ASE A4 Steering Suspension Practice Test

16. EPAS Electronic Power Assist Steering systems require input from all of the following EXCEPT:

  • A. The vehicle speed sensor.
  • B. The steering angle sensor.
  • C. The power steering pressure switch.
  • D. The torque sensor.

16.

Answer A is wrong. Steering torque, angle, and vehicle speed sensor input are common to electric power steering systems.

Answer B is wrong. SAS (steering angle sensors) often require recalibration after installation.

Answer C is correct. This switch is used in hydraulic power steering systems to indicate the pressure inside the hydralulic line. The engine contol module will increase idle in high demand situations, preventing the engine's idle from dropping too low.

Answer D is wrong. The motor is on the rack and pinion or the steering column. While test driving a vehicle with EPAS, the steering should feel progressively tighter as vehicle speed increases.

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17. A vehicle with (VES) variable effort steering feels loose and sloppy at highway speeds. Technician A says a problem with the vehicle speed sensor's signal to the controller will result in this condition. Technician B says the system is not reducing hydraulic pressure at highway speeds. Who is correct?

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

17.

Answer A is wrong. The (VES) variable effort steering system controller uses the VSS signal. It provides less pressure at highway speeds resulting in a tighter feel. If the wheel feels loose or sloppy at highway speeds, suspect a fault in the VSS, it's circuit or controller.

Answer B is wrong. An open or short in the solenoid or related circuit inhibits operation. Test an EVO solenoid for resistance with an ohmmeter and specifications.

Answer C is correct. If the steering feels sloppy at highway speeds, the variable orifice is not functioning and providing too much pressure.

Answer D is wrong. The orifice can become clogged, resulting in less assist during parking maneuvers.

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18. A vehicle with a ribbed serpentine belt makes a chirping sound when it's first started in the morning. Which of the following is the LEAST likely cause of this noise?

  • A. A worn serpentine belt.
  • B. Aerated power steering fluid.
  • C. A weak belt tensioner.
  • D. Moisture.

18.

Answer A is wrong. As automotive belts wear, they stretch and lose elasticity, making them vulnerable to noise and cracking.

Answer B is correct. Aerated power steering fluid results in a moaning sound from the pump whenever the steering wheel is turned. The chirp is most likely related to the accessory/serpentine belt.

Answer C is wrong. A weak belt tensioner results in a chirping or squealing sound. If a serpentine belt wears excessively on one of the edges, check pulley alignment.

Answer D is wrong. Condensation collects overnight and causes a squeak when the engine is first started. The serpentine belt or tensioner may need to be adjusted or replaced.

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19. Even at low speeds, a vehicle leans and has excessive body sway when turning. Which of the following is MOST likely causing this sway?

  • A. Worn control arm bushings.
  • B. A worn idler arm.
  • C. A binding ball joint.
  • D. Worn stabilizer bar bushings.

19.

Answer A is wrong. The worn or mis-adjusted control arm is not likely to cause this condition.

Answer B is wrong. An worn idler arm is not likely to cause this condition.

Answer C is wrong. A worn ball joint is not likely to cause this condition.

Answer D is correct. The stabilizer bar or sway bar helps control vehicle roll or sway while cornering. Worn and broken sway bar bushings will result in excessive sway while cornering.

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20. After torquing a tapered ball joint to the spindle, the technician backs off the castle nut to install the cotter pin. Technician A says this procedure keeps the ball joint from binding. Technician B says this results in a loose fit and a clunking or popping sound. Who is correct?

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

20.

Answer A is wrong. Whenever tightening a castle nut onto a tapered fitting like a ball joint, never back it off to install the cotter pin. It results in a loose fit and movement between parts.

Answer B is correct. Ball joints allow the spindle to swivel as the vehicle turns. A clunking or popping sound occurs if there's excessive clearance between the ball and socket.

Answer C is wrong. They provide for up and down movement as the vehicle brakes and travels over bumps in the road.

Answer D is wrong. Conventional systems found on older passenger cars and many of today’s light trucks have two ball joints; a load-bearing ball joint and a follower ball joint.

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