Drivetrain & Suspension — Auto Service Technician (310S) Practice Questions

Free Drivetrain & Suspension practice questions

1. 1.Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) that is dark brown and smells burnt indicates:

   • A.Normal condition
   • B.Overheating damage — internal clutches and bands may be damaged✓
   • C.New fluid needed only
   • D.No concern

   Why: Burnt ATF: overheating has damaged friction materials. Internal transmission damage likely. Fresh ATF is red/pink. Dark = oxidized. Burnt smell = friction material damage.

2. 2.MacPherson strut suspension combines:

   • A.Spring and link only
   • B.Shock absorber, spring, and steering knuckle into one assembly✓
   • C.Only the spring
   • D.Only the shock

   Why: MacPherson strut: shock + coil spring + upper mount = compact assembly. The strut is a structural member (part of the steering geometry). Spring compressor required for service.

3. 3.Worn engine mounts cause:

   • A.Better handling
   • B.Excessive engine movement, vibration transfer to cabin, and potential drivetrain alignment issues✓
   • C.Better sound
   • D.Improved fuel economy

   Why: Worn mounts: engine shifts under load causing vibration, exhaust contact, and stress on drive axles. Hydraulic-filled mounts are common and can leak/collapse.

4. 4.Toe-out on a front-wheel alignment causes:

   • A.No wear
   • B.Rapid tire wear on the inside edges (feathered wear pattern)✓
   • C.Cupping
   • D.Only pulling

   Why: Toe-out: wheels point outward. Inside edges scrub. Feathered wear pattern (smooth one direction, sharp the other). Toe-in wears outside edges similarly.

5. 5.A worn ball joint is dangerous because:

   • A.Only causes noise
   • B.The wheel can separate from the vehicle if it fails — causing complete loss of steering control✓
   • C.Only affects ride
   • D.Only causes vibration

   Why: Ball joints connect the control arm to the steering knuckle. If a loaded ball joint breaks, the wheel folds under the vehicle — catastrophic loss of control.

6. 6.Tire rotation pattern for front-wheel drive vehicles:

   • A.No rotation needed
   • B.Front tires to rear (same side), rear tires cross to front✓
   • C.All stay in place
   • D.Only rotate rears

   Why: FWD: front to rear (same side), rear cross to front. RWD: rear to front (same side), front cross to rear. Rotation every 8,000-12,000 km extends tire life.

7. 7.Tire tread depth minimum legal limit is:

   • A.1mm
   • B.1.6mm (2/32")✓
   • C.3mm
   • D.5mm

   Why: 1.6mm (2/32") is the legal minimum. At this depth, wet traction is severely compromised. Most technicians recommend replacement at 3/32" (2.4mm) or 4/32" for winter tires.

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