Question 1

A "dry park" test to determine the condition of the steering components and joints should be performed with the vehicle ________.

Accepted Answer

A "dry park" test is correctly performed with the vehicle on level ground or on a drive-on lift to accurately assess the condition of the steering components and joints without unloading the suspension or altering the natural stance of the vehicle.

Question 2

Two technicians are discussing bump steer. Technician A says that an unlevel steering linkage can be its cause. Technician B says that if the steering wheel moves when the vehicle is bounced up and down, the steering linkage may be bent. Which technician is correct?

Accepted Answer

Both technicians are correct. Bump steer occurs when the steering wheel moves as the suspension moves up and down, which can be caused by an unlevel steering linkage (Technician A) or a bent steering linkage (Technician B), among other issues.

Question 3

A vehicle has an excessive amount of free play in the steering wheel and it is difficult to keep it traveling straight on a level road. Which is the LEAST likely cause?

Accepted Answer

A loose pitman arm retaining nut is the least likely cause of excessive free play in the steering wheel compared to the other options, which directly involve components that typically wear out and cause steering issues.

Question 4

How are the inner tie rods attached to the rack on a center take-off type rack and pinion steering gear?

Accepted Answer

Inner tie rods on a center take-off type rack and pinion steering gear are typically bolted to the rack, allowing for secure attachment and the possibility of removal and replacement if necessary.

Question 5

What is the MOST likely cause of bump steer?

Accepted Answer

Bump steer is most likely caused by worn or oil-soaked rack bushings, which can lead to changes in the steering geometry as the suspension moves.

Question 6

How much end play is generally acceptable in tie rod ends?

Accepted Answer

Zero end play is generally acceptable in tie rod ends because any amount of play can affect steering precision and safety.

Question 7

Technician A says that outer tie rod ends should be replaced in pairs, even if only one is worn. Technician B says that inner tie rod ends should be replaced in pairs, even if only one is worn. Which technician is correct?

Accepted Answer

Both technicians are correct because outer and inner tie rod ends work in pairs to maintain proper steering geometry. Replacing only one can lead to uneven wear and premature failure of the other.

Question 8

Which tool is NOT recommended to be used to separate tapered steering components because it can do harm?

Accepted Answer

The pickle fork, while effective at separating tapered steering components, is not recommended because it can damage the rubber boots and components, leading to the need for replacements.

Question 9

Technician A says that torque prevailing nuts can be reused unless damaged. Technician B says that a new cotter key should always be used. Which technician is correct?

Accepted Answer

Technician B is correct because cotter keys (cotter pins) are designed for single use and should always be replaced with a new one after removal to ensure proper locking and safety. Torque prevailing nuts, on the other hand, are typically designed for one-time use due to their locking feature that may be compromised after initial use, making Technician A's statement incorrect.

Question 10

New tie rods are being installed. Technician A says to tighten the retaining nuts to specification and then loosen, if needed, to align the cotter pin hole. Technician B says to tighten farther to align the cotter key hole. Which technician is correct?

Accepted Answer

Technician B is correct because when installing new tie rods, it is standard practice to tighten the retaining nuts to the specified torque and then, if necessary, tighten them further to align the cotter pin hole. Loosening the nuts after tightening to specification, as Technician A suggests, would compromise the integrity of the connection and is not recommended.

Question 11

Technician A says that the pitman arm is connected to the steering gear. Technician B says that an idler arm is used with all rack and pinion steering linkages. Which technician is correct?

Accepted Answer

Technician A is correct because the Pitman arm is indeed connected to the steering gear in vehicles with a steering box setup. Technician B is incorrect because an idler arm is not used with rack and pinion steering systems; it's typically part of a parallelogram steering linkage system.

Question 12

Which of the following terms may be used to describe the center link?

Accepted Answer

The center link, an essential component of a vehicle's steering system, can be referred to by several names, including connecting link, drag link, and relay rod. These terms are interchangeable when describing the part that connects the steering gear to the tie rods or wheels, allowing for the transfer of motion.

Question 13

Which of the following linkage types may be used with a rack and pinion design?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following linkage types may...

Question 14

Technician A says that tie rod ends are used to connect the steering linkage to the steering knuckles.Technician B says that some ball and socket joints are filled with rubber and do not require lubrication. Which technician is correct?

Accepted Answer

Technician A is correct because tie rod ends indeed connect the steering linkage to the steering knuckles, allowing for steering input to be transferred to the wheels. Technician B is also correct because some ball and socket joints, including certain tie rod ends and other suspension components, are designed with a sealed, non-serviceable design that incorporates rubber or other materials to eliminate the need for external lubrication.

Question 15

Four wheel steering is being discussed. Technician A says that opposite phase steering is best at high speeds. Technician B says that same phase steering is best at low speeds. Which technician is correct?

Accepted Answer

Opposite phase steering is best at low speeds for better maneuverability, while same phase steering is best at high speeds for stability.

Question 16

Technician A says that steering ball socket joints do not need lubrication. Technician B says that its a good idea to lubricate steering stops. Which technician is correct?

Accepted Answer

Technician B is correct because lubricating steering stops can prevent wear and noise. Steering ball socket joints are typically sealed and do not require external lubrication.

Question 17

The steering wheel in a vehicle moves when the body is bounced up and down. Technician A says that bent steering linkage components could be the cause. Technician B says that this is a normal condition. Which technician is correct?

Accepted Answer

Technician A is correct because bent steering linkage components can indeed cause the steering wheel to move when the vehicle's body is bounced up and down, indicating a problem with the vehicle's steering system. This is not a normal condition, as suggested by Technician B.

Question 18

How much force is generally used to check idler arms?

Accepted Answer

The general guideline for checking idler arms is to use a force of 25 lbs. This is a standardized measure to ensure consistency and safety during the inspection process.

Question 19

What steering component dampens and absorbs sudden motions in the steering linkage?

Accepted Answer

The steering dampener, also known as a steering stabilizer, is specifically designed to dampen and absorb sudden motions in the steering linkage, helping to stabilize the steering system and reduce steering vibrations.

Question 20

Steering components are connected by ________.

Accepted Answer

Ball and socket joints are commonly used in steering systems to connect various components, allowing for a range of movement while maintaining a secure connection.

Quiz 117: Steering Linkage and Service