Steering Components
This component connects the steering wheel to the steering gearbox or rack.
What is a steering column?
This type of suspension system uses a rigid beam to connect the wheels on each side of the vehicle.
What is a solid axle suspension?
The process used to adjust the angles of the wheels to ensure they are perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other.
What is wheel alignment?
This symptom indicates worn-out tie rod ends or ball joints.
What is excessive play or looseness in the steering?
This maintenance task involves periodically applying grease to suspension components to prevent wear.
What is greasing or lubricating?
Name the component responsible for converting rotational movement from the steering wheel into lateral movement.
What is the steering rack or steering gearbox?
In this type of suspension, each wheel reacts independently to road irregularities.
What is independent suspension?
When a vehicle turns, the outer wheels cover more distance than the inner wheels, causing this effect.
What is tire scrub or tire wear?
The likely issue when a car pulls to one side while driving.
What is misaligned wheels or uneven tire pressure?
Upgrading to these components can improve a vehicle's handling and stability in corners.
What are sway bars or stabilizer bars?
This type of steering system doesn’t require a physical connection between the steering wheel and the wheels.
What is a steer-by-wire system?
The advantage of an air suspension system over a conventional coil spring suspension.
What is adjustable ride height and stiffness?
This suspension setting influences how a car responds to steering inputs and road irregularities.
What is damping?
One common reason for a noisy suspension while driving over bumps or rough roads.
What is worn-out shock absorbers or struts?
The benefit of installing a lift kit on a truck or SUV.
What is increased ground clearance and off-road capability?
This steering component helps absorb road shock and prevents excessive vehicle bouncing.
What are shock absorbers or dampers?
In this suspension type, the wheels on each side are connected by a solid beam.
What is a solid axle suspension?
Explain the term "caster angle" in relation to wheel alignment and its impact on vehicle handling.
Caster angle refers to the forward or backward tilt of the steering axis when viewed from the side of the vehicle. It influences steering stability and returnability to the center position after a turn.
Identify three symptoms indicating worn-out ball joints in a vehicle's suspension system.
Possible symptoms include clunking or knocking noises, uneven tire wear, steering wandering or vibration, and a loose or imprecise steering feel.
Describe the process of a wheel alignment and its importance in vehicle maintenance.
A wheel alignment involves adjusting the angles of the wheels to manufacturer specifications to ensure proper tire contact with the road, even tire wear, and optimal handling. It includes adjusting camber, caster, and toe angles.
Name two components in a power steering system that could cause a steering wheel to feel heavy or hard to turn.
What are a faulty power steering pump or a malfunctioning steering rack?
Name two advantages of an independent suspension system over a solid axle suspension.
What is improved ride quality, better handling, increased stability, or better tire contact with the road.
Describe the consequences of improper camber settings in a vehicle's wheel alignment.
Improper camber settings can lead to uneven tire wear, reduced traction, and compromised handling. Excessive positive or negative camber affects tire contact with the road, impacting stability and cornering performance.
Explain how a failing sway bar or stabilizer bar can affect a vehicle's handling and stability.
A failing sway bar can lead to excessive body roll when cornering, reduced stability, and compromised handling, especially during sudden maneuvers or turns.
Discuss two benefits of upgrading suspension bushings in a vehicle.
Upgrading suspension bushings can improve handling precision, reduce noise and vibration transmission, enhance ride comfort, and provide better durability compared to stock rubber bushings.