Safety Inspections Flashcards

A vehicle pulls to the right only during braking. Which cause is most likely?

Answer: Seized caliper piston or slide on the left front

A seized left front caliper reduces braking on that side, causing the vehicle to pull toward the right.

During a safety inspection, a tire has a nail in the tread within the repairable area. What is the industry-approved repair method?

Answer: Combination patch-plug installed from inside after demounting

Industry standards call for demounting the tire and installing a patch-plug combination from the inside.

A technician pushes down on each corner of a vehicle and it continues to bounce several times. What does this indicate?

Answer: Weak or worn shock absorbers or struts

Shocks that cannot dampen oscillation let the body bounce repeatedly, reducing tire contact and stopping ability.

Which lighting condition typically causes a vehicle to fail a safety inspection?

Answer: One brake light inoperative

All required brake lights must work, so one inoperative brake lamp is a failure item.

When measuring wheel bearing play on a vehicle with a sealed hub unit, which reading generally indicates replacement?

Answer: Any noticeable end play beyond manufacturer spec, usually near 0.000 to 0.002 inch

Sealed hub units are non-adjustable and must be replaced when end play exceeds the small manufacturer limit.

A brake drum is found with a diameter larger than the maximum specification cast into it. What should the technician do?

Answer: Replace the drum

Drums beyond the maximum diameter are too thin to dissipate heat and resist cracking and must be replaced.

Technician A says windshield wipers must clear the driver's viewing area to pass inspection. Technician B says an inoperative washer system can also be a failure item in many states. Who is correct?

Answer: Both A and B

Wipers must clear the driver's view and many state inspections also require functional washers.