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ASE S5 Suspension & Steering (School Bus) study materials
ASE S5 Suspension & Steering (School Bus) study resources

ASE S5 Suspension & Steering (School Bus) practice questions

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Question 1Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair

A school bus has excessive steering wheel free play. Which component is the most likely cause?

  1. Worn tie rod ends Correct answer.
  2. Faulty brake chamber
  3. Leaking wheel seal
  4. Worn spring shackle

Explanation

Excessive free play at the steering wheel often indicates worn steering linkage components such as tie rod ends, which introduce looseness before the wheels respond. Wheel seals, brake chambers, and spring shackles do not directly affect steering free play.

Question 2Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair

A driver reports that the steering wheel turns, but the front wheels do not move. What is the most likely cause?

  1. Low power steering fluid
  2. Broken steering shaft coupling Correct answer.
  3. Misadjusted wheel bearing
  4. Worn idler arm bushing

Explanation

If the steering wheel rotates without moving the front wheels, the mechanical connection between the wheel and the steering gear is broken, such as a broken steering shaft coupling. Low fluid would cause hard steering, not a complete loss of wheel movement. Worn idler arm bushings and wheel bearings cause looseness or noise, not total disconnection.

Question 3Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair

Which alignment angle is primarily responsible for returning the steering wheel to center after a turn?

  1. Camber
  2. Toe
  3. Caster Correct answer.
  4. Thrust angle

Explanation

Caster is the forward or rearward tilt of the steering axis and creates a self-centering force that helps return the steering wheel to straight ahead. Camber and toe affect tire wear and directional stability but are not the primary self-centering angle. Thrust angle relates to rear axle alignment.

Question 4Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair

A school bus has a steering wheel that is hard to turn, especially at low speeds. Which of the following is the most likely cause?

  1. Worn shock absorbers
  2. Worn ball joints
  3. Low power steering fluid level Correct answer.
  4. Incorrect toe setting

Explanation

Hard steering at low speeds is often caused by low power steering fluid, which reduces hydraulic assist. Worn ball joints can cause binding or looseness but typically affect steering feel differently. Incorrect toe and worn shocks affect tire wear and ride, not steering effort.

Question 5Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair

What is the proper method to check power steering fluid level on a vehicle with a hot fluid reservoir?

  1. Check immediately after shutting off the engine while the fluid is foamy
  2. Check with the engine running and the wheels turned fully to one side
  3. Check with the engine off and the fluid at operating temperature, using the hot mark Correct answer.
  4. Check with the engine cold and the fluid at room temperature, using the cold mark

Explanation

Power steering fluid should be checked with the engine off and the fluid at operating temperature, using the hot mark on the dipstick. Checking with the engine running or with the wheels turned can give an inaccurate reading. Foamy fluid indicates air in the system and should not be used for level checking.

Question 6Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair

A power steering system is whining, and the fluid is foamy. Which action is the most appropriate first step?

  1. Add a stop-leak additive
  2. Replace the power steering pump
  3. Replace the steering gear
  4. Bleed the system to remove air Correct answer.

Explanation

Foamy fluid and whining indicate air in the power steering system. The first step is to bleed the system to remove air, which may involve turning the wheels lock-to-lock with the engine off and checking for leaks. Replacing components or adding additives without addressing the air is not appropriate.

Question 7Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair

Which of the following is a sign of a worn steering gear (steering box)?

  1. A clicking noise when turning
  2. A pull to one side during braking
  3. A vibration felt only at highway speeds
  4. Excessive play at the steering wheel before the pitman arm moves Correct answer.

Explanation

A worn steering gear often shows excessive play between the steering wheel and the pitman arm. Vibration at highway speeds is more likely a tire or balance issue. Clicking when turning may indicate a CV joint or suspension component, and a pull during braking suggests brake or suspension problems.

Question 8Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair

When inspecting tie rod ends, what should a technician check for?

  1. Correct tire pressure
  2. Brake pad thickness
  3. Proper wheel bearing adjustment
  4. Loose or worn ball studs and torn boots Correct answer.

Explanation

Tie rod ends should be inspected for looseness at the ball stud, torn dust boots, and any signs of excessive play. Tire pressure, wheel bearing adjustment, and brake pad thickness are separate maintenance items not directly related to tie rod end condition.

Question 9Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair

A school bus with a steering damper has a shimmy at certain speeds. What is the most likely purpose of the steering damper?

  1. To adjust toe angle
  2. To increase steering effort
  3. To reduce road shock and steering wheel kickback Correct answer.
  4. To center the steering wheel

Explanation

A steering damper is a shock absorber for the steering system that reduces road shock and steering wheel kickback, helping to control shimmy and vibration. It does not increase effort, adjust toe, or center the wheel.

Question 10Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair

A customer complains that the steering wheel is off-center while driving straight. Which alignment angle is most likely misadjusted?

  1. Caster
  2. Camber
  3. Thrust angle
  4. Toe Correct answer.

Explanation

An off-center steering wheel is most commonly caused by an unequal toe setting. Adjusting toe equally on both sides centers the steering wheel. Caster and camber affect stability and tire wear but do not typically cause an off-center wheel. Thrust angle affects the direction the rear axle points but is not adjusted to center the steering wheel.

Question 11Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair

Which of the following is a safety concern if the steering column is not properly secured?

  1. The steering wheel may become detached Correct answer.
  2. The ignition key may stick
  3. The turn signals may flash rapidly
  4. The horn may not work

Explanation

A steering column that is not properly secured can allow the steering wheel to move or detach, leading to a complete loss of steering control. Horn, turn signal, and ignition key issues are electrical or mechanical problems but do not pose the same immediate steering safety risk.

Question 12Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair

A school bus has a steering wheel that is hard to turn only when the engine is cold. Which component is most likely at fault?

  1. The tie rod ends
  2. The wheel bearings
  3. The steering gear
  4. The power steering pump Correct answer.

Explanation

Hard steering only when cold often indicates a power steering pump that is weak or has a sticking flow control valve, especially if the problem improves as fluid warms. The steering gear, tie rod ends, and wheel bearings can cause other symptoms but are less likely to be temperature-dependent.

Question 13Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair

What is the correct procedure for adjusting toe on a school bus with a solid front axle?

  1. Adjust the drag link to center the steering wheel, then set toe by turning the tie rod sleeve Correct answer.
  2. Set toe by changing the wheel bearing adjustment
  3. Set toe by adjusting the pitman arm nut
  4. Adjust the caster shims first, then set toe

Explanation

On a solid front axle, the steering wheel is first centered by adjusting the drag link, then toe is set by turning the tie rod adjusting sleeve to the specified dimension. Caster shims affect caster, not toe. The pitman arm nut and wheel bearings are not used to adjust toe.

Question 14Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair

A technician finds that the steering wheel free play exceeds specifications. Which component should be checked first?

  1. The shock absorbers
  2. The steering gear mounting bolts Correct answer.
  3. The tire pressures
  4. The wheel alignment

Explanation

Excessive free play can be caused by loose steering gear mounting bolts, which should be checked first for security. Tire pressure, alignment, and shocks affect handling and tire wear but are not the primary cause of excessive free play.

Question 15Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair

Which of the following is a characteristic of a properly functioning power steering system?

  1. The fluid is dark and has a burnt smell
  2. The steering wheel returns to center smoothly after a turn Correct answer.
  3. The steering wheel has more than 30 degrees of free play
  4. The pump whines constantly at idle

Explanation

A properly functioning power steering system should provide smooth assist and allow the steering wheel to return to center smoothly. Excessive free play, constant whining, and burnt fluid indicate problems.

Question 16Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair

A school bus has a steering wheel that is hard to turn in both directions. Which of the following could be the cause?

  1. A loose power steering belt Correct answer.
  2. A misadjusted tie rod
  3. A binding ball joint
  4. A worn idler arm

Explanation

A loose power steering belt can slip and reduce hydraulic assist, causing hard steering in both directions. A binding ball joint usually causes hard steering in one direction or at a specific point. A misadjusted tie rod affects toe and tire wear, and a worn idler arm causes free play.

Question 17Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair

What is the purpose of checking steering linkage for wear with the wheels on the ground and the steering wheel turned slightly?

  1. To test the horn
  2. To load the linkage and reveal loose components Correct answer.
  3. To check tire pressure
  4. To adjust the alignment

Explanation

Turning the steering wheel slightly while the wheels are on the ground loads the linkage and helps reveal loose or worn components such as tie rod ends and drag link ends. This method does not check tire pressure, adjust alignment, or test the horn.

Question 18Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair

A school bus has a steering wheel that is hard to turn, and the power steering pump is noisy. Which of the following is the most likely cause?

  1. Incorrect caster angle
  2. Air in the power steering system Correct answer.
  3. Worn front wheel bearings
  4. Worn brake pads

Explanation

Air in the power steering system can cause both hard steering and a noisy pump, often accompanied by foamy fluid. Worn wheel bearings, incorrect caster, and worn brake pads do not directly cause pump noise and hard steering together.

Question 19Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair

Which of the following is the correct way to check for play in the steering gear?

  1. With the engine running, turn the wheel lock to lock
  2. With the vehicle moving, listen for noise
  3. With the engine off, turn the steering wheel slightly and observe the pitman arm for movement Correct answer.
  4. With the front wheels off the ground, measure toe

Explanation

To check for play in the steering gear, the engine should be off (to avoid hydraulic assist) and the steering wheel turned slightly while observing the pitman arm. If the wheel moves but the pitman arm does not, there is play in the gear. Turning lock to lock with the engine running does not isolate gear play, and the other methods are for different checks.

Question 20Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair

What is the effect of excessive negative camber on tire wear?

  1. Feathering across the tread
  2. Wear in the center of the tire
  3. Wear on the outside edge of the tire
  4. Wear on the inside edge of the tire Correct answer.

Explanation

Excessive negative camber tilts the top of the wheel inward, causing the inside edge of the tire to bear more load and wear faster. Positive camber causes outside edge wear, and incorrect toe causes feathering. Center wear is typically from overinflation.

Question 21Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair

A school bus has a steering wheel that is hard to turn, and the fluid level is correct. Which component should be tested next?

  1. The wheel alignment
  2. The tire pressure
  3. The shock absorbers
  4. The power steering pump pressure Correct answer.

Explanation

If the fluid level is correct but steering is hard, the next step is to test the power steering pump pressure to determine if the pump is weak. Tire pressure, alignment, and shocks can affect steering feel but are less likely to cause consistently hard steering when fluid is full.

Question 22Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair

Which of the following is a potential consequence of driving with a worn steering damper?

  1. Excessive tire pressure
  2. Faster engine idle
  3. Premature brake wear
  4. Increased steering wheel shimmy and kickback Correct answer.

Explanation

A worn steering damper reduces its ability to absorb road shock, leading to increased steering wheel shimmy and kickback. It does not affect tire pressure, brake wear, or engine idle.

Question 23Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair

A technician is inspecting a steering column for a school bus. Which item is critical for driver safety?

  1. The turn signal lever must be within easy reach
  2. The horn must be loud enough
  3. The steering wheel must be securely attached to the column Correct answer.
  4. The ignition key must be easy to turn

Explanation

The most critical safety item is that the steering wheel is securely attached to the column; a loose wheel can detach and cause loss of control. Horn loudness, turn signal lever placement, and ignition key operation are important but secondary to steering wheel security.

Question 24Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair

What is the proper way to center the steering wheel after replacing a tie rod end?

  1. Set the toe to zero
  2. Turn the steering wheel to the centered position and lock it
  3. Adjust the drag link to center the wheel
  4. Adjust the tie rod sleeve until the wheel is centered while the front wheels are straight ahead Correct answer.

Explanation

After replacing a tie rod end, the tie rod sleeve is adjusted to set toe and center the steering wheel with the front wheels straight ahead. Locking the steering wheel does not correct the centering. The drag link is used to center the wheel on some systems, but toe must also be set. Setting toe to zero is not correct.

Question 25Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair

A school bus has a steering wheel that is hard to turn, and the power steering pump is not producing enough pressure. Which of the following is the most likely cause?

  1. A misadjusted wheel bearing
  2. A loose tie rod end
  3. A worn power steering pump Correct answer.
  4. A worn shock absorber

Explanation

If the pump is not producing enough pressure, the pump itself is likely worn or faulty. A loose tie rod end, misadjusted wheel bearing, and worn shock absorber do not affect pump pressure.

Question 26Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair

On a school bus with a conventional integral power steering gear, which component converts the rotary motion of the steering wheel into linear motion at the front wheels?

  1. The idler arm and center link
  2. The pitman arm and drag link assembly
  3. The steering gear recirculating ball and sector shaft Correct answer.
  4. The steering knuckle and kingpin

Explanation

In an integral power steering gear, the recirculating ball nut travels on the worm shaft and drives the sector shaft, which rotates the pitman arm to move the linkage. The pitman arm and linkage transmit motion but do not convert rotary input to linear travel on their own.

Question 27Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair

A technician is pressure-testing a power steering system and finds that pump pressure is within specification at idle but drops sharply when the wheel is held against the stop. Which condition does this most directly indicate?

  1. An internal leak in the steering gear or a faulty flow control valve Correct answer.
  2. A restricted return hose causing backup pressure
  3. A worn power steering belt slipping under load
  4. Air trapped in the system from incomplete bleeding

Explanation

Pressure that is adequate at idle but falls off under maximum demand points to internal leakage or a flow control valve that cannot maintain volume under load. A restricted return line or slipping belt would typically reduce pressure across all conditions.

Question 28Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair

When replacing a steering gear on a school bus, why must the steering wheel be secured in the straight-ahead position before the pitman arm is disconnected?

  1. To avoid damaging the sector shaft seal
  2. To prevent the clockspring and steering shaft from being rotated off center Correct answer.
  3. To keep the hydraulic fluid from draining out of the gear
  4. To keep the front wheels from toeing out during the repair

Explanation

Locking the wheel straight ahead preserves the centered position of the steering shaft and the clockspring so the new gear can be indexed correctly. If the shaft is allowed to spin, the wheel will no longer be centered and the clockspring can be damaged.

Question 29Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair

A school bus steering system uses a hydraulic booster with an accumulator. What is the primary function of the accumulator in this type of system?

  1. To limit maximum system pressure at the pump
  2. To store pressurized fluid so assist is available if the engine stalls Correct answer.
  3. To cool the fluid during extended idling
  4. To filter debris from the hydraulic fluid

Explanation

The accumulator stores pressurized fluid so that steering assist remains available for a limited time if the engine or pump stops. This provides a fail-safe margin for the driver during a loss of power.

Question 30Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair

During a dry park check of the steering linkage, a technician observes that the left front tire moves slightly before the tie rod begins to move. Which condition should be suspected?

  1. Incorrect toe setting at the right front wheel
  2. Worn tie rod end or loose clamp at the adjusting sleeve Correct answer.
  3. Excessive caster on the left front axle
  4. A weak power steering pump

Explanation

Lost motion between the wheel and the linkage during a dry park check indicates wear or looseness at the tie rod end or its clamp. Toe, caster, and pump output do not create free play in the linkage itself.

Question 31Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair

A school bus has a steering wheel that returns slowly and feels vague on center after a front axle repair. Which alignment angle most directly affects steering returnability?

  1. Toe-out on turns
  2. Caster Correct answer.
  3. Thrust angle
  4. Camber

Explanation

Caster provides the self-centering force that returns the steering wheel after a turn, so insufficient or uneven caster causes poor return and a vague feel. Toe-out on turns, camber, and thrust angle affect tire wear and tracking but are not the primary return force.

Question 32Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair

What is the correct method for measuring steering wheel free play on a school bus with manual steering?

  1. With the front wheels raised off the ground and the steering wheel turned rapidly
  2. With the engine running and the wheels turned to full lock
  3. With the front wheels straight ahead and the engine off, measuring lash at the rim Correct answer.
  4. With the engine idling and the wheels held against a stop

Explanation

Free play is measured with the wheels straight ahead and the steering at rest so that lash in the gear and linkage can be read accurately at the rim. Measuring at full lock or with the wheels off the ground introduces motion that masks true free play.

Question 33Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair

A school bus with a tilt/telescoping steering column will not lock in the uppermost tilt position. Which component is the most likely cause?

  1. The tilt lever pawl or the column lock mechanism Correct answer.
  2. The steering gear sector shaft
  3. The power steering pump relief valve
  4. The drag link ball stud

Explanation

The tilt function is controlled by a lever and pawl or lock mechanism inside the column, so failure to hold a position points to that assembly. The gear, pump, and drag link are unrelated to column tilt locking.

Question 34Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair

A technician is diagnosing a school bus that pulls to the left during braking and also has a slightly off-center steering wheel. Which inspection is most appropriate to perform first?

  1. Replace the power steering pump
  2. Adjust the toe setting to specification
  3. Replace both front wheel bearings
  4. Check for a restricted left front brake hose and inspect steering linkage for binding Correct answer.

Explanation

A pull during braking combined with an off-center wheel suggests a brake or linkage issue on one side, such as a restricted hose or binding component. Checking those items before replacing parts or adjusting alignment targets the likely cause.

Question 35Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair

Which of the following is the correct procedure for bleeding air from a power steering system after a component replacement?

  1. Drain the reservoir completely and refill without turning the wheel
  2. Run the engine at high idle and hold the wheel at full lock for one minute
  3. With the engine off, turn the wheel lock to lock several times, then start the engine and repeat while checking fluid level Correct answer.
  4. Loosen the pressure line and crank the engine until fluid sprays out

Explanation

Air is purged by cycling the steering lock to lock with the engine off, then repeating with the engine running while keeping the reservoir at the proper level. Holding at full lock or loosening pressure lines can damage the pump or create a hazard.

Question 36Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair

A school bus has a steering gear with an adjustment screw on the sector shaft. What does turning this screw change?

  1. The caster angle of the front axle
  2. The pump relief pressure
  3. The preload between the sector shaft and the ball nut Correct answer.
  4. The toe setting of the front wheels

Explanation

The sector shaft adjustment screw sets the mesh or preload between the sector shaft gear teeth and the ball nut, controlling lash on center. It does not affect hydraulic pressure or alignment angles.

Question 37Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair

A school bus has a steering wheel that is hard to turn at low speeds, and the technician finds the belt is glazed and the pump pulley shows a polished wear pattern. Which action is most appropriate?

  1. Replace the belt and inspect pulley alignment and tension Correct answer.
  2. Increase the tire pressure to reduce steering effort
  3. Add a friction modifier to the power steering fluid
  4. Replace the steering gear

Explanation

A glazed belt and polished pulley indicate slipping and misalignment, which reduces pump output and causes hard steering at low speed. Correcting the belt and pulley alignment restores proper assist.

Question 38Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair

A school bus with a variable-assist power steering system provides very little assist at highway speed but normal assist at low speed. Which statement best explains this behavior?

  1. The steering gear has excessive preload
  2. The fluid is aerated and should be flushed
  3. The pump is failing and should be replaced immediately
  4. The system is designed to reduce assist at higher speeds to improve road feel and stability Correct answer.

Explanation

Variable-assist systems intentionally reduce hydraulic assist as vehicle speed increases to improve steering feel and directional stability. This is normal operation rather than a fault.

Question 39Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair

When inspecting a school bus steering column for crash safety, which feature must be verified as intact and properly installed?

  1. The energy-absorbing or collapsible section of the column Correct answer.
  2. The ignition switch tumbler
  3. The turn signal cancel cam
  4. The horn button contact ring

Explanation

The collapsible or energy-absorbing section of the steering column is a crash-safety feature that must be intact to protect the driver in a frontal impact. The horn ring, cancel cam, and ignition tumbler are convenience or electrical items, not crash-safety structures.

Question 40Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair

A technician is diagnosing a school bus that wanders and requires constant steering correction, and the steering gear lash is within specification. Which inspection sequence is most logical?

  1. Check tire pressure and wear, then inspect kingpins, tie rods, and drag link for looseness Correct answer.
  2. Adjust the sector shaft preload tighter, then road test
  3. Replace the power steering pump, then check alignment
  4. Replace the steering gear, then road test

Explanation

Wander with acceptable gear lash points to tire condition or looseness elsewhere in the linkage or kingpins, so those should be inspected before parts are replaced. Tightening preload or replacing the gear or pump does not address the likely cause.

Question 41Steering Column and Linkage

Which component transfers driver steering input from the steering column to the steering gear on a typical school bus?

  1. The drag link
  2. The pitman arm
  3. The intermediate shaft and universal joints Correct answer.
  4. The tie rod

Explanation

The intermediate shaft, fitted with universal joints, carries rotation from the bottom of the steering column to the steering gear input shaft while allowing for angle changes. The pitman arm, drag link, and tie rod are downstream of the gear and transmit motion to the wheels.

Question 42Steering Column and Linkage

What is the primary purpose of the collapsible section in a school bus steering column?

  1. To lock the wheel when the key is removed
  2. To absorb energy in a frontal crash by shortening Correct answer.
  3. To increase steering ratio at low speed
  4. To damp road shock before it reaches the driver

Explanation

Collapsible columns are designed to deform or telescope during a frontal impact so the column does not drive rearward into the driver. Steering ratio, shock damping, and ignition locking are separate functions.

Question 43Steering Column and Linkage

A school bus has excessive steering wheel free play. Which item should be inspected first?

  1. Wheel bearing preload
  2. The steering shaft couplings and universal joints Correct answer.
  3. Tire tread depth
  4. Ride height

Explanation

Free play at the rim is traced through the column and shaft joints before the gear and linkage. Worn or loose couplings and universal joints commonly produce lost motion. Tire tread, bearing preload, and ride height do not directly cause steering wheel free play.

Question 44Steering Column and Linkage

Which linkage component is adjusted to set the toe on a conventional truck-type steering system?

  1. The idler arm
  2. The drag link
  3. The pitman arm
  4. The tie rod sleeve Correct answer.

Explanation

The tie rod sleeve or adjusting collar changes the effective length of the tie rod, which changes toe. The drag link and pitman arm affect steering centering, and the idler arm supports the linkage but is not the toe adjustment.

Question 45Steering Column and Linkage

A driver reports the steering wheel is off center but the bus tracks straight. What is the most likely cause?

  1. Low power steering fluid
  2. Incorrect toe setting
  3. Worn shock absorbers
  4. A bent tie rod or mis-indexed steering wheel Correct answer.

Explanation

If the vehicle tracks straight but the wheel is crooked, the steering wheel or linkage has been indexed incorrectly, often after a repair or due to a bent tie rod. Toe errors typically cause tire wear and off-center wheel with tracking complaints; fluid level and shocks do not shift the wheel.

Question 46Steering Column and Linkage

What is the function of the steering damper on a school bus?

  1. To increase returnability after a turn
  2. To hold the wheels straight when parked
  3. To change the steering ratio
  4. To reduce steering kickback and shimmy from road input Correct answer.

Explanation

A steering damper is a hydraulic shock absorber in the steering linkage that controls kickback and shimmy caused by road irregularities. It does not change ratio, hold the wheels when parked, or provide returnability.

Question 47Steering Column and Linkage

During a linkage inspection, a technician finds vertical play at the idler arm. What is the correct action?

  1. Replace the steering gear
  2. Adjust the tie rod sleeve
  3. Replace the idler arm bushing or assembly Correct answer.
  4. Add power steering fluid

Explanation

Vertical play at the idler arm indicates worn bushings or a worn pivot and requires replacement of the bushing or the idler arm assembly. Tie rod adjustment changes toe and does not repair play, and the gear and fluid are unrelated.

Question 48Steering Column and Linkage

Which alignment angle is primarily responsible for steering wheel returnability after a turn?

  1. Caster Correct answer.
  2. Thrust angle
  3. Camber
  4. Toe

Explanation

Positive caster tilts the steering axis so the wheels tend to self-center, producing returnability and straight-line stability. Camber affects tire contact and pull, toe affects wear, and thrust angle relates the rear axle to the frame.

Question 49Steering Column and Linkage

A bus with a tilt/telescoping steering column will not stay in the selected tilt position. What is the most likely cause?

  1. A leaking power steering hose
  2. A failed tilt lock mechanism or loose column mounting bolts Correct answer.
  3. Low tire pressure
  4. A worn tie rod end

Explanation

The tilt lock mechanism or loose column mounting hardware holds the column in position; failure allows it to drop. Tie rod wear, tire pressure, and hose leaks do not affect the tilt lock.

Question 50Steering Column and Linkage

What is the correct method to check for play in a steering linkage tie rod end?

  1. With the wheels on the ground, have an assistant rock the wheel while watching the joint
  2. With the engine off, measure free play at the rim
  3. With the front axle raised, rock the tire by hand while watching the joint Correct answer.
  4. With the engine running, turn the wheel lock to lock

Explanation

Raising the front axle unloads the linkage so play can be observed while rocking the tire by hand. Ground loading can mask play, lock-to-lock turning checks operation rather than play, and rim free play measures total system play.