Hydraulic Power Assisted Steering

Hydraulic Power Assisted Steering

Check condition and adjustment of the PAS hydraulic pump drive belt. Renew

Drive belt test Checking

the belt if necessary and/or adjust. Top for leaks up reservoir fluid after checking data

for the correct type. Run the engine and Fluid tank level turn the steering lock to lock. Check for Road

testing

correct operation and look for signs of leaks. This should not be carried out excessively as it scrubs the tyres. However, it is also a good way of checking pump operation. Check the operation of progressive systems during

a road test. Electric Power Assisted Steering If an electric system is

used, check for cable connection security and fault code read- outs if appropriate. All other checks, such as lubrication and security, are carried out in the same way as for hydraulic systems.

Summary ฀฀ Regular servicing of any system ensures that it will continue to operate the way in which it was intended. Steering systems, power assisted or otherwise, are no exception. Clearly, the safety aspect is of prime importance with steering. A failure at speed would be very dangerous.

 Look back over the previous section and write out a list of the key bullet points here:

STEEERING – CUSTOMER CARE Regular Checks Regular servicing is vital for a customer’s

safety. Carry out checks at all services and report your findings to the customer. Advise customers if anything will need attention before the next scheduled service interval.

Vehicle Condition Respect your custo mer’s vehicle and take precautions to keep it clean. Repairing or checking some systems, is likely to involve you working under the vehicle, and then sitting in the driver’s seat. Use seat covers and ensure the steering wheel is clean when you have finished.

Keep Customers Informed Some customers like to know details of what work has been done to their vehicle – and they have

every right to know! Keep components that have been replaced, so that they can be inspected by the customer if required. Be willing to explain why parts were changed if necessary. This ball joint was renewed because it had excessive freeplay.

Test Driving ฀฀ Take the customer on a test drive if necessary. It is a useful way of helping them to describe problems to you. Alternatively, they could drive and demonstrate what is concerning them. Problems like steering wander can be diagnosed easily in this way.

System Operation Explain how systems work when customers express an interest. You will probably not need to go into detail. However, saying for example, that the engine drives a pump and that this forces fluid into a ram, which then pushes the steering, would be a good way to explain power assistance!

Advise Customers If you notice any unusual tyre wear patterns, they may be caused by driving technique. If your customer asks

about why the tyres have worn, you may need to explain. Remember to be tactful!

Summary A customer, who is kept informed and treated with respect, will return and keep you in a job! Explain things to a

customer when asked – it will be appreciated.

BRAKES INTRODUCTION

Energy Conversion ฀฀ The main purpose of the braking system is simple; it is to slow down or stop a vehicle. To do this the energy in the vehicle movement must be taken away - or converted. This is achieved by creating friction. The resulting heat takes energy away from the movement. In other words, kinetic energy is converted into heat energy.