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

A brake pull (pulling only during braking) is classically caused by a sticking caliper. If the right front caliper sticks and applies less braking force than the left, more braking force acts on the left side, pulling the vehicle to the left. This only manifests during braking, not during normal driving.

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

An off-center steering wheel with no pull indicates that individual toe angles are not equal, even though total toe may be correct. If the right wheel is toed out more than the left (or left more in), the steering rack and tie rods sit in a position that places the wheel off-center.

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

Excessive negative camber (-1.5° when spec is -0.5° to -1.0°) means the tops of the tires tilt inward too much. This places more weight and contact pressure on the inner portion of the tire tread, causing accelerated wear on the inside edge of the rear tires.

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

On a rack-and-pinion steering system, inner tie rod ends (rack end ball joints) are the most common source of excessive play. These joints connect the rack to the tie rod shafts and wear allows the tie rod to move relative to the rack, contributing directly to steering wheel free play.

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

MacPherson struts are a structural component of the suspension geometry. Replacing struts changes the ride height and affects camber and caster settings. A complete four-wheel alignment is required after strut replacement to restore proper alignment angles and prevent premature tire wear.