Hydraulic Power Steering Course for 4×4 Vehicles
Online 300-hour course in hydraulic power steering for 4×4 vehicles. 6 modules covering UNECE Regulation No. 79 (steering equipment), RD 866/2010 (processing of vehicle modifications) and Automation Studio. Tutor assigned and enrolment open.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this programme. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Explain how hydraulic power steering works in four-wheel-drive vehicles.
Identify the pump, rotary valve, cylinder and lines of the system.
Analyse the influence of steering geometry on vehicle behaviour.
Diagnose assistance faults through pressure and flow measurements.
Carry out fluid maintenance, bleeding and component replacement.
Assess the legality of steering modifications and accessories.
Propose safety improvements for driving with power steering.
Who it's for
- Workshop technician for 4×4 vehicles who wants to specialise in Hydraulic Power Steering for 4×4 Vehicles.
- Mechanic specialised in steering and suspension who wants to specialise in Hydraulic Power Steering for 4×4 Vehicles.
- Off-road vehicle preparer who wants to specialise in Hydraulic Power Steering for 4×4 Vehicles.
- MOT/ITV inspection technician who wants to specialise in Hydraulic Power Steering for 4×4 Vehicles.
- Vehicle modification engineer who wants to specialise in Hydraulic Power Steering for 4×4 Vehicles.
- Technical adviser for 4×4 accessories who wants to specialise in Hydraulic Power Steering for 4×4 Vehicles.
- Graduates in engineering or sciences seeking to enter automotive workshops.
What you'll work with
- UNECE Regulation No. 79 (steering equipment)
- RD 866/2010 (processing of vehicle modifications)
- Vehicle Modifications Manual (Ministry of Industry)
- SAE J188 (high-pressure hose for power steering)
- SAE J189 (low-pressure return hose for power steering)
- ISO 11158 (mineral hydraulic oils)
- ISO 7401 (transient lateral response of the vehicle)
6 modules · 300 h
1.1Function of steering and off-road vehicle requirements1.2Mechanical, hydraulic and electro-hydraulic steering1.3Steering geometry and characteristic angles1.4Steering effort and steering ratio1.5Integral steering and four-wheel steering1.6Articulated steering in machinery1.7Safety requirements and emergency steering1.8Effect of tyres and load on steering effort1.9Initial diagnosis of a steering problem1.10Workshop: identifying a vehicle's steering system
2.1Steering pump and its drive2.2Rotary valve and integral steering gear2.3Assist cylinders and drag links2.4Reservoir, filter and fluid cooling2.5Relief valves and travel limiters2.6Orbitrol and hydrostatic steering2.7Lines, hoses and their installation2.8Fluids: specification and compatibility2.9Gaskets and seals in the system2.10Practice: identifying components and the circuit
3.1Toe, camber and caster3.2Kingpin inclination and scrub radius3.3Ackermann condition and its fulfilment3.4Effect of suspension lift3.5Tie rods, ball joints and play3.6Behaviour on uneven terrain3.7Steering return and resistive torque3.8Steering wheel vibration and its causes3.9Weight distribution and its effect3.10Practice: measuring and adjusting geometry
4.1Checking fluid levels and condition4.2Bleeding the system and trapped air4.3Diagnosing loss of assistance4.4Diagnosing irregular or heavy assistance4.5Pump noise and cavitation4.6Leaks in the gearbox, cylinders and lines4.7Play and wear in ball joints4.8Checking system pressures4.9Component replacement and recommissioning4.10Practice: guided diagnosis of three faults
5.1Suspension lift and its effect on steering5.2Larger tyres and additional effort5.3Fitting winches and bumpers5.4Steering reinforcements and their validity5.5Approval of significant modifications5.6Modification documentation5.7Risks of unvalidated modifications5.8Technical inspection and checkpoints5.9Installer liability5.10Practice: a modification file
6.1Off-road driving and steering control6.2Hand position and risk of injury6.3Loss of assistance while driving: response6.4Driving on sand, mud and rock6.5Fording and system protection6.6Towing and unassisted steering6.7Recommended preventive maintenance6.8Common maintenance errors6.9Development towards electric power steering6.10Final project: inspection plan and recommissioning of a steering system
How you'll learn
Training is 100% online on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine the course with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Automation Studio, MATLAB/Simscape Fluids, Simcenter Amesim, Advanced Excel, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real procedures for measuring the pressure and flow of the steering pump, detecting leaks and air in the circuit, and road tests after repair. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final integrative project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Explain how hydraulic power steering works in four-wheel-drive vehicles.
Identify the pump, rotary valve, cylinder and lines of the system.
Analyse the influence of steering geometry on vehicle behaviour.
Diagnose assistance faults through pressure and flow measurements.
Carry out fluid maintenance, bleeding and component replacement.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior qualification is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient Spanish to follow technical regulatory texts.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 300 hours, spread over 3 to 5 months. That is between 10 and 15 hours per week on average, compatible with a full-time job.
The course uses Automation Studio, MATLAB/Simscape Fluids, Simcenter Amesim and Advanced Excel. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM Institute diploma on passing the continuous assessment and the integrative project. This is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area can be credited towards the advanced programme. Please check the credit transfer policy when you enrol.
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