ASE A4 Steering Suspension Practice Test

26. The steering wheel of a vehicle with a power rack and pinion steering system is binding when the driver makes a turn. Which of the following is LEAST likely to cause this condition?

  • A. Strut mount bearing.
  • B. Worn rack bushings.
  • C. Worn rack and pinion gear.
  • D. Lower ball joint.

26.

Answer A is wrong. Strut mount bearings wear and lose lubrication. This wear causes them to bind while cornering. A worn strut mount also causes a thunking sound when going over bumps in the road.

Answer B is correct. Worn rack bushings aren't likely to bind; they affect toe and cause a vehicle to wander.

Answer C is wrong. A worn power steering rack gear can cause binding.

Answer D is wrong. A faulty or dry ball joint results in binding felt while cornering.

27. Technician A says a crooked or misaligned engine cradle on a front-wheel-drive vehicle affects its camber angles. Technician B says an out of specification camber angle results in tire wear. Who is correct?

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

27.

Answer A is wrong. A misaligned or loose engine cradle affects the vehicle's wheel alignment angles. The engine cradle has the lower control arms attached.

Answer B is wrong. An incorrect camber angle results in excessive steering pull and tire wear.

Answer C is correct. Both technicians are correct.

Answer D is wrong. Both technicians are correct.

28. After installing a power steering gear, the vehicle's airbag light stays illuminated. Technician A says to adjust the alignment angles to repair this light. Technician B says to check for a damaged clockspring. Who is correct?

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

28.

Answer A is wrong. The vehicle must be aligned, but replacing the rack should not illuminate the airbag light.

Answer B is correct. Use a steering wheel lock to hold the wheel while installing a steering gear; the clockspring can break creating an open in the airbag circuit.

Answer C is wrong. Technician B is correct.

Answer D is wrong. Technician B is correct.

29. The left front wheel is sitting back 1 1/8 inches further than the other. Technician A says this is an acceptable setback and designed into the vehicle to compensate for crowned roads. Technician B says front wheel setback causes a vehicle to drift towards the side with the most wheel setback. Who is correct?

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

29.

Answer A is wrong. 1 1/8 inches is an excessive setback; most vehicles have little (~1/4 in or less) or none. This vehicle may have been in a collision. Look for a bent part and other front end damage.

Answer B is correct. A vehicle drifts to the side with the most setback.

Answer C is wrong. Some wheel setback can be factored in to compensate for road crowning.

Answer D is wrong. Technician B is correct.

alignment chart

30. The vehicle in the alignment chart pulls to the right. Technician A says this is because a vehicle pulls to the side with the most camber. Technician B says this is because the vehicle's caster angle is out of specifications. Who is correct?

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

30.

Answer A is correct. The vehicle in the chart has excessive camber, beyond the .5 degree tolerance in the specifications on the right front wheel. It causes the vehicle to pull to the right because a vehicle pulls to the side with the most camber.

Answer B is wrong. The caster readings are within specifications.

Answer C is wrong. Technician A is correct.

Answer D is wrong. Technician A is correct.