Subject Code & Name: AU25C01 – Automotive Chassis
Regulation: R-2025
Semester: IV (Fourth Semester)
Branch: B.E. Automobile Engineering (Auto) / B.E. Mechanical Engineering (Automobile) (Mech(Auto))
Credits / L-T-P: 4 Credits | L-T-P: 3-0-2
Course Objectives
- The course provides an understanding of automotive chassis systems including frames, axles, steering, suspension, tyres, and braking systems.
- It focuses on analyzing their construction, working principles, and performance characteristics to ensure vehicle stability, handling, and safety.
Full Unit-wise Syllabus
Unit I – Introduction
Types of chassis layout with reference to power plant locations and drives, vehicle frames, various types of frames, passenger car frames, x member type frame, box section type frame, load acting on frames, constructional details, materials, sub frame, testing of vehicle frames, checking of frame alignment.
Practical: Study of different chassis layouts.
Activities: Case study on chassis layouts in modern vehicles, frame structure identification using real vehicle models, load analysis mini-project, GATE questions on chassis classification, frame design, load analysis, materials.
Unit II – Front Axle and Steering System
Types of front axles, construction details, materials, front wheel geometry: castor, camber, king pin inclination, toe-in and toe- out, condition for true rolling motion of wheels during steering, steering geometry, Ackermann and Davis steering system, constructional details of steering linkages, different types of steering gear boxes, slip angle, over–steer and under steer, turning radius, wheel wobble, power assisted steering, steering ratio – power steering – centre point steering.
Practical: Dismantling, Measurement and Assembling of Front. Study of Steering system.
Activities: Measurement of front wheel geometry parameters, Ackermann and Davis steering geometry experiment, slip angle observation using videos/simulation, case study on over-steer and under-steer, GATE questions on steering system.
Unit III – Rear Axle and Tyres
Construction and Design of Drive Axles, Types of Loads acting on drive axles, Full – Floating, Three–Quarter Floating and Semi–Floating Axles, Axle Housings and Types – Lift axle, Dead axle, Types and Constructional Details of Different Types of Wheels and Rims, Different Types of Tyres and their constructional details.
Practical: Dismantling, Measurement and Assembling of Rear axle.
Activities: Expert Lecture on tyres, and a systematic comparative evaluation of wheel, rim, and tyre constructions utilizing authenticated manufacturer data sheets, GATE questions on tyres.
Unit IV – Propeller Shaft and Final Drive
Effect of Driving Thrust, torque reactions and side thrust, Hotchkiss drive, torque tube drive, radius rods and stabilizers, Propeller Shaft, Universal Joints, Constant Velocity Universal Joints, Front Wheel drive, Final drive, different types, Double reduction and twin speed final drives, Multi–axled vehicles, Differential principle and types, Differential housings, limited speed differential, Differential locks.
Practical: Gear ratio and Assembling of Constant and Sliding mesh gear boxes. Dismantling and Assembling of Transfer case. Dismantling, calculation of gear ratio and Assembling of Differential assembly.
Unit V – Suspension System
Need of suspension system, type of suspension, suspension springs, constructional details and characteristics of leaf spring, variable rate leaf suspension, coil and torsion bar springs, anti-roll bar, front wheel & rear wheel independent suspension, rubber suspension, pneumatics suspensions, Dampers, torque reaction, Electronically controlled air suspension system, hydro-gas suspension.
Practical: Study of Suspension system
Activities: Expert Lecture on suspension system, comparative analysis of spring types, shock absorbers, and independent suspension layouts using simplified case studies, GATE questions on suspension system.
Unit VI – Braking System
Theory of Automobile Braking, Stopping Distance Time and Braking Efficiency, Effect of Weight Transfer during Braking, Theory of Drum Brakes, Loading and Trailing Shoes, Braking Torque, Constructional Details of Drum Brake and its Activators, Disc Brake Theory, Types and Construction, Hydraulic Braking System, Mechanical Braking System, Pneumatic Braking System, Power–Assisted Braking System, Anti–Lock Braking System, EBD, ESP, TCS.
Practical: Study of different braking systems
Activities: Expert Lecture on braking system, observation of drum and disc brake components via virtual or lab demonstrations, and practical evaluation of hydraulic, pneumatic, and ABS braking behaviour using simple test rigs, GATE questions on braking system.
Tasks: T1. A vehicle shows uneven tyre wear and poor steering control – analyze front wheel geometry and suggest corrections. T2. A car experiences excessive vibration and instability on rough roads – evaluate suspension system and recommend improvements. T3. A heavy vehicle shows axle failure under load – analyze axle design and loading conditions and suggest modifications. T4. A vehicle has increased stopping distance and brake fade – diagnose braking system issues and propose solutions.
Course Outcomes (COs)
- CO1: Explain automotive chassis systems including frames, axles, steering, suspension, tyres, and braking systems.
- CO2: Apply principles to analyze chassis components such as steering geometry, suspension, and braking systems.
- CO3: Analyze performance of chassis systems including axles, suspension, tyres, and braking under different conditions.
- CO4: Evaluate vehicle stability, handling, safety, and braking efficiency using engineering concepts.
Assessment Pattern (Quick Note)
- Weightage: Continuous Assessment 40% | End Semester Examinations 60%
- Internal methodology: Written Test (40%), Practical (30%), Activity (30%). Practical: Lab Experiments (50%), Tasks (50%) (Each student must complete a minimum of two tasks). Activity: Review of GATE/ESE Questions (10%), Mini Project/ Quiz/ Assignment Programs/ Flipped Class /Seminar Presentation (20%)
Source: Official Anna University – B.E. Automobile Engineering R-2025 Syllabus
Last Updated: October 2026
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