstrations
Essential College Facilities:
  • Automotive technology laboratory with "Alldata" and "Mitchell on-demand" electronic information systems

Examples of Primary Texts and References

AuthorTitlePublisherDate/EditionISBN
Gilles, Tim. "Automotive Service". 5th Edition, Thomson/Delmar 2016. Albany, New York.

Examples of Supporting Texts and References

AuthorTitlePublisher
"Alldata" electronic information system at www.alldata.com
"Mitchell on-demand" electronic information system at www.mitchell1.com

Learning Outcomes and Objectives

Course Objectives

  • Identify the different types, construction, and rating for today's automotive tires.
  • Explain the different types of suspension systems
  • Differentiate the different types of steering and suspension systems.
  • Explain the different front end alignment angles and how they affect tire wear.
  • Calculate common gear ratios and explain manual and automatic transmission operation.
  • Explain automotive clutch operation and construction.
  • Identify the different types and constructions for drive axles and differentials.
  • Demonstrate the use of various automotive measuring tools and calculate various readings.
  • Explain operation and construction of drum and disc brake systems.

CSLOs

  • Answer correctly, selected questions on the final exam concerning drive line theory, clutch and transmission service and diagnosis.

Outline

  1. Identify the different types, construction, and rating for today's automotive tires.
    1. Rim nomenclature and types
    2. Rim measurements
    3. Tire construction and materials
    4. Tire design, sizes and ratings
    5. Experimental tires
    6. Tire services
    7. Bearing types and construction
    8. Bearing wear and service
  2. Explain the different types of suspension systems
    1. Frame types and design
    2. Spring types and ratings
    3. Shock absorbers operation and designs
    4. Front suspension designs
    5. Ball joint types and construction
    6. Rear suspension designs
    7. Suspension-related characteristics
    8. Effects of scrub radius
  3. Differentiate the different types of steering and suspension systems.
    1. Types of systems
    2. Construction - parallelogram
    3. Construction - rack-pinion
    4. Steering gear designs and types
    5. Power steering designs
    6. Steering columns
    7. Electronic steering systems
  4. Explain the different front end alignment angles and how they affect tire wear.
    1. Steering geometry and adjustment
    2. Wheel alignments effect on steering and tire wear
  5. Calculate common gear ratios and explain manual and automatic transmission operation.
    1. Gear terminology
    2. Gear spacing and ratios
    3. Manual transmission construction and operation
    4. Synchronizer operation
    5. Manual transaxle construction and operation
    6. Four wheel drive types and construction
  6. Explain automotive clutch operation and construction.
    1. Clutch designs and capacity
    2. Clutch construction and controls
    3. Clutch service and diagnosis
  7. Identify the different types and constructions for drive axles and differentials.
    1. Front wheel drive axles construction and operation
    2. Universal joint types and construction
    3. Rear wheel drive shaft and axles
    4. Drive axle diagnosis and inspection
    5. Final drive construction and operation in varying modes
    6. Types of axle housing designs
    7. Differential gear nomenclature
    8. Limited slip differentials construction and operation
    9. Differential lubrication requirements
    10. Differential service and adjustments
  8. Demonstrate the use of various automotive measuring tools and calculate various readings.
    1. Reason for accurate measurements
    2. Measuring terminology
    3. English and metric units of measurement
    4. Methods of measuring
    5. Using common measuring instruments
    6. Types of threaded fasteners
    7. Thread terminology and identification
    8. Factors affecting the strength of fasteners
    9. Reasons for proper torquing
    10. Proper removal of broken fasteners
    11. Lock devices and liquids
  9. Explain operation and construction of drum and disc brake systems.
    1. Brake fluid types and characteristics
    2. Brake bleeding and flushing
    3. Hydraulic principles and calculation of hydraulic pressure
    4. Brake lining materials and their coefficient of friction
    5. Master cylinder designs and operation
    6. Wheel cylinder and calipers
    7. Drum brakes types and construction
    8. Disc brakes types and construction
    9. Brake lines, switches, and valves
    10. Parking brakes operation
    11. Power brakes operation and types
    12. Anti-skid control systems
    13. Electric and air brake systems
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