ASE Practice Test #4 2

Question 1

A vehicle with rack-and-pinion steering has excess play in the steering wheel (more than 2 inches of free play). What is the MOST likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Worn rack-and-pinion internal gear (rack yoke wear), worn tie rod ends, or a loose steering column coupling

Answer

Over-inflated front tires

Answer

Incorrect front wheel alignment

Answer

Seized steering rack causing binding

Question 2

A technician is replacing the timing chain on an OHC (overhead cam) engine. What critical adjustment must be made before installing the new chain?

Accepted Answer

Set the engine to TDC on cylinder 1 compression stroke and align all camshaft and crankshaft timing marks

Answer

Set the engine to BDC on cylinder 1

Answer

Remove all spark plugs before TDC positioning

Answer

Align only the crankshaft sprocket mark — camshaft marks are optional

Question 3

What is the purpose of "brake bias" in vehicle brake system design?

Accepted Answer

To distribute brake force front-to-rear in proportion to weight transfer during braking, ensuring optimal stopping performance without rear wheel lockup

Answer

To make one axle brake harder than the other in all conditions

Answer

To provide more braking force to whichever wheels are on wet pavement

Answer

To reduce brake pedal effort on the driver's foot

Question 4

A gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine has been diagnosed with excessive carbon deposits on the intake valves. What is the root cause specific to GDI engines?

Accepted Answer

In GDI engines, fuel is injected directly into the cylinder (not the intake port), so there is no fuel washing over the intake valve backsides to clean off oil vapor deposits from PCV and valve stem seals

Answer

The engine runs too rich causing carbon buildup from over-fueling

Answer

The catalytic converter is contaminating intake air with carbon

Answer

The spark plugs are incorrect for the engine, causing incomplete combustion

Question 5

What is the purpose of measuring valve stem-to-guide clearance in a cylinder head rebuild?

Accepted Answer

To ensure the valve stem moves freely without side play that causes oil burning and without so much clearance that the valve rattles or seats improperly

Answer

To determine camshaft lobe lift

Answer

To calculate intake port volume

Answer

To set valve lash clearance

Question 6

When replacing a MacPherson strut assembly, why must a wheel alignment be performed afterward?

Accepted Answer

Because the strut is a structural component of the steering/suspension geometry — replacing it alters camber and caster angles, which must be measured and adjusted to prevent tire wear and handling issues

Answer

Only if new tires are also installed

Answer

Alignment is only needed when the steering rack is replaced

Answer

The alignment changes only if the strut was damaged in a collision