Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes required to diagnose and repair faults in the suspension systems of mobile plant. 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 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 mobile plant 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 prepared 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 and manufacturer specifications 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 machinery 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 three mobile plant suspension systems as follows:
one gas charged hydraulic suspension
two of the following:
pivoting axle suspension
solid rubber suspension
hydraulic 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 mobile plant suspension systems, including procedures for:
suspension lock-out
isolating and stabilising machines
working with stored fluid pressures from accumulators
working with high pressure fluid hazards
using lifting, jacking and supporting equipment
application, purpose and operating principles of mobile plant suspension systems and components, including:
suspension hydraulic circuitry
pivoting axle suspension
solid rubber suspension
gas charged hydraulic suspension
hydraulic suspension
pneumatic tyres
diagnostic testing procedures for mobile plant suspension systems, including analysing:
component wear
abnormal system noise
suspension cylinder
erratic operation
repair procedures for mobile plant suspension systems, including procedures for:
repairing and adjusting suspension components
recharging suspension cylinders
post-repair testing procedures for mobile plant 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 mobile plant 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 mobile plant suspension system specifications
three different mobile plant suspension systems specified in the performance evidence with system faults
diagnostic equipment for mobile plant suspension systems
tools, equipment and materials appropriate for repairing and adjusting mobile plant 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 interpret suspension system hydraulic and gas pressure gauges. |
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: | operate diagnostic and testing equipment conduct performance testing of components, systems and equipment. |
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: suspension lock-out isolating and stabilising machines working with stored fluid pressures from accumulators working with high pressure fluid hazards using lifting, jacking and supporting equipment. |
Sectors
Technical - Steering and Suspension
Competency Field
Mechanical - Mobile Plant