NAPA Suspension and Steering 2

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of positive caster on a front suspension?

Accepted Answer

Directional stability and steering wheel returnability

Answer

Positive caster places the tire contact patch behind the steering axis, which keeps the vehicle tracking straight and helps the steering wheel return to center.

Question 2

A vehicle pulls to the left, and the alignment readings show caster is uneven side to side. Which condition would cause this pull?

Accepted Answer

Less positive caster on the left wheel

Answer

A vehicle tends to pull toward the side with the least positive caster.

Question 3

Feathered wear across the tread face of both front tires is most commonly caused by which alignment problem?

Accepted Answer

Incorrect toe setting

Answer

Too much toe-in or toe-out scrubs the tire sideways and leaves a feathered, saw-tooth wear pattern across the tread.

Question 4

Which alignment angle normally cannot be adjusted and is mainly used to diagnose bent suspension parts?

Accepted Answer

Steering axis inclination (SAI)

Answer

SAI is set by the suspension's design, so an out-of-spec reading points to bent parts such as a strut, spindle, or control arm.

Question 5

The included angle of a front wheel is equal to:

Accepted Answer

SAI plus camber

Answer

The included angle is the sum of steering axis inclination and camber, and comparing it side to side helps find a bent spindle or strut.

NAPA - National Automotive Parts Association Certified Mechanic Practice Test

NAPA - National Automotive Parts Association Certified Mechanic Practice Test

NAPA Suspension and Steering 2