ASE A4 Steering Suspension Practice Test

11. Technician A says the Z in P225/60R16 89Z indicates the tire's speed rating. Technician B says different size tires on the rear of a vehicle will illuminate the yellow ABS warning light. Who is correct?

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

11.

Answer A is wrong. The last letter is the speed rating. A (Z) rated tire indicates that the tire is capable of 149 mph.

Answer B is wrong. Different sized tires on the rear of a vehicle affect the ABS braking system. Because of the difference in tire size, the wheels spin at different speeds. This can result in the amber ABS warning light.

Answer C is correct. Both technicians are correct.

Answer D is wrong. A (W) rated tire is rated at 168 mph, and the (Y) found on high-performance cars, an incredible 186 mph.

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12. A vehicle's steering wheel does not return to center after completing a turn. Which of the following is MOST likely causing this condition?

  • A. A loose inner tie rod end.
  • B. A binding ball joint.
  • C. A loose outer tie rod end.
  • D. Worn stabilizer bar bushings.

12.

Answer A is wrong. Loose tie rod ends result in vehicle wander, feathered tire wear, and a popping or clunking sound while turning the steering wheel.

Answer B is correct. A binding ball joint will affect the steering wheel's ability to return to the center. It will also result in a clunking noise while turning the steering wheel.

Answer C is wrong. Check for binding (not loose) tie rod ends, idler arm, and other steering linkages. If something is binding in the column, linkage, or gearbox, the steering wheel return to the center will be affected.

Answer D is wrong. Worn stabilizer bushings affect vehicle sway while turning. *Steering wheel returnability is dependent on the caster angle, and most vehicles incorporate positive caster (~ 6° ) into both front wheels.

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13. There is a growling sound coming from the front of a vehicle that increases with vehicle speed and gets louder while turning left. Which of the following is causing this noise?

  • A. A cupped left front tire tread.
  • B. A cupped right front tire tread.
  • C. A bad left front wheel bearing.
  • D. A bad right front wheel bearing.

13.

Answer A is wrong. A cupped tire changes its pitch from one surface to another. This change in pitch is true with all tires, but much more pronounced with a cupped or scalloped tire.

Answer B is wrong. A cupped tire will make a humming or growling noise.

Answer C is wrong. The weight of the vehicle works the bearing on the outside of the turn. For instance, a faulty left front wheel bearing is loudest while turning right.

Answer D is correct. A right front wheel bearing is loudest while turning left.

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14. A vehicle with power steering requires increased effort to steer. A power steering pressure test gauge is installed to test the power steering system's flow and pressure. To measure power steering pump pressure:

  • A. Close the shutoff valve for 5 seconds.
  • B. Open the shutoff valve and hold the steering wheel against its stop for 5 seconds.
  • C. Close the shutoff valve for 30 seconds.
  • D. Open the shutoff valve and record the reading at 1000 RPM and 3000 RPM.

14.

Answer A is correct. With the gauge connected, close the shutoff valve for 5 seconds and compare it with the manufacturer's specifications. If the reading is not within specifications, the power steering pump is faulty.

Answer B is wrong. To check the gear housing for leaks, hold the steering wheel against its stop and check fluid pressure against specifications. Do not hold the wheel in this position for long. Power steering systems reach pressures above 1000 lbs per square inch.

Answer C is wrong. Never hold the shutoff valve closed for more than 5 seconds unless instructed to do so by the manufacturer. It causes the fluid to overheat, possibly damaging the power steering pump, pressure hoses, and seals.

Answer D is wrong. Check the flow control valve's operation with the shutoff valve in the open position and record the reading at 1000 RPM and 3000 RPM. Compare these two readings against specifications.

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15. After adjustments are made, the technician measures the worm shaft bearing preload and sector shaft lash of a recirculating ball steering gear. The technician should use:

  • A. An outside micrometer.
  • B. An inch-pound torque wrench.
  • C. A dial gauge.
  • D. A foot-pound torque wrench.

15.

Answer A is wrong. This adjustment will affect steering wheel free play. The steering wheel will feel loose and sloppy if under-adjusted or if the gearbox or mounting bolts are loose.

Answer B is correct. Measure worm bearing preload and sector lash with an inch-pound torque wrench. Worm bearing preload and sector gear mesh are both adjustments made to recirculating ball steering gears.

Answer C is wrong. Recirculating ball gearboxes are found on parallelogram steering linkage systems.

Answer D is wrong. Always check other items like the steering shaft u-joints and couplings, loose mounting bolts, or steering linkage before making any steering gear adjustments.

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