ASE Test Prep Manual A4 Automobile Suspension & Steering
by Motorage, Most recent edition

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The Motor Age Self-Study Guide for the A4 Automobile Suspension & Steering ASE Test contains:

• Tips on preparing for and taking the ASE test.
• The A4 ASE Test Task List, which lists the knowledge that a technician must have to pass the A4 ASE test.
• Comprehensive Steering, Suspension, Wheel Alignment, and Wheel and Tire diagnostic information, symptom descriptions and probable causes, repairs including disassembly, cleaning, inspection, repair, adjustment and assembly procedures.
• A Practice Test, with all questions written in the ASE style. The answers to the Practice Test questions contain thorough explanations for each answer.
• A comprehensive Glossary, including all suspension and steering-related terms used in the Study Guide.

In addition to the easy-to-read text, the Motor Age A4 Suspension & Steering Self-Study Guide contains dozens of useful illustrations.  You ll also find the Motor Age A4 Suspension & Steering Self-Study Guide to be a handy reference manual that you can use on the job after you ve taken the ASE test.

ASE A4 Auto Test Prep Study Guide Suspension & Steering

A. Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair (10 questions)
  Steering Columns (3 questions)
a. Diagnose steering column noises and steering effort concerns (including manual and electronic tilt and telescoping mechanisms); determine needed repairs.
b. Inspect and replace steering column, steering shaft U-joint(s), flexible coupling(s), collapsible columns, steering wheels (includes steering wheels and columns equipped with air bags and/or other steering wheel/column mounted controls, sensors, and components).
c. Disarm, enable, and properly handle airbag system components during vehicle service following manufacturers’ procedures.
  Steering Units (4 questions)
a. Diagnose steering gear (non-rack and pinion type) noises, binding, vibration, freeplay, steering effort, steering pull (lead), and leakage concerns; determine needed repairs.
b. Diagnose rack and pinion steering gear noises, binding, vibration, freeplay, steering effort, steering pull (lead), and leakage concerns; determine needed repairs.
c. Inspect power steering fluid level and condition; determine fluid type and adjust fluid level in accordance with vehicle manufacturers’ recommendations.
d. Inspect, adjust, align, and replace power steering pump belt(s), tensioners and pulleys.
e. Diagnose power steering pump noises, vibration, and fluid leakage; determine needed repairs.
f. Remove and replace power steering pump; inspect pump mounting and attaching brackets; remove and replace power steering pump pulley; transfer related components
g. Perform power steering system pressure and flow tests; determine needed repairs.
h. Inspect and replace power steering hoses, fittings, O -rings, coolers, and filters.
i. Remove and replace steering gear (non-rack and pinion type).
j. Remove and replace rack and pinion steering gear; inspect and replace mounting bushings and brackets.
k. Adjust steering gear (non-rack and pinion type) worm bearing preload and sector lash.
l. Inspect and replace steering gear (non-rack and pinion type) seals and gaskets.
m. Adjust rack and pinion steering gear.
n. Inspect and replace rack and pinion steering gear bellows/boots.
o. Flush, fill, and bleed power steering system.
p. Diagnose, inspect, repair or replace components of variable-assist steering systems.
  Steering Linkage (3 questions)
a. Inspect and adjust (where applicable) front and rear steering linkage geometry (including parallelism and vehicle ride height).
b. Inspect and replace pitman arm.
c. Inspect and replace center link (relay rod/drag link/intermediate rod).
d. Inspect, adjust (where applicable), and replace idler arm(s) and mountings.
e. Inspect, replace, and adjust tie rods, tie rod sleeves/adjusters, clamps, and tie rod ends (sockets/bushings).
f. Inspect and replace steering linkage damper(s).

B. Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair (13 questions)
  Front Suspensions (6 questions)
a. Diagnose front suspension system noises, handling, ride height and ride quality concerns; determine needed repairs.
b. Inspect and replace upper and lower control arms, bushings and shafts.
c. Inspect and replace rebound and jounce bumpers.
d. Inspect, adjust, and replace track bar, strut rods/radius arms and related mounts/bushings.
e. Inspect and replace upper and lower ball joints (with or without wear indicators).
f. Inspect non-independent front axle assembly for damage and misalignment.
g. Inspect and replace front steering knuckle/spindle assemblies and steering arms.
h. Inspect and replace front suspension system coil springs and spring insulators (silencers).
i. Inspect and replace front suspension system leaf spring(s), leaf spring insulators (silencers), shackles, brackets, bushings, center pins/bolts and mounts.
j. Inspect, replace, and adjust front suspension system torsion bars and mounts.
k. Inspect and replace front stabilizer bar (sway bar) bushings, brackets, and links.
l. Inspect and replace front strut cartridge or assembly.
m. Inspect and replace front strut bearing and mount.
  Rear Suspensions (5 questions)
a. Diagnose rear suspension system noises, handling, ride height and ride quality concerns; determine needed repairs.
b. Inspect and replace rear suspension system coil springs and spring insulators (silencers).
c. Inspect and replace rear suspension system lateral links/arms (track bars), control (trailing) arms, stabilizer bars (sway bars), bushings, and mounts.
d. Inspect and replace rear suspension system leaf spring(s), leaf spring insulators (silencers), shackles, brackets, bushings, center pins/bolts and mounts.
e. Inspect and replace rear rebound and jounce bumpers.
f. Inspect and replace rear strut cartridge or assembly, and upper mount assembly.
g. Inspect non-independent rear axle assembly for damage and misalignment.
h. Inspect and replace rear ball joints and tie rod/toe link assemblies.
i.Inspect and replace rear knuckle/spindle assembly.

C. Related Suspension and Steering Service (2 questions)
a. Inspect and replace shock absorbers, mounts, and bushings.
b. Diagnose and service front and/or rear wheel bearings/hub assemblies.
c. Diagnose, inspect, adjust, repair or replace components (including sensors, switches, actuators, and control units) of electronically controlled suspension systems (including primary and supplemental air suspension and ride control systems).
d. Inspect and repair front and/or rear cradle (crossmember/subframe) mountings, bushings, brackets, and bolts.
e. Diagnose, inspect, adjust, repair or replace components (including sensors, switches, actuators, and control units) of electronically controlled hydraulic, and electrically assisted steering systems; initialize system as required.
f. Diagnose, inspect, repair or replace components of power steering idle speed compensation systems.

D. Wheel Alignment Diagnosis, Adjustment, and Repair (12 questions)
a. Diagnose vehicle wander, drift, pull, hard steering, bump steer (toe curve), memory steer, torque steer, and steering return concerns; determine needed repairs.
b. Measure vehicle ride height; determine needed repairs.
c. Measure front and rear wheel camber; determine needed repairs.
d. Adjust front and/or rear wheel camber on suspension systems with a camber adjustment.
e. Measure caster; determine needed repairs.
f. Adjust caster on suspension systems with a caster adjustment.
g. Measure and adjust front wheel toe.
h. Center the steering wheel.
i. Measure toe-out-on-turns (turning radius/angle); determine needed repairs.
j. Measure SAI/KPI (steering axis inclination/king pin inclination); determine needed repairs.
k. Measure included angle; determine needed repairs.
l. Measure rear wheel toe; determine needed repairs or adjustments.
m. Measure thrust angle; determine needed repairs or adjustments.
n. Measure front wheelbase setback/offset; determine needed repairs or adjustments.
o. Check front and/or rear cradle (crossmember/subframe) alignment; determine needed repairs or adjustments.

E. Wheel and Tire Diagnosis and Service (5 questions)
a. Diagnose tire wear patterns; determine needed repairs.
b. Inspect tire condition, size, and application (load and speed ratings).
c. Measure and adjust tire air pressure.
d. Diagnose wheel/tire vibration, shimmy, and noise concerns; determine needed repairs.
e. Rotate tires/wheels and torque fasteners according to manufacturers’ recommendations.
f. Measure wheel, tire, axle flange, and hub runout (radial and lateral); determine needed repairs.
g. Diagnose tire pull (lead) problems; determine corrective actions.
h. Dismount and mount tire on wheel.
i. Balance wheel and tire assembly.
j. Test and diagnose tire pressure monitoring systems (direct and indirect); determine needed repairs.