The EM-130 trainer consists of a typical front wheel drive vehicle having MacPherson strut suspension, rack & pinion steering and front disc brakes. The components necessary for correct operation and service of alignment angle adjustments and component identification are included. The potential danger of the MacPherson spring pressures have been eliminated by replacing the stock coil spring with a custom plastic coil spring that does not support any of the weight of the suspension system. The lower control arm and support bushings are OEM.

The sway bar has been designed with a quick disconnect feature that allows students to disconnect it for easy and precise alignment adjustment procedures. The rack and pinion steering linkage is connected to a steering wheel identical to actual vehicle configuration. The tie-rod ends are equipped with typical adjustment methods for the adjustment of toe specifications. The trainers frame has three manual adjustment features that allow students to create abnormal vehicle conditions such as uneven front or rear loading, worn springs, etc. The trainer also features adjustment plates at the top of both MacPherson strut assemblies which allow easy adjustment of caster and camber. The tires sit on movable plates for ease of movement during adjustments. The trainer can also be used for student learning of front wheel bearing and hub construction as well as the disc brake system.

Educational Advantages

• Accomplish 14 of the NATEF-required MLR tasks using the EM-130 steering and suspension training aid.
• Doesn’t require electricity, air or hydraulics and you are able to do it in a classroom without needing to have a vehicle on a rack.
• See a full range of motion of all suspension components at any angle.
• Visually identify components of a MacPherson strut suspension system and rack & pinion system.
• Students can perform changes, measure and observe results to caster, camber and toe.
• Unit comes with a sway and stabilizer bar that can easily be disconnected for routine service.

NATEF TASKS FOR THE EM-130 SUSPENSION AND STEERING TRAINER

MLR –  MAINTENANCE & LIGHT REPAIR

MANUAL DRIVE TRAIN & AXLES

III-D-1   Inspect, remove, and replace front wheel drive (FWD) bearings, hubs, and seals. P-2

STEERING & SUSPENSION

IV-B-1      Inspect rack and pinion steering gear inner tie rod ends (sockets) and bellows boots. P-1
IV-B-8      Inspect tie rod ends (sockets), tie rod sleeves, and clamps. P-1
IV-B-15    Inspect and replace front stabilizer bar (sway bar) bushings, brackets, and links. P-1
IV-B-16   Inspect strut cartridge or assembly. P-1
IV-B-17   Inspect front strut bearing and mount. P-1
IV-C-1     Perform prealignment inspection and measure vehicle ride height; determine necessary action. P-1
IV-D-1     Inspect tire condition; identify tire wear patterns; check for correct size and application (load and   speed ratings) and adjust air pressure; determine necessary action. P-1
IV-D-2     Rotate tires according to manufacturer’s recommendations. P-1
IV-D-5     Inspect tire and wheel assembly for air loss; perform necessary action. P-1

BRAKES

V-A- 3     Install wheel and torque lug nuts. P-1
V-D-1      Remove and clean caliper assembly; inspect for leaks and damage/wear to caliper housing; determine necessary action. P-1
V-D-2     Clean and inspect caliper mounting and slides/pins for proper operation, wear, and damage; determine necessary action. P-1
V-D-3     Remove, inspect, and replace pads and retaining hardware; determine necessary action. P-1
V-D-4     Lubricate and reinstall caliper, pads, and related hardware; seat pads and inspect for leaks. P-1
V-D-5     Clean and inspect rotor, measure rotor thickness, thickness variation, and lateral runout; determine   necessary action. P-1
V-D-6     Remove and reinstall rotor. P-1

AST – AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE TECHNICIAN

ALL OF THE TASKS ABOVE FROM MLR PLUS THE FOLLOWING:

STEERING & SUSPENSION

IV-B-7   Remove and replace rack and pinion steering gear; inspect mounting bushings and brackets. P-2
IV-B-8   Inspect rack and pinion steering gear inner tie rod ends (sockets) and bellows boots; replace as needed.   P-2
IV-C-2   Diagnose strut suspension system noises, body sway, and uneven ride height concerns; determine necessary action. P-1
IV-C-6   Inspect, remove and install steering knuckle assemblies. P-3
IV-C-9   Inspect, remove and install front stabilizer bar (sway bar) bushings, brackets, and links. P-3
IV-C-10 Inspect, remove and install strut cartridge or assembly, strut coil spring, insulators (silencers), and upper strut bearing mount. P-3

IV-E-1   Diagnose vehicle wander, drift, pull, hard steering, bump steer, memory steer, torque steer, and  steering return concerns; determine necessary action. P-1