ASE A4 Steering and Suspension Practice Test

46. Which of the following is true about control arm bushings?

  • A. They are located between the frame and the control arm.
  • B. Worn control arm bushings result in wheel shimmy.
  • C. They are tightened on while unloaded, and the vehicle is raised in the air.
  • D. Both A or B

46.

Answer A is wrong. They're located between the frame and the control arm. Answers A and B are both correct.

Answer B is wrong. When worn, the tear or gap can change alignment angles. It can result in wheel shimmy and a vibration felt in the wheel.

Answer C is wrong. Due to their design, tightening control arm bushings while the vehicle is raised in the air will result in premature bushing wear.

Answer D is correct. Both A and B are correct.

47. Technician A says the leaf spring shackle swivels and allows the spring to flatten as the vehicle travels over bumps in the road. Technician B says that a single crack in the longest blade of a multi-leaf leaf spring suspension system is acceptable as long as it does not affect ride height and the other blades are good. Who is correct?

  • A. Technician A
  • B. Technician B
  • C. Both A and B
  • D. Neither A or B

47.

Technician A is correct. The shackle swivels if weight is added, or as the vehicle travels over bumps in the road, allowing the spring's length to extend and retract as its curve changes.

Technician B is wrong. Replace leaf springs that are cracked. The longest main leaf is vital and contains the spring’s eyes that connect it to the vehicle's frame.

Answer C is wrong. Technician A is correct.

Answer D is wrong. Technician A is correct. Learn more about leaf springs in the read more section.

48. The LEAST likely to result in memory steer is a binding:

  • A. Ball joint.
  • B. Steering gear.
  • C. Upper strut mount.
  • D. Wheel bearing.

48.

Answer A is wrong. This is a LEAST likely question. A binding ball joint causes memory steer.

Answer B is wrong. A binding steering gear causes memory steer.

Answer C is wrong. A binding upper strut mount causes memory steer.

Answer D is correct. Wheel bearings cause a growling noise that increases with speed and changes pitch during turns. If a wheel bearing were binding, there would be a grinding sound when rotating the wheel.

49. There’s a squeak in the steering column when the steering wheel is turned in either direction. All of the following components will result in a noisy steering column EXCEPT:

  • A. Steering coupling.
  • B. Clockspring.
  • C. Steering column bearings.
  • D. Horn switch.

49.

Answer A is wrong. The universal steering coupling connects the stub of the steering column to the steering gear. They become loose or bind, resulting in excessive noise.

Answer B is wrong. The clockspring provides a connection between the steering column, the SRS airbag, and the wheel’s accessories.

Answer C is wrong. Steering column bearings cause a growl or squeak when worn. There’s a bearing located at the top and bottom of the steering shaft.

Answer D is correct. The horn switch is stationary when the wheel is turned. It's located in the steering wheel. A faulty horn switch likely has burned contacts and will hamper operation of the horn but would not make noise when the wheel is turned.

50. Two technicians are discussing tie rod ends. Technician A says that loose tie rod ends result in constant steering wheel correction while attempting to keep the vehicle in its lane. Technician B says to rock the tire back and forth at the three and nine o’clock positions to check for tie rod looseness. Who is correct?

  • A. Technician A
  • B. Technician B
  • C. Both A and B
  • D. Neither A or B

50.

Answer A is wrong. Both technicians are correct. Loose tie rods result in vehicle wander and excessive tire wear.

Answer B is wrong. Place your hands at the three and nine o'clock positions and rock the tire left then right to check for tie rod looseness.

Answer C is correct. Both technicians are correct.

Answer D is wrong. Both technicians are correct.