310T Steering and Suspension Systems 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A truck driver complains of a steering wheel that pulls to one side only during braking. Which component is MOST likely the cause?
- Worn tie rod ends
- Seized or dragging brake caliper on one side (Correct answer)
- Loose wheel bearing
- Worn pitman arm
Correct answer: Seized or dragging brake caliper on one side
A brake caliper that drags on one side creates uneven braking force, pulling the vehicle toward that side only during braking.
Question 2: What is the purpose of the track bar (Panhard rod) on a solid front axle suspension?
- Controls axle windup during acceleration
- Limits axle lateral (side-to-side) movement (Correct answer)
- Adjusts caster angle
- Connects the steering gear to the axle
Correct answer: Limits axle lateral (side-to-side) movement
The track bar restrains lateral movement of the solid axle, keeping it centered under the vehicle.
Question 3: When inspecting a recirculating ball steering gear, which measurement confirms internal wear?
- Preload torque at the input shaft
- Steering wheel free-play exceeding manufacturer specs (Correct answer)
- Pitman arm angle at center
- Sector shaft end play only
Correct answer: Steering wheel free-play exceeding manufacturer specs
Excessive steering wheel free-play (lash) at center position indicates worn internal components in a recirculating ball gear.
Question 4: A coach experiences excessive body lean in corners. The air suspension ride height is correct. Which component should be inspected FIRST?
- Shock absorbers
- Air spring bellows
- Stabilizer bar and end links (Correct answer)
- Axle U-bolts
Correct answer: Stabilizer bar and end links
The stabilizer (sway) bar resists body roll; worn or disconnected end links allow excessive lean even when ride height is correct.
Question 5: Camber angle is described as positive when:
- The top of the wheel tilts inward toward the vehicle centerline
- The top of the wheel tilts outward away from the vehicle centerline (Correct answer)
- The wheel leads the steering axis at the top
- The wheel lags the steering axis at the top
Correct answer: The top of the wheel tilts outward away from the vehicle centerline
Positive camber means the top of the tire leans outward (away from the vehicle), while negative camber means the top leans inward.
Question 6: Which condition would MOST likely cause cupped (scalloped) tire wear on a steering axle?
- Excessive toe-in
- Worn or weak shock absorbers (Correct answer)
- Negative camber
- Overinflated tires
Correct answer: Worn or weak shock absorbers
Worn shock absorbers allow the tire to bounce and skip on the road surface, creating the scalloped wear pattern.
Question 7: A technician is setting front toe on a Class 8 truck. After adjustment, the toe should be verified with the vehicle:
- On a drive-on lift with wheels hanging
- On a flat, level surface with the vehicle at proper ride height and steering centered (Correct answer)
- With the engine running to simulate road load
- On a turn plate with the steering at full lock
Correct answer: On a flat, level surface with the vehicle at proper ride height and steering centered
Toe must be set with the vehicle at proper ride height on a flat surface and the steering centered to reflect actual operating conditions.
310T Steering and Suspension Systems 3
A truck driver complains of a steering wheel that pulls to one side only during braking.
Which component is MOST likely the cause?