ASE A5 Brakes Practice Test

1. A pulsation is felt in the steering wheel only when the brakes are applied. Which of the following is most likely causing this condition?

  • A. An out-of-round tire.
  • B. Front rotor lateral runout.
  • C. A cupped tire.
  • D. Warped rear rotors.

1.

Answer A is wrong. Use a dial indicator to measure lateral runout.

Answer B is correct. The pulsation caused by excessive front rotor runout is felt more in the steering wheel. Distorted or "warped" rear rotors are felt mostly in the seat.

Answer C is wrong. Answer B is correct.

Answer D is wrong. Answer B is correct.

2. A vehicle with four-wheel disc brakes, ABS, and a vacuum brake booster has a hard brake pedal and an increased stopping distance. Which of the following is causing this condition?

  • A. Bypassing master cylinder cup seals.
  • B. A faulty brake booster.
  • C. Worn brake pads.
  • D. Air in the brake lines.

2.

Answer A is wrong. Bypassing master cylinder internal seals causes a low brake pedal that fades to the floor.

Answer B is correct. Symptoms of a faulty or leaking brake booster include a hard brake pedal, increased pedal effort, and an extended stopping distance.

Answer C is wrong. Worn brake pads result in a squeal when braking.

Answer D is wrong. Air in the brake lines results in a soft spongy brake pedal.

3. A vehicle drifts to the right while driving forward. Which of these could be the cause?

  • A. A seized left front caliper.
  • B. A restriction in the left front brake line.
  • C. Leaking master cylinder cup seals.
  • D. Sticking right front caliper slide pins.

3.

Answer A is wrong. A frozen left front caliper will cause the vehicle to pull to the right when braking.

Answer B is wrong. A restriction in the left front brake line will cause the left front brake to drag after the brakes are released.

Answer C is wrong. Leaking master cylinder cup seals result in an internal leak, causing pressure loss and the pedal to fade to the floor when braking.

Answer D is correct. The slide pins can stick in their bores, preventing sufficient braking force and causing the brake pad to drag and wear prematurely. As a result, while driving forward, the vehicle will drift or pull to the side with the dragging front brake.

4. The brake shoes on a self-energizing drum brake system require replacement. All of the following statements are correct about replacing these brake shoes EXCEPT:

  • A. The primary shoe faces the front of the vehicle.
  • B. The secondary shoe has a shorter brake shoe lining.
  • C. The secondary shoe faces the rear of the vehicle.
  • D. Shoe lining can be riveted or glued to the shoe.

4.

Answer A is wrong. The primary shoe faces the front of the vehicle.

Answer B is correct. The shoe with the shorter lining (the primary shoe) faces the front of the vehicle. Reversing the primary and secondary brake shoes results in noise, possible wheel lockup, and a pull to one side while driving forward.

Answer C is wrong. The secondary shoe faces the rear of the vehicle.

Answer D is wrong. Shoe lining can be riveted or glued to the shoe. Click or tap the Read more... button for an illustrated explanation.

5. A customer states the TCS traction control system's warning light sometimes flashes while accelerating from a stoplight. Technician A says the TCS system controls wheel spin while accelerating on slippery surfaces. Technician B says it is normal for the warning light to flash when the system is active. Who is correct?

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

5.

Answer A is wrong. The TCS traction control system controls wheel slip and loss of traction during hard and sudden acceleration by reducing engine speed or applying individual brake units.

Answer B is wrong. A flashing TCS light is a normal response to slippery road conditions. It indicates the system is activated and restoring traction to the wet or icy road surface.

Answer C is correct. Both technicians are correct.

Answer D is wrong. If the ABS and traction control light illuminate continuously, the system should be inspected and scanned for codes.