Suspension and Steering Flashcards

What is the correct order for adjusting front wheel alignment angles?

Answer: Caster, camber, toe

Caster and camber adjustments change toe, so toe is always set last.

Installing aftermarket wheels with a different offset than original will most directly change the:

Answer: Scrub radius

Wheel offset moves the tire contact patch relative to the steering axis, which changes scrub radius.

Before raising a vehicle with electronic air suspension on a lift, the technician should:

Answer: Turn off the air suspension system switch

Turning off the air suspension stops the system from venting or filling springs while the vehicle is lifted, which could damage parts or shift the vehicle.

A ball joint with a wear indicator shows the grease fitting boss flush with or recessed into the socket housing. This means:

Answer: The joint is worn and should be replaced

On wear-indicator ball joints, the boss pulls back into the housing as the joint wears, so a flush or recessed boss means it is worn out.

A clunk from the rear of a leaf-spring truck when going over bumps is most likely caused by:

Answer: Worn spring shackle bushings

Worn shackle or spring-eye bushings let the leaf spring move and knock over bumps.

After setting total toe correctly, the steering wheel is off-center while driving straight. How should it be corrected?

Answer: Lengthen one tie rod and shorten the other by an equal amount

Moving both tie rods equally in opposite directions centers the steering wheel without changing total toe.

A stabilizer (sway) bar mainly reduces:

Answer: Body roll during cornering

The sway bar links the left and right suspension and resists body lean in turns.