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Sector:
AUTOMOTIVE
Qualification:
Automotive Servicing NC II
Unit of Competency:
Service Differential and Front Axle
Module Title:
Welcome to the module “Servicing Differential and Front Axle”. This module contains
training materials and activities for you to complete.
The unit of competency "Service Differential and Front Axle" contains knowledge, skills
and attitudes required in Automotive Servicing. It is one of the core modules at National
Certificate level (NC II).
You are required to go through a series of learning activities in order to complete each
learning outcome of the module. In each learning outcome are Information Sheets and
Resources Sheets (Reference Materials for further reading to help you better understand the
required activities). Follow these activities on your own and answer the self-check at the end of
each learning outcome. You may remove a blank answer sheet at the end of each module (or
get one from your facilitator/trainer) to write your answers for each self-check. If you have
questions, don’t hesitate to ask your facilitator for assistance.
You may already have some or most of the knowledge and skills covered in this learner's
guide because you have:
been working for some time
already completed training in this area.
If you can demonstrate to your trainer that you are competent in a particular skill or skills,
talk to him/her about having them formally recognized so you don't have to do the same training
again. If you have a qualification or Certificate of Competency from previous trainings, show it
to your trainer. If the skills you acquired are still current and relevant to the unit/s of competency
they may become part of the evidence you can present for RPL. If you are not sure about the
currency of your skills, discuss this with your trainer.
At the end of this module is a Learner’s Diary. Use this diary to record important dates, jobs
undertaken and other workplace events that will assist you in providing further details to your
trainer or assessor. A Record of Achievement is also provided for your trainer to complete
once you complete the module.
This module was prepared to help you achieve the required competency in servicing
differential and front axle. This will be the source of information for you to acquire knowledge
and skills in this particular trade independently and at your own pace, with minimum supervision
or help from your instructor.
Talk to your trainer and agree on how you will both organize the Training of this unit.
Read through the module carefully. It is divided into sections, which cover all the skills,
and knowledge you need to successfully complete this module.
Work through all the information and complete the activities in each section. Read
information sheets and complete the self-check. Suggested references are included to
supplement the materials provided in this module.
Most probably your trainer will also be your supervisor or manager. He/she is there to
support you and show you the correct way to do things.
Your trainer will tell you about the important things you need to consider when you are
completing activities and it is important that you listen and take notes.
You will be given plenty of opportunity to ask questions and practice on the job. Make
sure you practice your new skills during regular work shifts. This way you will improve
both your speed and memory and also your confidence.
Use the self-check questions at the end of each section to test your own progress.
When you are ready, ask your trainer to watch you perform the activities outlined in this
module.
As you work through the activities, ask for written feedback on your progress. Your
trainer keeps feedback/ pre-assessment reports for this reason. When you have
successfully completed each element, ask your trainer to mark on the reports that you
are ready for assessment.
When you have completed this module (or several modules), and feel confident that you
have had sufficient practice, your trainer will arrange an appointment with registered
assessor to assess you. The results of your assessment will be recorded in your
competency Achievement Record.
Qualification : Automotive Servicing NC II
Introduction:
This module covers the skills and knowledge in servicing differential and front axle. It also
include overhauling rear wheel hub, analyzing king pin condition and troubleshooting l-beam
defective condition.
It consists of six (6) Learning Outcomes that contains learning activities for both
knowledge and skills supported with information sheet, job/operation sheet and self-check.
Before attempting to perform the manual exercises, see to it that you have already read and
understood the information/operating sheet and answer the self-check provided in every
Learning Activity.
Upon completion of this module, you have to undergo the assessment to be administered
by your instructor. A certificate of completion (COC) will be given to you as a proof that you met
the standard requirements for this module. The assessment could be made in different methods
as prescribed in the competency standards.
Learning Outcomes:
Assessment Criteria:
1.1 Drive shaft and joint inspected thoroughly for worn-out cross joint, defective slip joint,
unbalanced propeller shaft.
2.1 Differential body is pulled out/dismounted
2.2 Penetrating oil is applied on hold down clamp
2.3 Differential assembly is mounted
2.4 Tools for mounting is used
3.1 Differential parts are dismantled.
3.2 Parts analyzed and defects are identified.
3.3 Corresponding repair works recommended.
3.4 Differential is adjusted as per manual instruction.
3.5 Special service tools are used.
3.6 Parts cleaned with solvent and dried.
3.7 Damaged parts are replaced.
3.8 Differential is assembled and adjusted
Prerequisite: Before you tackle this module you must complete first the module in Servicing
Clutch System.
Assessment Criteria :
1. Drive shaft and joint inspected thoroughly for worn-out cross joint, defective slip joint,
and unbalanced propeller shaft.
Resources :
1. Simulated workplace
2. Suspension mock-up
3. CD, Tapes, Transparencies, Books
After finishing this learning activity, answer Self- Answer the self-check.
Check LO1-1 and compare your answer with the
answer key provided. Read pages 1019 to 1038
Have your instructor check your work before going Chapter 69 Driveline
any further. Diagnosis and Service,
After completing all the learning activities included in “Automotive Service Second
this module, take the Assessment to be conducted by Edition by Tim Gilles” to learn
your trainer. more.
Drive shaft problems can result in noise or vibration from worn or rusted U-joints (universal
joints), a worn slip yoke, or a bad center support bearing. Worn U-joints can cause squeaking or
grinding sounds.
Sometimes a car will have a clunking sound when changing from acceleration to deceleration.
This can be due to worn slip yoke splines or a bad extension housing bushing. It can also be
because of problems in the differential or a very worn U-joint. Sometimes leaf springs can be
loose at the differential allowing the housing to wind up.
A ringing sound is sometimes a complaint. This often results from a bad clutch disc damper.
Replacing the clutch disc usually solves the problem. If the car has an automatic transmission,
the problem can be due to a bad lock-up converter.
A worn center support bearing can cause a whining sound that varies with vehicle speed. The
noise is constant in pitch, rather than changing or intermittent like U-joint noise. A U-joint noise
changes pitch because of the changing angle of the U-joint.
Dive shafts are a possible source of vibration. In high gear, the drive shaft spins at engine rpm.
If the shaft is bent or a universal joint is worn, a vibration can occur.
Some drive shafts are built in two pieces with rubber dampening rings inside of them. Another
drive shaft style has a damper like a crankshaft vibration damper mounted on its outside. This
absorbs torsional vibration.
A dent in the drive shaft tubing will weaken it, which can cause it to kink easily under load. The
strength of a drive shaft is longitudinal. Try standing on a soda can (softdrink in can) and quickly
touch both sides of the can. It will immediately collapse when you touch it. Cracks in a drive
shaft can result from physical damage. They always start on the surface, never at the inside.
Note: If one of the cups falls off the U-joint, one or more of the small needle bearings might fall
out. If one gets lost, the entire U-joint must be replaced.
On a two-piece drive shaft, unbolt the center support bearing.
Note: Be sure to mark both halves of the shaft in the center where the splines are. The shaft will
be out of phase if it comes apart and is not reassembled correctly. Serious vibrations will result.
The drive shaft will now
slip out of the
transmission. When it is
removed, oil will
probably come out of
the transmission.
When a universal joint begins to fail, a squeaking sound is often noticed just when the car
begins to go forward. The most common cause of U-joint failure is when its grease dries out.
This often happens because the seal on the U-joint has failed allowing moisture in. A vibration
can also occur when a U-joint starts to fail. With a worn U-joint, a sharp, one-time click sound
often occurs when the vehicle direction is changed from forward to reverse or when the vehicle
first takes off.
Tip: When installing the cross into the yoke be sue that the zerk fitting is angled inward toward
the drive shaft. Installing the cross with the zerk fitting backwards will make it difficult, if not
impossible to lube the U-joint after the drive is installed on the vehicle.
When installing a drive shaft that bolts to a yoked flange, be sure that the universal joints fit
exactly between the tabs on the flange. If the drive shaft is not installed exactly on center, there
will be serious vibration. Be sure that all of the contact surfaces are clean before installing the
drive shaft. Dirt or a burr on the companion flange where the U-joint cap will fit can cause the
shaft to vibrate after installation. With the transmission in neutral, slide the slip yoke into the
transmission. Align the marks that you made during removal and install the rear U-joint onto the
companion flange. Install the retaining bolts to complete the job.
Note: If a vehicle experiences vibration after the installation of the new universal joints,
sometimes it can be corrected by removing the drive shaft and reinstalling it. Turning it 180º in
the companion flange.
On a two-piece drive shaft, the center support bearing sometimes fails. The seized bearing can
tear away the rubber mount that supports the outside of it allowing the bearing to rotate with the
drive shaft. This allows the drive shaft to wobble up and down causing a vibration. The bearing
is pressed off and a new one is pressed on. Be sure to press on the inside bearing race so you
do not damage the bearing. Some bearings are designed to be installed in one direction only.
Installing them backwards will result in damage to the rubber ring on the bearing.
If the two-pieces of the drive shaft are separated, be sure that it is reassembled in phase.
Assembling the front and rear halves out of phase can cause extreme vibration. When the
shafts were not marked before disassembly, use a tape measure or a steel rod to check the
alignment of the halves.
1. Technician A says that a dent in the drive shaft can weaken it. Technician B says that
cracks in the surface of a drive shaft almost always come from the inside. Who is right?
a. Technician A
b. Technician B
c. Both A and B
d. Neither A nor B
2. Technician A says all two-piece drive shafts can only be assembled one way. Technician B
says the most common reason a U-joint fails is because its grease dries out. Who is right?
a. Technician A
b. Technician B
c. Both A and B
d. Neither A nor B
3. Technician A says that a very small amount of runout of a drive shaft is enough to cause
vibration. Technician B says that damaged side gears are usually on the side opposite to the
side that received the stress. Who is right?
a. Technician A
b. Technician B
c. Both A and B
d. Neither A nor B
4. Technician A says to install a U-joint with the zerk fitting facing toward the drive shaft.
Technician B says that original equipment U-joints does not usually have zerk fittings. Who
is right?
a. Technician A
b. Technician B
c. Both A and B
d. Neither A nor B
1. __
2. __
3. __
4. __
Assessment Criteria :
Resources :
1. Simulated workplace
2. Suspension mock-up
3. CD, Tapes, Transparencies, Books
After finishing this learning activity, answer Self- Answer the self-check.
Check LO1-1 and compare your answer with the
answer key provided. Read pages 1019 to 1038
Have your instructor check your work before going Chapter 69 Driveline
any further. Diagnosis and Service,
After completing all the learning activities included in “Automotive Service Second
this module, take the Assessment to be conducted by Edition by Tim Gilles” to learn
your trainer. more.
Differential gears rarely wear out. In fact, they often last the life of the vehicle on the original
lubricant. Causes of damage to the gears include moisture and dirt getting into the differential
and lubricant leaking out. Abuse by a driver is another prime cause of damage to a differential.
Sometimes, a gear ratio change is desired and this is the reason why a differential is
disassembled.
Problem Diagnosis
When diagnosing a noise or vibration, isolate the problem. Be sure it is not from the
transmission. The differential and transmission are connected by the drive shaft. Noises can
transmit from one to the other. When two gears mesh, some noise is normal. Also, with a van or
station wagon, the vehicle can act like a big speaker box and amplify noises.
Road Test
Does the noise change under different driving conditions? There are several driving conditions
to be aware of when listening for noises or feeling for vibration. The following is the terminology
you need to become familiar with:
Drive – under acceleration, power is on the convex side of the gear tooth.
Cruise - the car is maintaining its speed.
Coast – deceleration, power is on the concave side of the gear tooth.
Float – car speed is slowly dropping.
Noise that resembles a howl or whine can be due to adjustment of the ring and pinion or due to
bearings that are worn. Incorrect differential gear adjustment can result in a howl that occurs
only under drive or only under coast conditions. Worn bearings will make a constant sound that
changes in relation to road speed. Clunking noises can be due to damaged gears or bearings.
When a gear is badly damaged, a shudder can sometimes be felt along with the noise.
Noise that happens only during a turn is probably due to a problem with the spider gears. They
can become damaged when a wheel is allowed to spin in a puddle and then gets traction. The
differential pinions are very small gears. They cannot withstand the punishment of a heavy load
that the large ring and pinion can. Remember that the pinion gears (spiders) are only turning
during a turn. When they come to an abrupt halt, they can easily lose teeth. Damaged side
gears are usually on the side that received the stress.
Driveline is a term that describes the parts that transfer power from the transmission to the rear
wheels on rear-wheel-drive vehicles. This includes a long drive shaft between the transmission
and differential.
Front-wheel drive vehicles have a transaxle with two halfshafts that deliver power to the front
wheels.
Drive shafts are strong and light. They must be balanced and straight. Universal joints on both
ends attach the drive shaft to other components. Yokes to accept the universal joints are
welded onto the shaft at both ends. A typical drive shaft includes two universal joints, a slip
yoke and sometimes a rear yoke that bolts to a flange on the differential.
Slip Yoke
Figure LO1-4. A slip yoke allows the drive shaft length to change as the car goes over bumps.
It slides in and out of the transmission as the distance between the transmission and differential
changes. The slip yoke is machined smooth on its outside diameter. This provides a sealing
surface for the extension housing seal. It also provides a bearing surface fro the extension
housing to act upon.
If the rear yoke is not attached to the drive shaft, there will be a flange that is bolted to the front
of the differential pinion shaft, the splined shaft that comes out of the front of the differential.
Universal Joints
Car wheels spin at different speeds, especially when turning. As a vehicle goes through a turn,
each wheel travels a different distance through the turn. The inside wheels (for example, the
right wheels during a right hand turn) travel a shorter distance than the outside wheels. Since
speed is equal to the distance traveled divided by the time it takes to go that distance, the
wheels that travel a shorter distance must travel at a lower speed. Also, the front wheels travel
a different distance than the rear wheels.
For the non-driven wheels on your car - the front wheels on a rear-wheel drive car, the rear
wheels on a front-wheel drive car - this is not an issue. There is no connection between them,
so they spin independently. But the driven wheels are linked together so that a single engine
and transmission can turn both wheels. If the car did not have a differential, the wheels would
have to be locked together, and therefore forced to spin at the same speed. This would make
turning difficult and hard on your car: For the car to be able to turn, one tire would have to slip.
With modern tires and concrete roads, a great deal of force is required to make a tire slip. That
force would have to be transmitted through the axle from one wheel to another, putting a heavy
strain on the axle components.
Four-wheel drive cars have a separate differential for each pair of wheels, and many have a
differential between the front and rear wheels (for a total of 3 differentials) to facilitate turning on
pavement. Part-time four-wheel-drive systems don't have a differential between the front and
rear wheels; instead, they are locked together so that the front and rear wheels have to turn at
the same average speed, which makes these vehicles are hard to turn on concrete when the
four-wheel-drive system is engaged.
A grooved, or splined, axle side gear is positioned on the splined end of each axle. The side
gears are driven by "spider" gears, which are little gears mounted on a shaft attached to the
differential case. As it is supported by the differential case, the side gear can turn inside the
case.
The differential case can be turned, revolving around the axle gears. The differential pinion (a
pinion is a small gear that either drives a larger gear or is driven by one) shaft turns the ring
gear, which is fastened to the differential case. The propeller shaft (drive shaft) connects the
The propeller shaft rotates the ring gear pinion, and the pinion turns the ring gear. The ring gear
then turns the differential case and pinion shaft, but the axle side gears will not turn. Note that
the input pinion is a smaller gear than the ring gear; this is the last gear reduction in the car.
You may have heard terms like rear axle ratio or final drive ratio. These refer to the gear ratio in
the differential. If the final drive ratio is 4.10, then the ring gear has 4.10 times as many teeth as
the input pinion gear. By passing the differential pinion shaft through two differential pinion
gears that mesh with the side gears, the case will turn and the axle side gears will turn with it.
During turns, the side gears turn at rates dictated by the radius of the turns, and the spider
gears then turn to allow the outer wheel to turn faster than the inner one.
Differential Fluids
For lubrication fluid, a very heavy oil, must be used in rear axle housings. Special hypoid oils
are used in the differential case. Even another type of fluid, or oil must be used in a positraction
type differential.
The oil is circulated by the ring gear, and flung all over all the parts. Special troughs, or gullies
are used to bring the oil back to certain spots, like the ring and pinion area and the piston
bearings. The fluid is kept in with gaskets and oil seals. The bottom of the housing has a drain
plug, and another filler plug is located part way up the housing. The housing must never be
filled above this plug.
The housing fluid lubricates some of the outer bearings, but others have lubrication fittings for
the injection of wheel bearing grease. A hand gun, not a pressure grease gun must be used to
grease these bearings (sparingly). A pressure grease gun could inject grease into the brakes--
greasy brakes are inefficient at best!
Finally, some bearings are filled with grease at the factory and are sealed. These never require
attention unless they are defective.
Types of Differentials
Open Differentials
The most common type of differential found on cars and trucks are known as Open
Differentials. An open differential always applies the same amount of torque to each wheel.
There are two factors that determine how much torque can be applied to the wheels: equipment
and traction. In dry conditions, when there is plenty of traction, the amount of torque applied to
the wheels is limited by the engine and gearing; in a low traction situation, such as when driving
on ice, the amount of torque is limited to the greatest amount that will not cause a wheel to slip
under those conditions. So, even though a car may be able to produce more torque, there
needs to be enough traction to transmit that torque to the ground. If you give the car more gas
after the wheels start to slip, the wheels will just spin faster. If you've ever driven on ice, you
may know of a trick that makes acceleration easier: If you start out in second gear, or even third
gear, instead of first, because of the gearing in the transmission you will have less torque
available to the wheels. This will make it easier to accelerate without spinning the wheels.
Now what happens if one of the drive wheels has good traction, and the other one is on ice?
This is where the problem with open differentials comes in. Remember that the open differential
always applies the same torque to both wheels, and the maximum amount of torque is limited to
the greatest amount that will not make the wheels slip. It doesn't take much torque to make a
Code No. Date: Developed Date: Revised Page #
Servicing Differential and Front Axle Feb. 7, 2007 22
ALT723311
tire slip on ice. And when the wheel with good traction is only getting the very small amount of
torque that can be applied to the wheel with less traction, your car isn't going to move very
much.
Another time open differentials might get you into trouble is when you are driving off-road. If you
have a four-wheel drive truck, or an SUV, with an open differential on both the front and the
back, you could get stuck. If one of the front tires and one of the back tires comes off the
ground, they will just spin helplessly in the air, and you won't be able to move at all.
A Limited Slip Differential (also known as a LSD) attempts to address the problems of an Open
Differential. A Limited Slip Differential is very similar to an Open Differential, but it adds a spring
pack and a set of clutches. Some of these have a cone clutch that is similar to the
synchronizers in a manual transmission. The spring pack pushes the side gears against the
clutches, which are attached to the cage. Both side gears spin with the cage when both wheels
are moving at the same speed, and the clutches aren't really needed - the only time the
clutches step in is when something happens to make one wheel spin faster than the other, as in
a turn. The clutches fight this behavior, wanting both wheels to go the same speed. If one wheel
wants to spin faster than the other, it must first overpower the clutch. The stiffness of the
springs combined with the friction of the clutch determines how much torque it takes to
overpower it.
Therefore, in the situation where one drive wheel is on the ice and the other one has good
traction, With this limited slip differential, even though the wheel on the ice is not able to
transmit much torque to the ground, the other wheel will still get the torque it needs to move.
The torque supplied to the wheel not on the ice is equal to the amount of torque it takes to
overpower the clutches. The result is that you can move forward, although still not with the full
power of your car. This is why Limited Slip Differentials are popular in Drag Racing - they
minimize wasteful wheel spin on a hard launch.
Locking Differentials
The locking differential is useful for serious off-road vehicles and for drag racing. This type of
differential has the same parts as an open differential, but adds an electric, pneumatic or
hydraulic mechanism to lock the two output pinions together. This mechanism is usually
activated manually by switch, and when activated, both wheels will spin at the same speed. If
one wheel ends up off the ground, the other wheel won't know or care. Both wheels will
continue to spin at the same speed as if nothing had changed. This maximizes the amount of
forward motion, irregardless of wheel slippage - perfect for drag racing.
There are several types of locking differentials. An ARB Air Locker is a unique differential
because it acts like an open differential until an on-board air compressor is activated by a
switch. The air pressure is used to lock the differential. This allows a very high breakaway
torque for racing but no compromises for daily driving.
A Detroit Locker, popular on muscle cars and some off-road trucks, is a ratcheting type of
locking differential. It is very strong and will almost always provide equal torque application to
each axle, but it is noticeable when cornering.
Finally there is the spool, which solidly connects the left and right axles with no slipping allowed.
It is used for drag-racing applications only, since it maximizes forward acceleration, but makes
the vehicle very difficult to turn and is very hard on the axles.
The Torsen differential is a purely mechanical device; it has no electronics, clutches or viscous
fluids. The Torsen (from Torque Sensing) works as an open differential when the amount of
torque going to each wheel is equal. As soon as one wheel starts to lose traction, the difference
in torque causes the gears in the Torsen differential to bind together. The design of the gears in
the differential determines the torque bias ratio. For instance, if a particular Torsen differential is
designed with a 5:1 bias ratio, it is capable of applying up to five times more torque to the wheel
that has good traction.
These devices are often used in high-performance all-wheel-drive vehicles. Like the viscous
coupling, they are often used to transfer power between the front and rear wheels. In this
application, the Torsen is superior to the viscous coupling because it transfers torque to the
stable wheels before the actual slipping occurs.
However, if one set of wheels loses traction completely, the Torsen differential will be unable to
supply any torque to the other set of wheels. The bias ratio determines how much torque can
be transferred, and five times zero is zero. One novel solution is to apply the brakes and the
gas at the same time. This will create a level of "traction" on the spining wheel, and allow the
Torsen differential to shift power to the other wheel.
The viscous coupling is often found in all-wheel-drive vehicles. It is commonly used to link the
back wheels to the front wheels so that when one set of wheels starts to slip, torque will be
transferred to the other set.
The viscous coupling has two sets of plates inside a sealed housing that is filled with a thick
fluid, as shown in below. One set of plates is connected to each output shaft. Under normal
conditions, both sets of plates and the viscous fluid spin at the same speed. When one set of
wheels tries to spin faster, perhaps because it is slipping, the set of plates corresponding to
those wheels spins faster than the other. The viscous fluid, stuck between the plates, tries to
catch up with the faster disks, dragging the slower disks along. This transfers more torque to
the slower moving wheels -- the wheels that are not slipping. The faster the plates are spinning
relative to each other, the more torque the viscous coupling transfers. The coupling does not
interfere with turns because the amount of torque transferred during a turn is so small.
However, this also highlights a disadvantage of the viscous coupling: No torque transfer will
occur until a wheel actually starts slipping.
Positraction Differentials
A positraction differential is a special traction differential. Its purpose is to improve the way your
differential performs under adverse conditions. When one wheel starts to slip, these differentials
transfer the torque to the wheel that is not slipping. The car can then continue to go forward.
There are several different kinds of positraction differentials, but all of them are based on a
friction device to provide resistance to normal differential operation.
A positraction differential provides better traction, which is handy when roads are slippery. It
also lends itself to fast acceleration.
One type uses four differential pinions instead of two, with two pinion shafts. It also uses a
series of four clutch discs. The differential pinions run into resistance when they try to turn the
axle side gears. The resistance gets transferred to the pinion shafts driving the pinions. The
Other types use cone clutches, or disc clutches under pressure from coil springs. By restricting
the differential action, torque is delivered to the slipping wheel.
IDENTIFICATION
A. _____________________________________________
B. _____________________________________________
C. _____________________________________________
D. _____________________________________________
E. _____________________________________________
A. ___________________________________________
B. ___________________________________________
C. ___________________________________________
D. ___________________________________________
(SUSPENSION)
A. IDENTIFICATION
B. Ball joints
A. Follower
B. Tension load carrying
C. Compression load carrying
D. Follower
C. Strut suspension
A. Damper/upper mount
B. Spring
C. Strut/shock absorber
D. Steering knuckle
E. Lower control arm
D. Strut suspension
A. Upper mount
B. Bearing
C. Insulator
D. Spring
E. Strut
F. Jounce bumper
E. Swing Axle
A. Pivot bushing
B. Axle
C. Steering knuckle
D. Radius arm
E. Spring
PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
For acceptable achievement, all items should receive a "Yes" or Yes No N/A
"N/A" response.
1. Is work completed without causing damage to any work place
property or vehicle?
2. Is correct information accessed and interpreted from appropriate
manufacturer specifications.
3. Are tests carried-out to determine faults using appropriate tools and
techniques?
4. Suspension system failure accurately identified and corresponding
repair works recommended.
5. Suspension system components checked for cracks, loose nuts, bolt
or bushing, and leak
6. Damaged parts accurately identified.
7. Cause of failure accurately identified (Conventional and Air
suspension)
8. Test conducted as per prescribed procedure.
EVIDENCE PLAN
Competency Automotive Servicing NC II
standard:
Unit of Service Differential and Front Axle
competency:
Ways in which evidence will be collected:
[tick the column]
Question/Interview
Demonstration
Practical
Portfolio
Written
The evidence must show that the candidate …
* Identified function of suspension system accordingly.
Types of suspension system identified and explained.
Principles of operation of suspension system were explained and
identified.
Parts and components were identified and explained.
* Causes of failure accurately identified.
System failures were identified.
* Dismounting and mounting of suspension system components were
performed.
Suspension parts disassembled and reassembled properly.
No damage to parts, vehicle and equipment during disassembly and
reassembly.
Safety procedures observed and maintained.
Cracks, loose bolts and nuts, loose ball joints and bushing, and gear
oil leaks checked accordingly.
* Damaged parts are checked and replaced as per vehicle standards and
specifications.
Appropriate tools and equipment used.
Checked and adjusted suspension rebounding.
Troubleshoot suspension system parts and components.
Causes and remedies identified.
* Testing of suspension system operations conducted.
PERCENTAGE OF ACCOMPLISHMENT
Prepared Date:
by:
Checked Date:
by:
DIARY NOTES
Record important dates, jobs undertaken and other workplace events that will assist you in providing further
details to an Assessor.
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Performance Criteria:
1.1 Types of suspension were identified, explained and differentiated.
Comments:
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Performance Criteria:
2.1 Causes of failure were accurately identified.
2.3 Vehicle was properly lifted and jack stands were used.
2.4 Vehicle, workshop area, and equipment safety procedure were observed.
Comments:
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Driveline
All the individual components beyond the engine up to the wheels (e.g., clutch, drive
shaft, differential, driven axles); but not the engine or transmission. Also called
"drivetrain" or "powertrain"
Halfshaft
A rotating shaft that transmits power from the final drive unit to one side of the drive
wheels, but usually refers to the two shafts that connect the road wheels to the final drive
with independent rear suspension or front-wheel drive as opposed to the axle shafts of a
live rear axle. Also called an axleshaft
Drive shaft
The shaft connecting the transmission output shaft to the differential pinion shaft. It
transmits power from the transmission to the differential. It is found primarily on rear-
drive vehicles. There is usually a universal joint on either end. Also called "propeller
shaft."
CV joint:
Abbreviation for "constant velocity joint."
Differential
A unit that takes the power of the rotating driveshaft at right angles to the rear axle and
passes it to the axle. It will not only drive both rear axles at the same time, but will also
allow them to turn at different speeds when negotiating turns. In this way the tires do not
scuff or skid.
Spider gear
Four arm piece on a constant velocity joint.
Hunting
The action of some automatic transmissions when a vehicle is climbing a hill. The
transmission constantly shifts between fifth gear and fourth gear
Limited slip differential
A differential unit designed to provide superior traction by transferring driving torque,
when one wheel is spinning, to the wheel that is not slipping. A cone or clutch disc locks
the two independent axle shafts together so that they both turn at the same time. There
is a minimal amount of slippage (thus the name limited-slip) to allow for differential
action.
Swing axle
An independent rear suspension system in which each driving wheel can move up or
down independently of the other. The differential unit is bolted to the frame and various
forms of linkage are used upon which to mount the wheels. Drive axles, using one or
more universal joints, connect the differential to the drive wheels. When cornering hard,
cars with swing axles are prone to wheel jacking which can lead to large positive camber
at the outside rear wheel and can induce sudden oversteer. Also see low pivot swing
axle.
AWD
Acronym for "all-wheel drive."