Brakes & Steering — Auto Service Technician (310S) Practice Questions

Free Brakes & Steering practice questions

1. 1.Minimum brake pad thickness before replacement is typically:

   • A.3mm
   • B.2-3mm (varies by manufacturer) — below this, the backing plate contacts the rotor✓
   • C.10mm
   • D.0mm — until metal-to-metal

   Why: Most manufacturers: 2-3mm minimum. Below this, friction material is gone, metal backing grinds the rotor. Many pads have wear indicators (squealers) that warn at ~2mm.

2. 2.ABS prevents wheel lockup by:

   • A.Increasing brake pressure
   • B.Rapidly modulating (releasing and reapplying) brake pressure to the locking wheel✓
   • C.Disabling brakes
   • D.Only activating in reverse

   Why: ABS: wheel speed sensors detect lockup. The ABS module pulses the brake caliper (release-hold-apply cycles) to maintain wheel rotation near the slip threshold.

3. 3.A vehicle pulling to the right during braking indicates:

   • A.Normal operation
   • B.Uneven braking — more braking force on the right side (or less on the left)✓
   • C.Bad alignment only
   • D.Tire issue only

   Why: Causes: stuck caliper on right, restricted hose on left, contaminated pads on left, uneven pad wear. Check calipers, hoses, pads, and rotors on both sides.

4. 4.Electric power steering (EPS) vs hydraulic:

   • A.Same thing
   • B.EPS uses an electric motor — no pump, no fluid, no belt, better fuel economy, variable assist✓
   • C.EPS is weaker
   • D.Hydraulic is more efficient

   Why: EPS: motor on steering column or rack. Eliminates parasitic HP loss from hydraulic pump. Variable assist based on speed (heavy at park, light at highway). No fluid maintenance.

5. 5.Regenerative braking in hybrid/EVs:

   • A.Uses friction brakes only
   • B.Converts kinetic energy back to electrical energy through the drive motor acting as a generator✓
   • C.Only charges 12V battery
   • D.Only works in reverse

   Why: Motor becomes generator during deceleration, converting motion to electricity stored in the HV battery. Reduces friction brake wear significantly. Blended with friction brakes at higher deceleration.

6. 6.When replacing a steering rack, what must be performed afterward?

   • A.Nothing
   • B.A wheel alignment — the steering geometry changes when the rack is replaced✓
   • C.Only a test drive
   • D.Only a tire rotation

   Why: Rack replacement changes tie rod position = toe angle changes. Alignment is mandatory after rack, tie rod, or any steering/suspension component replacement.

7. 7.Disc brake pads should be replaced in:

   • A.One at a time
   • B.Pairs (both sides of the same axle) to maintain even braking✓
   • C.Only the worn side
   • D.Only the front

   Why: Always replace in axle pairs. Uneven pad thickness = uneven braking = pulling. While replacing, inspect rotors, slides, hoses, and hardware.

8. 8.When bleeding brakes, the correct sequence is:

   • A.Any order
   • B.Farthest from master cylinder first, closest last (typically RR→LR→RF→LF)✓
   • C.Closest first
   • D.Only fronts

   Why: Bleed from farthest: longest line has most air. RR → LR → RF → LF is typical. Some vehicles with ABS may require scan tool-initiated bleeding procedure.

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