ASE Practice Test (A4: Suspension & Steering) 2

Question 1

A vehicle pulls to the left during hard braking but tracks straight during normal driving. What is the MOST likely cause?

Accepted Answer

A seized or sticking brake caliper on the right front wheel

Answer

Incorrect front wheel alignment — excessive caster difference side to side

Answer

Worn left front strut causing nose dive during braking

Answer

Excessive positive camber on the left front wheel

Question 2

A customer reports that the steering wheel is off-center (turned slightly to the right when driving straight). The vehicle tracks straight and there is no pull. What is the MOST likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Unequal toe settings on the front wheels

Answer

Incorrect caster setting on one front wheel

Answer

The steering wheel was installed in the incorrect position on the column shaft

Answer

Unequal camber settings causing a pull the driver is correcting

Question 3

When performing a wheel alignment, a technician finds the rear camber is -1.5° on both sides, and the rear toe is 0.0° on both sides. The specification is -0.5° to -1.0° camber and 0.1° to 0.3° toe-in. Which tire wear pattern would result from the out-of-spec camber?

Accepted Answer

Wear on the inside edge of the rear tires

Answer

Even wear across the tread

Answer

Wear on the outside edge of the rear tires

Answer

Cupping or scalloping across the tread

Question 4

A technician is performing a steering system inspection and finds excessive play in the steering wheel (more than 2 inches before the wheels respond). The steering is rack and pinion type. Where should the technician look FIRST?

Accepted Answer

Inner tie rod ends (ball joints on the rack)

Answer

Outer tie rod ends

Answer

Rack and pinion mounting bushings

Answer

Steering column U-joint

Question 5

A technician is replacing front struts on a vehicle with MacPherson strut suspension. After reassembly, what is the MOST important post-repair step?

Accepted Answer

Perform a four-wheel alignment

Answer

Lubricate the new strut with chassis grease before installation

Answer

Road test to verify strut action before aligning

Answer

Replace the front wheel bearings since they were disturbed during the repair

Question 6

A technician notices that a coil spring on a front strut assembly is cracked at the bottom coil. The customer reports no complaints about handling or ride quality. What should be recommended?

Accepted Answer

Replace both front springs as a pair immediately

Answer

Monitor the spring for further cracking — replace when the customer notices handling issues

Answer

Replace only the cracked spring since the vehicle is riding normally

Answer

Apply epoxy to the crack to restore spring integrity