AURHTD003
Diagnose and repair heavy commercial vehicle suspension systems


Application

This unit describes the performance outcomes required to diagnose and repair faults in the suspension systems of heavy commercial vehicles. It involves preparing for the task, selecting the correct diagnostic procedure, carrying out the diagnosis and the repair, performing post-repair testing, and completing workplace processes and documentation.

It applies to those working in the automotive service and repair industry. The suspension systems include those in heavy commercial vehicles. This unit does not apply to agricultural machinery or mobile plant machinery.

No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.


Elements and Performance Criteria

Elements

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance Criteria

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold and italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions section.

1. Prepare to diagnose and repair heavy vehicle suspension system

1.1 Job requirements are determined from workplace instructions

1.2 Diagnostic information is sourced and interpreted

1.3 Diagnostic options are analysed and those most appropriate to the circumstances are selected

1.4 Hazards associated with the work are identified and risks are managed

1.5 Diagnostic tools and equipment are selected and checked for serviceability

2. Diagnose suspension system

2.1 Diagnostic tests are carried out according to manufacturer specifications, workplace procedures and safety requirements

2.2 Faults are identified from diagnostic test results and causes of faults are determined

2.3 Diagnosis findings, including recommendations for necessary repairs or adjustments, are reported according to workplace procedures

3. Repair suspension system

3.1 Repair information is sourced and interpreted

3.2 Repair options are analysed and those most appropriate to the circumstances are selected

3.3 Repair tools, equipment and materials are selected and checked according to manufacturer procedures

3.4 Repairs and component replacements and adjustments are carried out according to manufacturer specifications, workplace procedures and safety requirements, and without causing damage to components or systems

3.5 Post-repair testing is carried out according to workplace procedures to confirm fault rectification, and any further problems detected as having been introduced during the repair process are rectified

4. Complete work processes

4.1 Final inspection is made to ensure work is to workplace expectations and vehicle is presented ready for use

4.2 Work area is cleaned, waste and non-recyclable materials are disposed of, and recyclable material is collected

4.3 Tools and equipment are checked and stored according to workplace procedures

4.4 Workplace documentation is processed according to workplace procedures

Evidence of Performance

Before competency can be determined, individuals must demonstrate they can perform the following according to the standards defined in this unit’s elements, performance criteria, range of conditions and foundation skills:

diagnose and repair a fault in:

the following two heavy commercial vehicle suspension systems:

leaf spring suspension

air spring suspension

one of the following heavy commercial vehicle suspension systems:

equaliser beam suspension

torsion bar suspension

electronically controlled suspension.


Evidence of Knowledge

Individuals must be able to demonstrate knowledge of:

work health and safety (WHS) and occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements relating to diagnosing and repairing heavy vehicle suspension systems, including procedures for:

working with stored energy in springs, air springs, accumulators and torsion bars

lifting, supporting and manual handling heavy vehicle suspension systems

operating principles of heavy vehicle suspensions and associated components, including:

rigid and independent suspensions

sprung and unsprung mass

ride and curb height

spring dampers

spring types

application, purpose and operation of heavy vehicle suspension systems and components, including:

air spring suspension

leaf spring suspension, including:

front suspension

rear suspension, including single and tandem axle

equaliser beam suspension

torsion bar suspension

electronically controlled suspension

diagnostic testing procedures for heavy vehicle suspension systems, including:

component wear analysis

checking axle alignment

checking fluid leaks

checking air leaks

checking ride and curb height

control system tests

repair procedures for heavy vehicle suspension systems, including procedures for:

removing, repairing and replacing suspension components, and springs and spring dampers

aligning axles

post-repair testing procedures for heavy vehicle suspension systems.


Assessment Conditions

Assessors must satisfy NVR/AQTF assessor requirements.

Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting.

Assessment must include direct observation of tasks.

Where assessment of competency includes third-party evidence, individuals must provide evidence that links them to the heavy vehicle suspension systems that they have worked on, e.g. repair orders.

Assessors must verify performance evidence through questioning on skills and knowledge to ensure correct interpretation and application.

The following resources must be made available:

automotive repair workplace or simulated workplace

workplace instructions

manufacturer suspension system specifications

heavy commercial vehicles with faults in the different suspension systems listed in the performance evidence

diagnostic equipment for heavy commercial vehicle suspension systems

tools, equipment and materials appropriate for repairing and adjusting heavy commercial vehicle suspension systems.


Foundation Skills

This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance and are not explicit in the performance criteria.

Skills

Description

Learning skills to:

locate appropriate sources of information efficiently.

Reading skills to:

interpret information from manufacturer and workshop literature when seeking suspension system specifications and procedures.

Writing skills to:

legibly and accurately fill out workplace documentation when reporting diagnostic findings, making repair recommendations, and recording parts and material used.

Oral communication skills to:

clarify instructions

report diagnostic findings and make repair recommendations.

Numeracy skills to:

measure suspension system components and use basic mathematical operations, including addition and subtraction, to calculate distances, tolerances and deviations from manufacturer specifications.

Planning and organising skills to:

plan own work requirements and prioritise actions to achieve required outcomes and ensure tasks are completed within workplace timeframes.

Technology skills to:

use measuring equipment, such as tape measures, rulers and vernier calipers.


Range Statement

This section specifies work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below.

Safety requirements must include:

work health and safety (WHS) and occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements, including procedures for:

working with stored energy in springs, air springs, accumulators and torsion bars

lifting, supporting and manual handling heavy vehicle suspension systems.


Sectors

Technical - Steering and Suspension


Competency Field

Mechanical - Heavy Vehicle