Brake Systems & Suspension Flashcards
7 cards from real NAPA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Brake Systems & Suspension flashcards as text
In a MacPherson strut suspension, the steering axis passes through which two points?
Answer: The upper strut mount bearing and the lower ball joint
A MacPherson strut has no upper control arm, so the upper strut mount acts as the upper pivot.
On a short-long arm (SLA) suspension with the coil spring on the lower control arm, which ball joint is load-carrying?
Answer: The lower ball joint
The ball joint on the arm that supports the spring carries the vehicle's weight.
To check ball joint wear on an SLA suspension with the coil spring on the lower arm, where should the jack be placed?
Answer: Under the lower control arm, near the ball joint
Supporting the lower arm holds the spring load and unloads the load-carrying ball joint so you can measure its play.
Which tire wear pattern is most closely associated with worn shock absorbers?
Answer: Cupping (scalloped dips around the tread)
Weak dampers let the tire bounce on the road, wearing scalloped cups into the tread.
Before performing a wheel alignment, which check should be done first?
Answer: Verify ride height and tire pressure
Incorrect ride height or tire pressure changes the suspension geometry and makes alignment readings invalid.
A customer reports a clunk over bumps and more body roll in turns. Which component is most likely worn?
Answer: Stabilizer (sway) bar end links or bushings
Worn sway bar links or bushings knock over bumps and reduce the bar's ability to resist body roll.
On a vehicle with torsion bar front suspension, how is ride height typically corrected?
Answer: Turn the torsion bar adjusting (anchor) bolt
Turning the adjuster bolt changes torsion bar preload, which raises or lowers the front ride height.