ASE A4 study plan
ASE A4 · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
Steering Systems
Identify the major components of a rack-and-pinion and recirculating-ball steering system and state the function of each
Explain how power steering pressure and flow are generated, regulated, and relieved in a hydraulic system
Diagnose three common steering complaints (hard steering, wander, fluid leak) by listing the tests you would perform in order
Describe the correct procedure for inspecting and servicing a steering gear, tie rod ends, and bellows boots
Your checkpoint
A one-page steering system map: components, fluid flow path, and a 3-column table matching each of the three complaints to its tests
Steering Systems & Suspension Systems
Differentiate parallelogram, rack-and-pinion, and electric power steering assist failure symptoms
Identify front and rear suspension types (MacPherson strut, double wishbone, multilink, solid axle) and label their load-bearing parts
Test shock absorbers and struts for wear and state the pass/fail criteria you would apply
Inspect springs, bushings, ball joints, and sway bar links and rank findings by safety urgency
Your checkpoint
A written 10-item suspension and steering inspection checklist with pass/fail criteria and urgency ranking for each item
Suspension Systems
Explain how spring rate, ride height, and jounce/rebound travel interact and predict the effect of a collapsed spring
Diagnose ball joint and control arm bushing wear using load/unload and dry-park tests
Describe the safety procedures for compressing and replacing coil springs and struts
Distinguish ride-quality complaints from handling complaints and list the components most likely responsible for each
Your checkpoint
A diagnostic decision flow for five suspension symptoms (clunk, bottoming out, uneven tire wear, pull, body roll) with the top two suspect components each
Wheel Alignment
Define camber, caster, toe, steering axis inclination, and thrust angle and state the handling effect of each
Convert between degrees/minutes and decimal degrees and interpret a printed alignment specification sheet
Explain the correct sequence of alignment adjustments and why thrust angle is set before front toe
Identify the causes of a vehicle that pulls, a crooked steering wheel, and off-center toe readings
Your checkpoint
A completed alignment worksheet: 6 unit conversions, plus a before/after spec table for a simulated vehicle with your recommended adjustment order written out
Wheel Alignment & Wheels and Tires
Perform a pre-alignment inspection sequence and list the conditions that must be corrected before measuring
Describe how ride height, tire pressure, and steering wheel position affect alignment readings
Identify irregular tire wear patterns (cupping, feathering, one-shoulder, center wear) and match each to a likely alignment or inflation cause
Explain how a bent strut or worn control arm bushing changes camber and caster
Your checkpoint
A tire-wear-to-cause reference chart with at least six wear patterns, the alignment angle or component implicated, and the corrective action
Wheels and Tires
Read a tire sidewall and decode size, load index, speed rating, DOT date code, and maximum inflation
Explain tire construction (radial vs. bias, tread design, sidewall stiffness) and how each affects ride and handling
Describe TPMS indirect and direct systems, sensor relearn procedures, and common false-trigger causes
Diagnose vibration complaints by separating tire/wheel, hub, and driveline causes and stating the balancing and runout checks used
Your checkpoint
A tire and wheel diagnostic sheet: sidewall decode exercise plus a vibration isolation table listing at least five complaint patterns and the confirming test for each
Wheels and Tires & Miscellaneous (Related Suspension and Steering Diagnosis and Repair)
Explain wheel offset, backspacing, bolt pattern, and hub-centric vs. lug-centric mounting and their effects on handling and bearing load
Describe the procedures for mounting, balancing, and torqueing wheels to specification, including torque-stick and star-pattern use
Diagnose wheel bearing noise, runout, and looseness and distinguish each from tire and brake noise
Identify subframe, cradle, and steering column components that affect alignment and describe inspection methods for each
Your checkpoint
A wheel service and bearing diagnosis summary: torque procedure checklist plus a three-symptom comparison table separating bearing, tire, and brake noise
Steering Systems & Suspension Systems & Wheel Alignment & Wheels and Tires & Miscellaneous (Related Suspension and Steering Diagnosis and Repair)
Integrate all five domains into a full-vehicle diagnostic sequence for a pull-and-vibration complaint
Re-test the weakest two domains using timed practice questions and record every missed concept
Recite the alignment angle definitions, tire sidewall fields, and torque/safety rules without notes
Build a personal list of the ten facts you are most likely to forget and rehearse them
Your checkpoint
A timed 40-question self-test scored at 80% or better, plus a written remediation list for every missed item
Milestones
Week 2: Can name the parts and failure symptoms of rack-and-pinion, recirculating-ball, and electric power steering, and can explain strut vs. double-wishbone load paths without notes
Week 4: Can define all five alignment angles, convert degrees/minutes to decimals accurately, and state the correct adjustment order for a four-wheel alignment
Week 6: Can decode a complete tire sidewall and match at least six irregular wear patterns to their causes, and can explain TPMS relearn and balance/runout checks
Week 8: Scores 80% or higher on a timed 40-question mixed-domain practice test and has a written remediation list for every missed item