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. Two technicians are discussing a vehicle with independent suspension. Technician A says a faulty strut tower will make excessive noise when going over bumps in the road. Technician B says always replace the coil springs when replacing the front struts on a vehicle. Who is correct?

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

9.

Answer A is correct. A faulty strut tower makes a thumping or clunking noise when going over bumps in the road.

Answer B is wrong. Typically when replacing struts, if the coil spring is good, it is reused, and the shock absorber/spring seat portion is replaced. A special tool is required to compress the spring.

Answer C is wrong. Technician A is correct.

Answer D is wrong. Perform a bounce test on the vehicle to see if a shock absorber or strut requires replacement.

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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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