Inspect rack and pinion steering gear inner tie rod ends (sockets) and bellows boots; replace as needed.
Inspect power steering fluid level and condition.
Flush, fill, and bleed power steering system; use proper fluid type per manufacturer specification.
Remove, inspect, replace, and adjust power steering pump drive belt.
Inspect, remove, and replace power steering hoses and fittings.
Inspect, remove, and replace pitman arm, relay (centerlink/intermediate) rod, idler arm, mountings, and steering linkage damper.
Inspect, replace, and adjust tie rod ends (sockets), tie rod sleeves, and clamps.
Inspect, test and diagnose electrically assisted power steering systems.
Test power steering system pressure; determine needed action.
Inspect, remove, and replace upper and lower control arms, bushings, shafts, and rebound bumpers.
Inspect, remove, and replace strut rods and bushings.
Inspect, remove, and replace upper and/or lower ball joints (with or without wear indicators).
Inspect, remove, and replace steering knuckle assemblies.
Inspect, remove, and replace short and long arm suspension system coil springs and spring insulators.
Inspect, remove, and replace torsion bars and mounts
Inspect, remove, and replace front/rear stabilizer bar (sway bar) bushings, brackets, and links.
Inspect, remove, and replace strut cartridge or assembly, strut coil spring, insulators (silencers), and upper strut bearing mount.
Inspect, remove, and replace track bar, strut rods/radius arms, and related mounts and bushings.
Inspect rear suspension system leaf spring(s), spring insulators (silencers), shackles, brackets, bushings, center pins/bolts, and mounts.
Inspect, remove, and replace shock absorbers; inspect mounts and bushings.
Remove, inspect, service, and replace front and rear wheel bearings.
Describe the function of suspension and steering control systems and components, (i.e., active suspension and stability control).
Check steering axis inclination (SAI).
Inspect tire condition; identify tire wear patterns; check for correct tire size, application (load and speed ratings), and air pressure as listed on the tire information placard/label.
Rotate tires according to manufacturers’ recommendation including vehicles equipped with tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS)
Remove, clean, inspect, and/or replace brake shoes, springs, pins, clips, levers, adjusters/self-adjusters, other related brake hardware, and backing support plates; lubricate and reassemble.
Pre-adjust brake shoes and parking brake; install brake drums or drum/hub assemblies and wheel bearings; perform final checks and adjustments.
Remove and clean caliper assembly; inspect for leaks, damage, and wear; determine needed action.
Inspect caliper mounting and slides/pins for proper operation, wear, and damage; determine needed action.
Remove, inspect, and replace brake pads and retaining hardware; determine needed action.
Lubricate and reinstall caliper, brake pads, and related hardware; seat brake pads; inspect for leaks.
Clean and inspect rotor and mounting surface; measure rotor thickness, thickness variation, and lateral runout; determine needed action.
Remove and replace rotor. Demonstrate use of on car lathe. Machine rotor.
Retract and re-adjust caliper piston on an integrated parking brake system.
Check brake pad wear indicator; determine needed action.
Identify components of the brake power assist system (vacuum and hydraulic); check vacuum supply (manifold or auxiliary pump) to vacuum-type power booster.
Remove, clean, inspect, repack, and install wheel bearings; replace seals; install hub and adjust bearings.
Check parking brake system and components for wear, binding, and corrosion; clean, lubricate, adjust and/or replace as needed.
Replace wheel bearing and race.
Remove and replace sealed wheel bearing assembly.
Identify and inspect electronic brake control system components (ABS, TCS, ESC); determine needed action.
Depressurize high-pressure components of an electronic brake control system.
Test, diagnose, and service electronic brake control system speed sensors, toothed ring (tone wheel), and circuits using a graphing multimeter (GMM)/digital storage oscilloscope (DSO).
Diagnose electronic brake control system braking concerns caused by vehicle modifications (tire size, curb height, final drive ratio, etc.).
Occupational Skills - Electrical/Electronic Systems
Demonstrate proper use of a test light on an electrical circuit.
Use fused jumper wires to check operation of electrical circuits.
Inspect, test, repair, and/or replace components, connectors, terminals, harnesses, and wiring in electrical/electronic systems (including solder repairs); determine needed action. Demonstrate use of digital multimeter.
Repair data bus wiring harness.
Confirm proper battery capacity for vehicle application; perform battery capacity and load test; determine needed action.
Identify safety precautions for high voltage systems on electric, hybrid, hybrid-electric, and diesel vehicles.
Identify electrical/electronic modules, security systems, radios, and other accessories that require reinitialization or code entry after reconnecting vehicle battery.
Identify hybrid vehicle auxiliary (12v) battery service, repair, and test procedures.
Demonstrate knowledge of an automatic idle-stop/start-stop system.
Inspect, replace, and adjust generator (alternator) drive belts; check pulleys and tensioners for wear; check pulley and belt alignment.
Remove, inspect, and replace generator (alternator).
Reset maintenance indicators as required.
Diagnose operation of comfort and convenience accessories and related circuits (such as: power window, power seats, pedal height, power locks; determine needed repairs.
Diagnose operation of security/anti-theft systems and related circuits (such as: theft deterrent, door locks, remote keyless entry, remote start, and starter/fuel disable); determine needed repairs.
Diagnose operation of entertainment and related circuits (such as: radio, DVD, remote CD changer, navigation, amplifiers, speakers, antennas, and voice-activated accessories); determine needed repairs.
Diagnose operation of safety systems and related circuits (such as: horn, airbags, seat belt pretensioners; determine needed repairs.
Diagnose body electronic systems circuits using a scan tool; check for module communication errors (data communication bus systems); determine needed action.
Describe the process for software transfer, software updates, or reprogramming of electronic modules.
Occupational Skills - Engine Performance
Research vehicle service information including vehicle service history.
Diagnose the cause of excessive oil consumption, coolant consumption, unusual exhaust color, odor, and sound; determine needed action.
Verify correct camshaft timing including engines equipped with variable valve timing systems (VVT).
Retrieve and record diagnostic trouble codes (DTC), OBD monitor status, and freeze frame data; clear codes when applicable.
Perform active tests of actuators using a scan tool; determine needed action.
Describe the use of OBD monitors for repair verification.
Diagnose the causes of emissions or drivability concerns with stored or active diagnostic trouble codes (DTC); obtain, graph, and interpret scan tool data.
Diagnose emissions or drivability concerns without stored or active diagnostic trouble codes; determine needed action.
Diagnose drivability and emissions problems resulting from malfunctions of interrelated systems (cruise control, security alarms, suspension controls, traction controls; determine needed action.
Inspect, test, and/or replace ignition control module, powertrain/engine control module; reprogram/initialize as needed.
Replace fuel filter(s).
Inspect, test, and replace fuel injectors.
Inspect condition of exhaust system hangers, brackets, clamps, and heat shields; determine needed action.
Check and refill diesel exhaust fluid (DEF).
Test the operation of turbocharger/supercharger systems; determine needed action.
Inspect, test, service, and replace positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) filter/breather, valve, tubes, orifices, and hoses; perform needed action.
Diagnose emissions and drivability concerns caused by the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system; inspect, test, service, and replace the components of the EGR system; determine needed action.
Diagnose emissions and drivability concerns caused by the secondary air injection system; inspect, test, repair, and replace electrical/electronically-operated components and circuits of secondary air injection systems; determine needed action.
Diagnose emissions and drivability concerns caused by the evaporative emissions control (EVAP) system; determine needed action.
Diagnose emission and drivability concerns caused by catalytic converter system; determine needed action.
Interpret diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and scan tool data related to the emissions control systems; determine needed action.
Interested in this apprenticeship?
Sign up to receive notifications about changes and updates about Automotive Service Technician and Mechanic - 2021.