ASE A4 Steering and Suspension Practice Test

56. A vehicle's front wheels have excessive positive camber on one side and excessive negative camber on the other. Which of these is MOST likely causing this condition?

  • A. The rear axle has shifted.
  • B. The engine cradle has shifted.
  • C. Low tire pressure.
  • D. Loose tie rods.

56.

Answer A is wrong. A crooked or misaligned engine cradle will affect a vehicle's camber angle.

Answer B is correct. The engine cradle has both lower control arms attached. These control arms affect the vehicle's alignment angles.

Answer C is wrong. Excessive camber angles result in pull and tire wear. The steering will pull to the side with the most positive (+) camber.

Answer D is wrong. Most cradles have alignment holes/pins that assist in cradle alignment.

57. Technician A says the (SAI) steering axis inclination is built-in by the manufacturer and not adjustable. Technician B says SAI and the caster angle affect the steering wheel return to center. Who is correct?

  • A. Technician A
  • B. Technician B
  • C. Both A and B
  • D. Neither A or B

57.

Answer A is wrong. The SAI and camber angle (included angle) causes the front of the vehicle to lift a little while turning. The vehicle's weight helps return the steering wheel to the center.

Answer B is wrong. A positive caster angle provides steering wheel returnability.

Answer C is correct. Steering axis inclination is built-in by the manufacturer and is not adjustable. Positive caster and the SAI angle provide greater stability and better steering wheel return to center.

Answer D is wrong. The caster angle is viewed from the side of the vehicle, and the SAI angle is from the front.

58. The compressor of an air suspension system runs continuously. All of the following statements are correct EXCEPT:

  • A. Disable the system before lifting the vehicle.
  • B. Use soapy water to search for leaks.
  • C. The airbag compressor's relay is stuck open.
  • D. Use a scanner to retrieve fault codes.

58.

Answer A is wrong. Lifting a vehicle without disabling or turning this switch off may cause damage to the air suspension system.

Answer B is wrong. Spraying the suspected area with soapy water helps detect any leaks in the system.

Answer C is correct. The compressor will not run with an open in the compressor's circuit. Follow the manufacturer's procedures and specifications when testing circuits.

Answer D is wrong. Factory systems are usually computer-controlled. Use a scanner to retrieve fault codes that identify which part of the system to troubleshoot.

An automotive schematic diagram.

59. Technician A says an open at point A in the diagram above will result in an inoperative power steering system. Technician B says resistance at point C will result in the power steering control module losing communication with the steering angle sensor. Who is correct?

  • A. Technician A
  • B. Technician B
  • C. Both A and B
  • D. Neither A or B

59.

Answer A is correct. The control module requires voltage. The electric power steering will warn the driver and not function with an open in the wire from the 60 amp fuse to the control module.

Answer B is wrong. In the diagram, the steering angle sensor is connected directly to the power steering ECU. The power steering ECU receives and shares information over the CAN.

Answer C is wrong. Technician A is correct.

Answer D is wrong. Click the Read More button for more on the steering angle sensor.

60. The steering column squeaks while making sharp turns. Technician A says this could be caused by the clockspring. Technician B says this could be caused by the steering column bearings. Who is correct?

  • A. Technician A
  • B. Technician B
  • C. Both A and B
  • D. Neither A or B

60.

Answer A is wrong. The clockspring maintains a constant connection between the airbag control unit and the airbag. They can wear and can become noisy.

Answer B is wrong. When the wheel is turned, worn or faulty bearings cause a grinding or humming noise. A failed upper column bearing can result in an unsafe, wobbly steering wheel, making it difficult to steer the vehicle.

Answer C is correct. Both technicians are correct.

Answer D is wrong. Both technicians are correct.