ASE T5 Suspension & Steering (Medium/Heavy Truck) study plan

Map every component of a heavy-truck steering system (column, intermediate shaft, integral gear, pitman arm, drag link, tie rod, knuckle) and state each part's function from memory

Trace hydraulic flow through a power steering circuit and explain what a pressure test vs. a flow test reveals

Diagnose three written complaint scenarios (hard steering at idle, wander at speed, binding in one direction) and rank likely causes

List the inspection steps and rejection criteria for tie rod ends, drag links, and steering shafts

Perform and interpret a power steering pump pressure and flow test sequence given numeric specs, including relief-valve and flow-control checks

Explain bleeding procedures and the cause of aerated fluid or whine after a gear or pump replacement

Compare steering gear adjustment points (worm bearing preload, sector shaft lash) and describe the correct order of adjustment

Identify causes of uneven or off-center steering wheel and describe the correct correction for each

Identify leaf spring, parabolic, and air spring configurations and name the load path for each

Inspect springs, U-bolts, hangers, shackles, equalizers, and bushings and state rejection criteria for each

Explain how torque rods, track bars, and spring pins control axle location and what handling symptom appears when each wears

Describe shock absorber test methods and the ride/handling symptoms of a failed shock

Diagnose air suspension faults (height control valve, air leaks, ride height out of spec, one-corner sag) using a step-by-step test flow

Measure and set ride height per spec and explain how incorrect ride height affects driveline angles and alignment

Re-test steering knowledge with a timed mixed set of steering and suspension items and correct every missed item

Explain kingpin and bushing wear inspection and its effect on steering and tire wear

Define caster, camber, toe, thrust angle, SAI, and included angle and state the symptom each produces when out of spec

Read a printed alignment sheet and determine which angle is out of spec and which adjustment corrects it

Explain how to correct thrust angle and dog tracking on tandem-axle trucks, including axle-shift and shim methods

Distinguish tire-wear patterns caused by alignment from those caused by inflation, balance, or component wear

Identify tire markings (size, load range, speed rating, DOT date) and determine correct inflation for a given load

Diagnose wear patterns (center, shoulder, cupping, flat spotting, diagonal) and match each to root cause

Explain dual-tire matching rules, mismatch limits, and the consequences of mismatched diameters

Describe proper wheel fastener torque procedure for disc and spoke wheels and inspection of rims, studs, and hub-piloted vs. stud-piloted mounting

Explain runout measurement and wheel balancing methods and when each is required

Inspect a frame for cracks, rust-through, loose fasteners, and previous repairs and state acceptable vs. unacceptable repair methods

Explain frame alignment checks (diagonals, sag, sway) and what symptoms indicate a bent or shifted frame

Adjust a fifth wheel for jaw/kingpin wear and explain the pull test and visual inspection steps

Describe lubrication, mounting, and inspection of sliding fifth wheels, pintle hooks, and drawbars, including air and electrical line routing

Diagnose cab air suspension faults (airbag leaks, leveling valve, shocks, cab mounts) and describe the effect on ride and cab alignment

Review Domains 1-2 weak areas identified in the week 4 error log and re-test only those items

Complete a full-length timed practice exam covering all six domains and log every missed item by domain

Build a one-page quick-reference sheet of wear limits and specs you most often miss