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ASE B3 Non-Structural Analysis & Damage Repair study materials
ASE B3 Non-Structural Analysis & Damage Repair study resources

ASE B3 Non-Structural Analysis & Damage Repair practice questions

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Question 1Preparation and Damage Analysis

A vehicle is brought in with a dent in a door outer panel where the metal is stretched and crowned outward. Which damage classification best describes this condition?

  1. Direct damage with stretch Correct answer.
  2. Inherent stress relief
  3. Corrosion-related fatigue
  4. Indirect damage from energy transfer

Explanation

Direct damage occurs at the point of impact, and metal that is crowned outward indicates the panel has been stretched by the impact force. Indirect damage appears elsewhere as the structure absorbs and transfers energy.

Question 2Preparation and Damage Analysis

During a pre-repair inspection, a technician notes a gap between the hood and fender that is uneven from front to rear. What is the most appropriate first step?

  1. Sand and refinish the fender edge
  2. Compare measurements to factory specifications Correct answer.
  3. Replace the hood hinges immediately
  4. Adjust the hood bumper stops

Explanation

Uneven gaps can result from hinge wear, misalignment, or structural movement, so the technician must first measure against factory specifications to determine the cause before choosing a repair. Replacing parts or adjusting stops without diagnosis risks masking structural damage.

Question 3Preparation and Damage Analysis

Which tool is used to measure the thickness of paint and body filler on a steel panel before repair?

  1. Micrometer
  2. Feeler gauge
  3. Dial caliper
  4. Electronic paint thickness gauge Correct answer.

Explanation

An electronic paint thickness gauge uses magnetic or eddy-current principles to measure coating thickness over steel or aluminum without damaging the finish. This helps identify prior bodywork and filler depth.

Question 4Preparation and Damage Analysis

A collision has pushed the front bumper rearward, and the technician observes buckling in the quarter panel several feet away. What does this buckling most likely indicate?

  1. Improper panel alignment at the factory
  2. Cosmetic paint cracking
  3. Normal flex from suspension travel
  4. Energy transfer through the structure Correct answer.

Explanation

Buckling distant from the impact point is a classic sign that collision energy traveled through the body structure, producing indirect damage. This indicates the technician must inspect structural members, not just the bumper.

Question 5Preparation and Damage Analysis

What does the term "control point" refer to during collision damage analysis?

  1. A fastener torque specification
  2. The center of the wheelbase
  3. A reference location with known factory dimensions used for measurement Correct answer.
  4. The point where the technician stands while inspecting

Explanation

Control points are specific locations on the vehicle with published factory dimensions that technicians use as references when measuring for structural damage. Comparing actual measurements to these references reveals misalignment.

Question 6Preparation and Damage Analysis

Which of the following best describes the purpose of a damage report during the preparation phase?

  1. To satisfy warranty registration requirements
  2. To list parts ordered from the supplier
  3. To document findings and support the repair plan and estimate Correct answer.
  4. To record only the customer's insurance information

Explanation

A damage report captures inspection findings, measurements, and identified damage so that a repair plan and estimate can be built from documented evidence. It supports communication among technician, estimator, and insurer.

Question 7Preparation and Damage Analysis

A technician is preparing to repair a panel and needs to identify whether the steel is high-strength. Which action is most appropriate?

  1. Strike the panel with a hammer and listen
  2. Test with a magnet only
  3. Assume all outer panels are mild steel
  4. Check the vehicle's body repair information for material identification Correct answer.

Explanation

High-strength and ultra-high-strength steels require specific repair procedures and heat restrictions, so the technician must consult the vehicle maker's body repair information to identify materials. Guessing can lead to unsafe repairs.

Question 8Preparation and Damage Analysis

What is the primary reason for washing a vehicle before beginning damage analysis?

  1. To remove contaminants that hide damage and interfere with inspection Correct answer.
  2. To prepare the surface for wax
  3. To improve the appearance for the customer
  4. To test the water seals

Explanation

Dirt, mud, and road film can conceal scratches, cracks, and small dents, so cleaning the vehicle first ensures a complete and accurate inspection. Clean surfaces also allow proper use of inspection tools.

Question 9Preparation and Damage Analysis

A technician measures a unitized body and finds the strut tower is 8 mm out of specification. Which conclusion is most appropriate?

  1. The measurement tool is faulty
  2. Structural damage has likely occurred and requires further analysis Correct answer.
  3. Only the suspension needs alignment
  4. The vehicle can be released because 8 mm is within tolerance

Explanation

A strut tower measurement outside factory tolerance indicates the structural member has moved, which requires further analysis and likely straightening on a measuring system. Releasing the vehicle without correction risks handling and tire wear problems.

Question 10Preparation and Damage Analysis

When inspecting a collision-damaged vehicle, why should the technician check panel gaps on both sides of the vehicle?

  1. To compare symmetry and detect structural shift Correct answer.
  2. To verify the radio antenna position
  3. To determine paint color match
  4. To check tire pressure

Explanation

Comparing gaps side to side reveals asymmetry that indicates structural movement or misalignment. Symmetry checks are a fast way to spot indirect damage before precise measuring.

Question 11Preparation and Damage Analysis

A vehicle uses aluminum for the hood and fenders. Which inspection consideration is most important for the technician?

  1. Aluminum requires dedicated tools and isolation from steel to prevent corrosion Correct answer.
  2. Aluminum panels do not show dents
  3. Aluminum cannot be repaired and must always be replaced
  4. Aluminum is always thicker than steel

Explanation

Aluminum requires separate tools to avoid cross-contamination and galvanic corrosion when particles embed in steel or vice versa. Technicians must also follow maker-specific repair limits for aluminum.

Question 12Preparation and Damage Analysis

During damage analysis, a technician finds a kink in the frame rail behind the front wheel. What does a kink typically indicate?

  1. Localized buckling from compressive or bending force Correct answer.
  2. Surface rust only
  3. A loose fastener
  4. Normal manufacturing mark

Explanation

A kink is a sharp bend or buckle in a structural member caused by force exceeding the metal's elastic limit. It signals that the rail absorbed collision energy and must be repaired or replaced per maker procedures.

Question 13Preparation and Damage Analysis

A technician is setting up a vehicle on a bench measuring system. Why is it important to verify the vehicle is level and properly supported?

  1. To improve radio reception
  2. To ensure measurement reference points are accurate Correct answer.
  3. To make the vehicle easier to wash
  4. To reduce paint drying time

Explanation

Measurement accuracy depends on the vehicle being level and correctly supported so that reference points align with the measuring system's datum. Improper setup introduces error into every measurement taken.

Question 14Preparation and Damage Analysis

Which of the following best describes "direct damage" in collision repair terminology?

  1. Damage discovered during a later repair
  2. Damage caused by improper towing
  3. Damage from environmental exposure
  4. Damage caused by the impact at the point of contact Correct answer.

Explanation

Direct damage is the deformation occurring where the colliding object contacted the vehicle. Indirect damage is the resulting distortion elsewhere in the structure.

Question 15Preparation and Damage Analysis

A technician observes that a door will not close flush after a side impact. Which diagnostic step should be taken before adjusting the door?

  1. Adjust the striker without measuring
  2. Order a new door skin
  3. Measure the door opening and hinge pillars for movement Correct answer.
  4. Replace the door latch

Explanation

A door that will not close flush after impact may indicate the hinge pillar or door opening has moved. Measuring the opening before adjusting or replacing parts prevents chasing symptoms and ensures structural correction first.

Question 16Preparation and Damage Analysis

What is the purpose of a pre-repair scan or diagnostic check during damage analysis?

  1. To reprogram the radio presets
  2. To retrieve stored diagnostic trouble codes and confirm electronic system status Correct answer.
  3. To check tire tread depth
  4. To verify the paint code

Explanation

Modern vehicles contain many electronic systems that can store faults or require calibration after collision. A pre-repair scan documents existing codes and helps identify systems affected by the impact before repairs begin.

Question 17Preparation and Damage Analysis

A technician is evaluating whether a panel should be repaired or replaced. Which factor is most relevant to this decision?

  1. The tire brand
  2. The customer's preferred color
  3. The extent of deformation relative to maker repair limits Correct answer.
  4. The age of the technician

Explanation

Repair versus replace decisions hinge on whether the damage can be corrected within the vehicle maker's published repair limits and procedures. Exceeding those limits can compromise strength and safety.

Question 18Preparation and Damage Analysis

When documenting damage, why should the technician photograph measurements and reference points?

  1. To use as advertising material
  2. To create a record supporting the repair plan and any insurance claim Correct answer.
  3. To avoid using a measuring system
  4. To replace the written estimate

Explanation

Photographic records of measurements and reference points provide objective evidence that supports the repair plan, supplements the estimate, and can substantiate insurance claims or supplement requests.

Question 19Preparation and Damage Analysis

A technician finds that a front fender-to-hood gap is tight at the front and wide at the rear. Which condition most likely causes this pattern?

  1. The radiator support is bent upward
  2. The hood is too short
  3. The paint is too thick
  4. The fender is shifted rearward at its front attachment Correct answer.

Explanation

A gap that is tight at one end and wide at the other indicates the panel is rotated or shifted along its mounting points. Adjusting the fender attachment position corrects the taper.

Question 20Preparation and Damage Analysis

What is the purpose of checking a vehicle's underbody and suspension mounting points during damage analysis?

  1. To estimate fuel economy
  2. To check the spare tire
  3. To identify hidden structural or mounting damage not visible from above Correct answer.
  4. To verify the stereo system

Explanation

Underbody inspection reveals damage to frame rails, floor pans, and suspension mounting points that cannot be seen from above. Missing this damage can result in unsafe repairs and misaligned wheels.

Question 21Preparation and Damage Analysis

A technician is using a tram gauge to compare diagonal measurements of the engine compartment. What does an unequal diagonal measurement indicate?

  1. One side of the structure has shifted, creating a parallelogram Correct answer.
  2. The vehicle is correctly aligned
  3. The engine is too heavy
  4. The gauge is out of calibration only

Explanation

Equal diagonals indicate a rectangular opening; unequal diagonals indicate that one corner has moved relative to the others, forming a parallelogram. This signals structural misalignment requiring further measurement.

Question 22Preparation and Damage Analysis

During damage analysis on a unitized vehicle, a technician notes that the apron and strut tower on one side are displaced rearward while the opposite side is undisturbed. Which conclusion is most reasonable?

  1. The vehicle was built with asymmetric dimensions
  2. The paint is too thick
  3. A direct impact on one side transferred energy into that side's structure Correct answer.
  4. The tires are overinflated

Explanation

Displacement of one apron and strut tower indicates a direct impact on that side pushed the structure rearward, with energy absorbed locally. The opposite side remaining undisturbed helps confirm the impact location.

Question 23Preparation and Damage Analysis

A technician must determine whether a quarter panel with compound curvature can be repaired. Which approach best supports an accurate decision?

  1. Assume all compound curves must be replaced
  2. Estimate by eye and proceed
  3. Replace the entire body shell
  4. Compare the damaged area to the maker's repair limits and assess access for tools Correct answer.

Explanation

Repairability of compound-curved panels depends on the extent of stretch and the maker's published repair limits, plus whether tools can access the backside. A structured comparison prevents over- or under-repair.

Question 24Preparation and Damage Analysis

A vehicle has been in a collision and the technician suspects the rocker panel is deformed. Which measurement approach provides the most reliable confirmation?

  1. Comparing ride height only
  2. Measuring control points on a dedicated measuring system against factory dimensions Correct answer.
  3. Checking tire pressure
  4. Inspecting the paint for scratches

Explanation

Rocker panel deformation is best confirmed by measuring control points against factory dimensions on a dedicated measuring system, which reveals three-dimensional movement. Ride height and visual checks are insufficient.

Question 25Preparation and Damage Analysis

A technician is preparing a repair plan for a vehicle with damage to both a high-strength steel B-pillar and an adjacent mild steel roof rail. Which consideration is most critical to the plan?

  1. Ignore material differences because both are steel
  2. Follow maker-specific procedures for each material, including heat restrictions Correct answer.
  3. Replace both parts regardless of damage extent
  4. Use the same heat and straightening procedure for both parts

Explanation

High-strength steel often cannot be heated or straightened the same way as mild steel without losing strength, so the repair plan must follow maker-specific procedures for each material. Treating them identically risks compromising occupant protection.

Question 26Preparation and Damage Analysis

During damage analysis, a technician is identifying the type of impact that produced the observed damage pattern. Which collision type is characterized by the vehicle being struck from the side, producing lateral displacement of the body structure?

  1. Rear-end impact
  2. Rollover impact
  3. Broadside impact Correct answer.
  4. Frontal impact

Explanation

Collision type is classified by the direction of force relative to the vehicle. A lateral force that displaces structure sideways defines a broadside impact, which typically affects door beams, rockers, and B-pillars.

Question 27Preparation and Damage Analysis

A technician is preparing to remove a bolted-on front fender that is damaged near its rear edge. Which preparation step best prevents collateral damage to the adjacent door and hinge area during removal?

  1. Loosen all fasteners at once so the fender releases evenly
  2. Pry the fender off starting at the rear edge
  3. Protect adjacent panels with masking and check the gap before loosening fasteners Correct answer.
  4. Cut the fender at the rear edge to release tension

Explanation

Adjacent panels should be shielded to prevent scratches and the existing gap documented so the replacement can be aligned to the same position. Releasing fasteners progressively while supporting the panel avoids sudden shifts that can damage the door or hinge.

Question 28Preparation and Damage Analysis

A technician inspects a vehicle after a moderate collision and finds that the left front door is slightly misaligned at the top, while the left quarter panel gap is even and the rocker shows no deformation. Based on this evidence, which conclusion about the damage is most defensible?

  1. The quarter panel must be replaced because its gap is even
  2. The misalignment is likely localized to the door or its hinge and does not indicate major structural displacement Correct answer.
  3. The entire left side of the body is displaced and requires full bench setup
  4. The rocker panel is deformed even though it appears undamaged

Explanation

Damage analysis relies on corroborating evidence across multiple reference points. An isolated door misalignment with even quarter gaps and an intact rocker points to a localized cause such as hinge or door damage rather than overall structure displacement.

Question 29Outer Body Panel Alignment and Adjustment

When adjusting a hood that sits too high at the rear corners relative to the fenders, which component is normally turned to change the rear hood height?

  1. The rear hood bumper stop Correct answer.
  2. The hood latch striker height
  3. The hood hinge spring tension
  4. The hood hinge-to-body bolt position

Explanation

Rear hood corner height is set by the adjustable rubber bumper stops at the rear of the hood, which support the hood when closed. Turning the bumper in or out raises or lowers the rear corners relative to the fenders. Hinge bolts and latch strikers control alignment and latching, not rear corner height.

Question 30Outer Body Panel Alignment and Adjustment

A door is flush at the front edge but the rear edge stands proud of the quarter panel. Which adjustment most directly corrects this?

  1. Add shims behind the lower hinge
  2. Adjust the door striker inward Correct answer.
  3. Move the door rearward on its hinges
  4. Twist the door shell at the rear edge

Explanation

The striker controls how far the rear of the door is pulled in when latched, so an inward striker adjustment brings a proud rear edge flush. Hinge adjustments shift the whole door and would disturb the already flush front edge. The striker is the correct first correction for rear-edge flushness.

Question 31Outer Body Panel Alignment and Adjustment

Which fastener type is commonly used at body panel joints so that panel position can be adjusted before final tightening?

  1. Spot welds
  2. Adhesive bonding
  3. Slotted or oversized bolt holes Correct answer.
  4. Rivets

Explanation

Slotted and oversized holes allow the panel to be shifted within a range before the bolts are torqued, which is how alignment is dialed in. Rivets, welds, and adhesives fix position permanently and offer no adjustment range.

Question 32Outer Body Panel Alignment and Adjustment

A fender-to-hood gap is uneven, tight at the front and wide at the rear. What is the most likely cause?

  1. The fender is too low at the rear
  2. The hood is mispositioned fore or aft on its hinges Correct answer.
  3. The hood bumper stops are set too high
  4. The latch striker is adjusted too far inward

Explanation

A gap that tapers from tight to wide along the length indicates the hood is shifted fore/aft relative to the fender opening. Repositioning the hood on its hinges equalizes the gap. Height and latch issues affect flushness and closing, not the fore/aft taper.

Question 33Outer Body Panel Alignment and Adjustment

What is the primary purpose of aligning outer body panels to specification gaps and flushness?

  1. To improve aerodynamic downforce
  2. To reduce paint thickness at joints
  3. To ensure uniform appearance and proper function of doors and closures Correct answer.
  4. To increase panel rigidity

Explanation

Panel alignment specifications exist to give even gaps and flush surfaces for appearance and to let closures open, close, and seal correctly. Rigidity, paint thickness, and aerodynamics are not the purpose of alignment.

Question 34Outer Body Panel Alignment and Adjustment

A door binds against the rocker panel at its lower rear corner when closed. Which adjustment is most appropriate?

  1. Shim the lower hinge outward or adjust hinge angle Correct answer.
  2. Move the striker outward
  3. Raise the door on the upper hinge
  4. Increase hinge spring tension

Explanation

Binding at the lower rear corner indicates the door is tilted or positioned too low/inboard at that corner. Adjusting the lower hinge (shimming outward or changing hinge angle) lifts and shifts that corner clear. Raising the upper hinge or moving the striker does not correct a lower-corner bind.

Question 35Outer Body Panel Alignment and Adjustment

Which tool is used to check panel flushness between a door and adjacent quarter panel?

  1. Dial caliper on the paint
  2. Straightedge or flushness gauge Correct answer.
  3. Feeler gauge
  4. Torque wrench

Explanation

A straightedge or dedicated flushness gauge laid across the joint reveals how far one panel stands proud of the other. Feeler gauges measure gaps, torque wrenches measure fastener torque, and calipers are not used for flushness across a joint.

Question 36Outer Body Panel Alignment and Adjustment

Before adjusting any outer panel, what should a technician confirm first?

  1. That the weatherstrip is removed
  2. That the underlying structure and hinges are undamaged and the vehicle is on a level surface Correct answer.
  3. That all fasteners are torqued to spec
  4. That the paint is fully cured

Explanation

Panel adjustment can only succeed if the structure and hinges are sound and the vehicle sits level; otherwise adjustments compensate for damage. Paint cure, final torque, and weatherstrip removal are not prerequisites.

Question 37Outer Body Panel Alignment and Adjustment

A hood will not latch unless it is slammed hard, and the hood sits low at the front when closed. What is the most likely correction?

  1. Raise the front bumper stops and adjust the striker upward Correct answer.
  2. Move the hood forward on its hinges
  3. Loosen the latch bolts and shift the latch sideways
  4. Lower the rear bumper stops

Explanation

A hood that sits low at the front and requires slamming usually has the front stops set too low and the striker too low, so the latch cannot engage without force. Raising the front stops and adjusting striker height restores normal closing. Rear stops, fore/aft position, and lateral latch shift do not fix this.

Question 38Outer Body Panel Alignment and Adjustment

When shimming a door hinge to correct a tilt, where are shims typically placed?

  1. Between the latch and door shell
  2. Between the door shell and hinge
  3. Between the hinge and body pillar Correct answer.
  4. Under the striker plate

Explanation

Shims placed between the hinge and the body pillar move the hinge pivot outward, changing door angle and flushness. Shims at the door shell or striker change other relationships and are not the standard tilt correction.

Question 39Outer Body Panel Alignment and Adjustment

A door gap is even but the door surface is inboard of the quarter panel by 3 mm at the rear. Which adjustment corrects this without disturbing the gap?

  1. Move the door outward at the hinges
  2. Adjust the striker outward Correct answer.
  3. Move the door forward on the hinges
  4. Twist the door shell

Explanation

When the gap is already even, the striker sets how far the rear of the door is drawn in; moving the striker outward lets the rear edge sit flush. Hinge movement would disturb the even gap, and twisting the shell is excessive.

Question 40Outer Body Panel Alignment and Adjustment

Which condition most often causes a fender to sit proud of the hood along the top edge?

  1. Fender mounted too low on its upper bolts
  2. Hood bumper stops set too high
  3. Latch striker adjusted too far inward
  4. Fender mounted too high or hood too low at that corner Correct answer.

Explanation

A fender proud of the hood means the fender top edge is higher than the hood at that point, often from fender height or hood height at that corner. Adjusting fender height or hood corner height equalizes the surfaces. Low fender or high stops would make the fender sit low, not proud.

Question 41Outer Body Panel Alignment and Adjustment

A technician must adjust a door that is flush at the top but stands out at the bottom. What does this indicate?

  1. The latch is misaligned vertically
  2. The door is tilted outward at the bottom Correct answer.
  3. The striker is too far inward
  4. The door is shifted forward

Explanation

Flush at top but proud at bottom means the door's lower edge is tilted outward relative to the body. Correcting the lower hinge position or shimming brings the bottom in. Striker and fore/aft issues do not produce a top-to-bottom flushness taper.

Question 42Outer Body Panel Alignment and Adjustment

What is the effect of over-tightening a hood hinge bolt before final alignment is complete?

  1. It improves panel rigidity
  2. It locks the panel out of adjustment and can distort the hinge Correct answer.
  3. It has no effect until the latch is adjusted
  4. It increases hood height automatically

Explanation

Tightening hinge bolts fully before alignment locks the panel in place and can distort the hinge or panel, preventing further adjustment. Final torque should follow completion of alignment. Rigidity, height, and latch function are not improved by premature tightening.

Question 43Outer Body Panel Alignment and Adjustment

A deck lid (trunk lid) sits low at the rear center and the gaps are even. What is the most likely adjustment?

  1. Lower the hinge mounting
  2. Move the striker upward
  3. Raise the rear bumper stops Correct answer.
  4. Shift the hinge forward

Explanation

Even gaps with a low rear center point to the rear bumper stops being set too low, so raising them lifts the rear edge. Hinge and striker changes would alter gaps or latching rather than the resting rear height.

Question 44Outer Body Panel Alignment and Adjustment

Which measurement defines panel gap specification?

  1. The paint thickness at the joint
  2. The perpendicular distance between the edges of two adjacent panels Correct answer.
  3. The overlap of one panel behind another
  4. The torque value of the hinge bolts

Explanation

Gap is the perpendicular distance between adjacent panel edges, measured with a gauge or feeler. Paint thickness, overlap, and fastener torque are separate concerns.

Question 45Outer Body Panel Alignment and Adjustment

A door latches but rattles over bumps. Which adjustment is most likely needed?

  1. Loosen the hinge bolts
  2. Adjust the striker inward or replace worn striker bushings Correct answer.
  3. Move the door outward at the hinges
  4. Raise the door on its hinges

Explanation

A latch that engages but rattles usually means the striker is not drawing the door in firmly or the striker/latch is worn. Adjusting the striker inward or replacing worn parts removes the play. Hinge changes affect alignment, not latch preload.

Question 46Outer Body Panel Alignment and Adjustment

When adjusting a front door to correct a wide top gap and tight bottom gap at the front edge, which action is appropriate?

  1. Lower the rear bumper stop
  2. Tilt the door inward at the top by adjusting the upper hinge Correct answer.
  3. Shift the door rearward
  4. Move the striker outward

Explanation

A wide top gap and tight bottom gap at the front edge mean the door is tilted outward at the top; adjusting the upper hinge inward corrects the tilt. Striker and fore/aft changes do not fix a vertical gap taper.

Question 47Outer Body Panel Alignment and Adjustment

What is the purpose of a panel gap specification chart during repair?

  1. To list paint codes for refinishing
  2. To identify weld locations
  3. To provide target gap and flushness values for verifying alignment Correct answer.
  4. To specify hinge bolt torque only

Explanation

Gap specification charts give target gap and flushness values so the technician can measure and confirm alignment meets factory intent. They are not paint, torque-only, or weld references.

Question 48Outer Body Panel Alignment and Adjustment

A hood is flush at the rear but the front corners sit low relative to the fenders. Which combination best corrects this?

  1. Loosen the latch and shift it sideways
  2. Move the hood rearward on its hinges
  3. Raise the front bumper stops and check hinge height Correct answer.
  4. Lower the rear stops and move the striker up

Explanation

Low front corners are corrected by raising the front bumper stops and verifying hinge height so the hood rests at the right level. Rear stops, striker, fore/aft position, and lateral latch shift do not raise the front corners.

Question 49Outer Body Panel Alignment and Adjustment

A technician finds a door gap even on one side but the door is hard to open and the handle feels stiff. Which is the most likely alignment-related cause?

  1. The striker is adjusted too tightly inward Correct answer.
  2. The hinge is shimmed too far outward
  3. The latch is misaligned vertically
  4. The door is shifted forward

Explanation

A striker set too far inward over-preloads the latch, making the door hard to open and the handle stiff even with an even gap. Hinge shimming, fore/aft shift, and vertical latch misalignment produce different symptoms such as poor flushness or binding.

Question 50Outer Body Panel Alignment and Adjustment

A door is flush and gapped correctly at rest, but when closed the rear edge pulls in too far and the gap closes up. What is the cause?

  1. The bumper stop is too high
  2. The striker is adjusted too far inward Correct answer.
  3. The hinge is worn
  4. The door is shifted rearward

Explanation

Correct static alignment that changes when latched indicates the striker is pulling the door in too far, closing the gap. Adjusting the striker outward restores the gap when closed. Worn hinges, fore/aft shift, and bumper height do not cause the gap to close only when latched.