ASE A4 Steering Suspension Practice Test

alignment chart

6. The vehicle in the alignment chart above has excessive shimmy above 45 mph. The MOST likely cause of this condition is:

  • A. Camber
  • B. Wheel Balance
  • C. Toe
  • D. Caster
alignment chart

6.

Answer A is wrong. The camber angle is within specifications. Camber is a tire wearing angle that will cause a pull to the side with the most positive camber.

Answer B is wrong. Out of balance tires cause a vibration at speeds above 45 mph, but after viewing the chart the caster is clearly out of specifications, and too much positive caster will result in wheel shimmy.

Answer C is wrong. The toe is within specifications. Answer D is correct.

Answer D is correct. Too much positive caster will result in wheel shimmy.

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7. A front wheel drive passenger vehicle's steering wheel does not return to the center after completing a turn. Which of the following is causing this condition?

  • A. The caster angle.
  • B. A binding ball joint.
  • C. A binding tie rod end.
  • D. All of the above.

7.

Answer A is wrong. Cars and light trucks typically have a positive caster setting; this helps the steering wheel return to center.

Answer B is wrong. A binding ball joint will affect the steering wheel's ability to return to the center. It will also result in a clunking noise while turning the wheel.

Answer C is wrong. Check the tie rod ends, idler arm, and other steering linkages for binding.

Answer D is correct. If something is binding in the column, linkage, or gearbox, the steering wheel return to the center will be affected. Steering wheel returnability is dependent on the caster angle, and most vehicles incorporate positive caster (~ 6° ) into both front wheels.

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8. A set of weak rear coil springs are removed and replaced on a light truck with coil spring suspension. Which of the following is not used to support a solid axle with this type of suspension?

  • A. Track bars
  • B. Pitman arms
  • C. Control arms
  • D. Strut rods

8.

Answer A is wrong. Track bars help control side to side movement as the vehicle turns.

Answer B is correct. Pitman arms are used with gearboxes to control steering linkage.

Answer C is wrong. Control arms are used to control axle movement as the vehicle accelerates and travels over bumps in the road.

Answer D is wrong. Strut rods are used to prevent forward and backward axle movement.

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9. On cold mornings, the TPMS warning lamp on a vehicle with a tire pressure monitoring system stays illuminated for several minutes before it goes out. Which of the following is MOST likely causing this condition.

  • A. A clogged TPMS sensor.
  • B. Worn tread on one of the tires.
  • C. TPMS initialization.
  • D. Low tire air pressure.

9.

Answer A is wrong. A TPMS sensor has a port to sense the tire's air pressure. If it becomes clogged, the sensor will indicate low air pressure to the module, and the TPMS light will stay illuminated until repaired. Recommended air pressures are on the sticker on the driver's side door or door jam.

Answer B is wrong. The TPMS sensor senses air pressure, use a tread depth gauge to measure the tread depth of the tire.

Answer C is wrong. Initialization is a process of synchronizing a sensor to the controller. It senses and registers important information like the sensor's ID.

Answer D is correct. When the light stays on for several minutes of driving and then goes out, one of the tires could have low air pressure. As the tire heats from driving, the air pressure increases, and the light goes out. Check all four tires and the spare for proper air pressure.

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10. Technician A says the power steering pressure switch sends a signal to the PCM to increase idle speed while parking. Technician B says variable-assist steering provides maximum pressure at highway speeds. Who is correct?

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

10.

Answer A is correct. The variable-assist power steering system offers maximum pressure while performing parking maneuvers and reduced pressure at highway speeds.

Answer B is wrong. It is typically accomplished by controlling and varying the pressure to the steering gear or rack.

Answer C is wrong. When these systems fail, there steering will feel sloppy at highway speeds.

Answer D is wrong. The system’s normal state is in the open position, allowing full system pressure.

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