HET4 Suspension Flashcards
1st week suspension
1
Q
What is a better way to label “Power Steering”?
A
Part-time, Power-Assist
2
Q
What is the purpose of a slip joint in a steering system?
A
To handle the travel in the suspension
3
Q
What can cause “False Brinelling” in U-Joints?
A
A lack of lubrication, can be caused my driving in a straight line for long periods of time.
4
Q
What is the purpose of the “high spot” of a steering gear?
A
- Keeps steering gear in the “straight position”
2. Lets operator know when the wheels are in the straight position
5
Q
What type of motion does the steering gear convert?
A
Rotary motion or linear motion, also it changes 90 degrees
6
Q
When should steering stops be adjusted?
A
Whenever tire cut is changed
7
Q
Where is a thrust bearing located in the front steering system?
A
On the lower side of the steering knuckle between the axle and knuckle
8
Q
Where does the thrust bearing go on a Elliot steering system?
A
On the lower side of the axle, between the knuckle and axle
9
Q
What does a thrust bearing have to do?
A
Carry the load of the vehicle
10
Q
On a recirculating ball steering gear what is the purpose of the adjustment screw?
A
It adjusts backlash
11
Q
What components connect to the Drag Link?
A
Upper steering arm and pitman arm
12
Q
What is considered the input on a steering system?
A
Steering wheel
13
Q
Do all on-road equipment have SRS (supplemental restraint system) in the steering wheel?
A
No, can be optional
14
Q
What component allows steering wheels to have switches in them?
A
Clockspring assembly
15
Q
What are the types of drives available for power steering systems?
A
Gear driven
Belt driven
16
Q
List the components that make up a power steering system?
A
Specific Oil (fluid) Reservoir with or without filter Pump Pressure relief valve/Flow control One or more power steering gear assembly Connecting hoses and fittings
17
Q
Road feel can also be called?
A
Feedback
18
Q
True or False:
You can mix different types of oil together in the power steering system?
A
False. Use only the correct type of fluid for the power steering system. To change types you must do a complete flush
19
Q
What is the downfall to the size of reservoir in the power steering system?
A
The fluid can become too hot
20
Q
How many pieces is a drag link?
A
Solid, 2 piece or 3 piece
21
Q
True or False:
It is acceptable to heat and weld steering parts?
A
False, it is never okay to weld or heat steering components
22
Q
What could result if a steering wheel is turned when it is disconnected from the steering system?
A
You could damage the clockspring
23
Q
How can you prevent damage to the clocspring during suspension service?
A
Immobilize the steering wheel
24
Q
What must be added to the system to allow tilt and telescoping steering wheels?
A
Additional U-joints, Springs and Gas-Shocks
25
What is the general degree of movement of a sector shaft gear in both directions on a manual steering gear system?
30 degrees
26
Is timing of the sector shaft important?
Yes, the shaft and pitman arm should be marked
27
What keeps the king pin from rotating in the steering knuckle?
Draw keys
28
What is used as a wear surface for king pins?
Roller bearings or bushings
29
What is the minimum clearance between tires and other components?
1 inch or 2.5cm, decided by steering stops
30
True or False:
| Are king pins tapered?
They can be tapered but are generally straight
31
What can be used to combat power steering oil temperature rising to high?
Power steering coolers
32
What is generally the max pressure of a power steering system?
1900-2275 PSI (13 000-15 560kPa)
33
What would be the customer complaint if power steering relief valve is set to LOW?
Poor assist or Hard steering
34
Which is more commonly used on On-Road trucks?
1.Rack and Pinion Style steering gear
or
2.Integral Power steering gear system
2. integral Power Steering Gear System
35
Why is the viscosity of power steering fluid important?
The system must work in hot and cold temperatures, the clearances are very small in the system.
36
What is the lower steering arm also called?
Ackerman
37
What side of the vehicle is the steering gear generally mounted?
Driver's side
38
What is used when the axles are over 16 000lbs gross?
Dual steering gear systems
39
When a vehicle has two steering axles it is referred to as?
Tandem Steering
40
What can be the result of poppets failing in an integral power steering gear assembly?
Power assist in one directions only or no power assist
41
What is the purpose of the poppet valves in the steering systems?
To reduce pressure when reaching end of travel
42
What is another term for full travel?
Lock to Lock
43
True or False
| Rack and pinion steering systems have upper steering arms?
False
44
What does the rack in a "rack and pinion steering system" take the place of?
Tie Rod assembly
45
True or False?
| Lower steering arms are set to a specific angle?
True
46
When checking slip joints, how should it be inspected?
Check for play in all directions.
47
What would be the operators complaint if there is too much play in a slip joint?
If play is "side to side", operator complaint will be there is play in the steering.
48
What are three types of steering systems?
Integral power, rack and pinion, manual
49
At what position should be the steering wheel spokes be at?
4 and 8 O'clock (plus or minus 10 degrees)
50
Why is steering wheel position important?
To keep gauges and warning lights visible to the operator
51
When the steering wheel is in the straight ahead position is there tension on the clock spring?
Yes
52
What controls when power assist is used?
Torsion Bar
53
When the control valve is at its neutral position, what type of center is it in?
Open Center (back to tank)
54
What is on the ends of the rack piston?
Poppet valves
55
When the poppet opens, what should a technician see?
1/8" gap between the steering stop and the axle pad
56
What is the most common type of power steering pump?
Vane Pump
57
List the steering components in order starting from the steering column.
```
Steer column
worm shaft and ball nut assembly
sector shaft
pitman arm
drag link
upper steering arm
left steering arm (left side)
tie rod end (left side)
tie rod (tube)
tie rod end (right side)
lower steering arm (right side)
right steering knuckle
```
58
True or False
| Does the secondary steering gear need to be timed?
True
59
True or False
| The secondary steering gear backlash must be adjusted?
False
60
What can appear to be a suspension issue but its caused by other parts?
Dragging brakes
| Tires (brands, pressure,tread issues)
61
What should you do first as a technician before operational testing a vehicle?
Visual Inspection and talk to the operator
62
How long must you wait after disconnecting a battery before working on a SRS?
At least two minutes
63
What is the safest way to check that wheels are in the straight position?
Measure from a point of each tire to the same place on the frame.
64
When removing a steering wheel, what are some important steps?
1. Make an alignment mark on the steering wheel and the steering column shaft
2. Use a correct puller
3. Be aware of wiring for horn and clock spring
65
What can be damaged if an operator uses the steering wheel to climb in a truck regularly?
Damage the pivot pins in a tilt steering column
Loosen mounting fasteners
Damage Bushings
eventually causing a steering and handling complaint
66
What is the result of a damaged drag link?
Steering wheel is in the straight position but the wheels are not.
67
What are some visual inspections of a drag link?
```
Clamping bolt is tight
Boot is not damaged
Grease fitting is usable
Castellated nuts have cotter pins
No movement between the tapered end and their mounting sockets on the steering arm and pitman arm
```
68
Before taking a vehicle on a road tests what must you confirm?
The vehicle won't risk yourself and the public and that you will not further damage the vehicle
69
True or False
| It is normal for bearings to creep slightly?
True, extends bearing life
70
True or False
| If a new bearing spins easily on a spindle, should the spindle be replaced?
True, the spindle is to worn
71
When lengthening or shortening the wheel base of a vehicle what also needs to be changed?
Lower steering arms
72
What part of a tire will wear prematurely if a tire is driven with consistently to high of a tire pressure?
The center of the tread will wear before the outer treads
73
What part of a tire will wear prematurely if a tire is driven consistently with too low of a tire pressure?
The outer treads of a tire will wear before the center treads
74
What could be wrong with a vehicles alignment if the tires are showing feathering?
Toe-in is set inccorectly
75
One side of a tire is wearing quickly what is the alignment problem?
Camber is excessive in the front suspension
76
What can cause excessive camber in a vehicle?
Worn ball joints
Sagging Springs
Worn control arm bushings
Poor alignment (vehicle did not have its normal load during alignment)
77
When an air bag has been deployed is there a chance of damaging the clockspring?
Yes, always check the clockspring after an SRS has deployed
78
How would you reset a clockspring?
turn the over counter-clockwise till it locks. turn the cover clockwise 4.5 turns and align the arrows on the top cover and bottom housing. TAPE assembly and install
79
Why is alignment of the slip joint important?
If a slip joint is out of phase it could cause binding in the steering
80
What is the correct way to remove a pitman arm?
Using the correct puller assembly
81
When the sector shaft is at the bottom of the steering box what is it called?
Regular
82
If there are multiple timing marks on a pitman arm, what should the technician do to find correct position?
Refer to manufacturer's instruction (specification)
83
If a protective boot is missing from a component what is most likely needed?
Replacement of the whole component, due to contamination risk
84
What are the two types of movement you need to check for to inspect a kingpin and bushing wear?
Horizontal movement and vertical movement
85
What is important to do when replacing kingpin bushings?
That bushings are driven to the correct depth to leave room for grease seals
86
Where should the seam of a kingpin bushing be in relation to the spindle?
The seam should be 90 degrees to the spindle
87
What directions must a reamer only be used in?
Clockwise
88
For the kingpin and steering knuckle where should shims be located to adjust knuckle vertical movement?
On the top of the axle only. Thrust bearing is on the bottom
89
When choosing a pressure gauge, what range should it have?
Twice of what you believe you need, they are most accurate in their mid range
90
How much force should be used to check movement in tie rods?
Hand pressure (100lbs or 445 Newtons)
91
If a fifth wheel is not lubricated, can it act like a steering system problem?
Yes, a trailer that is not hooked up correctly and cannot move as it needs can act like a steering system issue
92
What can cause noisy steering?
System is going over relief
| Pump is failing
93
What can cause a reduce in wheel cut?
Gear poppet is out of adjustment
94
What will be different about a slip joint on a cab-over-engine (COE)?
The slip joint may be extremely long to make up for the difference when the cab is tilted
95
What is important to remember when using safety stands and jacks?
They must be able to handle the weight they need to lift and hold. ALSO you must be aware of where the placement is to not affect your camber.
96
What is the correct procedure for servicing vehicles with air bags?
Follow manufacturer's spec and procedures
97
What could be caused if power steering fluid is too low?
Damage to internal pump, steering gear and control valve damage. Usually will be noisy
98
Level of power steering fluid is important, but also the ________________ of the fluid?
Condition, it is easily contaiminated
99
If power steering fluid is dirty or burnt, what must be done?
The system should be flushed and new fluid should be added.
100
Before servicing a power steering system what is important to do for safety's sake?
Block the wheels that are staying on the ground, usually rear.
101
Why is it important to not move the steering wheel while initially filling and bleeding a power steering system?
Moving the steering wheel can allow air to enter the system, cause power assist steering problems.
102
What are two types of bleed systems for power steering?
Manual or Auto bleed
103
How much movement are you allowed on a spoke (dayton) wheel? Steer tire and trailer tire.
1/16" for steer tire
| 1/8" for drive/trailer tire
104
When the steel balls need to be replaced in a steering gear assembly, how many should you replace at once?
All should be replaced at the same time, as a set
105
What are the two general areas that you should be focusing on troubleshooting when on a road test?
1. steering response
| 2. vehicle handling characteristics
106
At what temperature does power steering fluid break down?
121 degree C
| 250 degree F
107
If you do not have equal amounts of steering wheel turns from lock to lock, what could be the cause?
Steering gear is not timed
| Steering stop is out of adjustment
108
During power steering tests, how long should tests take?
As short as possible to avoid over heating
109
What are the two main hydraulic tests done on a power steering system?
Steering pump pressure
and
Steering pump flow rate
110
What is the average operating temperature of power steering fluid?
66-71 degree C or 150-160 degree F
111
At idle what should be the make flow rate when the steering is at the axle stop with 20lbs of force on the steering wheel?
no more than 1gal/min
112
When testing a power steering system, the flow valve should be closed for no longer than?
5 seconds
113
During power steering testing what type of movement should you see on the pressure gauge?
Smooth movement to relief and back down to zero during testing with a control valve
114
At what engine speeds should power steering systems be tested?
Low idle and high idle 1500RPM
115
How must a flow meter be installed in a power steering system for testing?
in Series with the system usually between steering gear and pump high-pressure hose
116
When checking for internal leakage on a power steering system, do you need to hold the steering wheel to one stop?
yes about 20lbs of pressure holding it to the spacer to the stop
117
What must you put infront of the steering stop while checking for internal leakage in the power steering system?
Unhardened steel spacer
118
If poppets are working correctly in a power steering system how much clearance should be there between the knuckle and the stop at full travel?
1/8" (3.1mm)
119
What is the purpose of the poppets in the power steering system?
To help avoid damage to steering components
120
How do you know if you have aeration in your power steering pump?
There will be air bubbles in the reservoir
121
Pass or Fail
| If during an internal leakage test of a power steering systems a flow rate of 2 gal/min at full stop.
Fail, the system should have a rate under 1 gal/min
122
What must be removed from the steering gear to drain the power steering fluid out?
Pressure and return lines must be removed to drain the system
123
What is a pro about using a sight glass to check fluid levels over a dipstick?
A sight glass can help prevent contaimination
124
Are rack and pinion steering gear mounting bolts reusable?
No, they should be replaced when reinstalling the steering gear
125
When installing drag link should the tires be touching the ground?
Yes, lower the vehicle down till tires contact the floor
126
What is the last step when replacing a rack and pinion steering gear?
Adjust the toe setting
127
True or False
| There should be no vertical movement in a king pin?
```
False, there should be some movement
(module 0.05mm-0.30mm) - manufacture spec
```
128
After adjusting the toe setting on a heavy-duty truck, should it be checked after a short trip?
Yes, after a short trip the suspension will normalize and toe angle can be confirmed
129
A standard mounted steering gear is also known as?
| bleed
Auto Bleed
130
An inverted mounted steering gear is also known as?
| bleed
Manual Bleed
131
When removing the steering gear, the mounting bolts were loose what should be checked?
Condition of the bolt holes, if the mounting bolts were loose the bolt holes can become oval shaped
132
Can a steering gear be visually checked for the center point (high-point)?
yes check the timing mark on the Sector shaft
133
Radius plates are used to accomplish?
Proper setting of steering stops
1. Correct turning radius to keep tires from making contact with other parts
2. Correct adjustment of poppets
134
What should be done if the one piece drag link does not fit correctly after installing an integral power steering gear?
Confirm the pitman arm and sector shaft are in the correct position
135
If the pitman arm and sector shaft are in the correct position and the one piece drag link does not fit correctly, what should be done?
Replace the drag link, it is damaged
136
True or False
| Steering box poppets should allow the steering linkage to contact the stops?
False, the poppets should stop the steering linkages from hitting the steering stops
137
When doing a final check on a integral power steering gear, the frame rails lift when making a full right turn. What could cause this?
The steering linkage is making contact with the steering stop. The poppets are not set correctly or the steering stops are not adjusted correctly
138
Can you use a tape measure to align a rack and pinion steering system?
No, you must use an alignment machine to align a rack and pinion steering system
139
When a relief poppet valve unseats what should happen to system pressure?
200-400PSI drop
140
Manual poppets need manual adjustment when?
Replacement of steering gear
Change of wheel cut
Replacement of steering stops, from damage or removal for other repairs
141
How much should you turn the poppet adjusted to achieve a 1/8" gap between the steering stop and axle pad?
1/2 turn
142
When over hauling a steering gear what should be done with the poppets?
The poppets should be all the way out
143
If axle stops are increased to steering travel will automatic poppets reset themselves?
Yes. But ONLY if the axle stops are adjusted for increased steering travel
144
If steering stops are adjusted to decrease the amount of steering travel the auto poppets will adjust themselves?
No, when the steering stops are decreased the poppets will have to be manually reset
145
List some reasons on when an automatic poppet will need to be reset
Changing to a larger tire
Reducing Wheel cut
Damaged or Replaced stop bolts
146
What is the purpose of the Jam nut on a manual adjusting screw stop?
It seals the fluid into the housing and holds the screw in place
147
What is the maximum protrusion allowed for a manual adjusting screw?
1 1/16"
148
To adjust the auto poppets what part will need to be replaced to make the adjustment?
The fixed stop screw must be replaced with a manual adjusted stop screw and sealing jam nut
149
To reduce back lash between the sector shaft and worm gear which directions does the adjustment screw have to go?
Clockwise (IN) to REDUCE backlash
150
Are the gear teeth on the sector shaft tapered?
Yes
151
Why are sector shaft teeth tapered?
To adjust gear backlash
152
What are three steering characteristics?
Ease of steering
Steering stability
Reduced tire wear
153
Steering geometry refers to:
Specific wheel alignment angles or measurements
154
The two handling characteristics of a vehicle are:
Tire wear
| direction control
155
Define TOE
The difference in distance between the front and the rear of the wheels on the same axle, measured at hub/spindle
156
What is the tire wear pattern if the toe-in setting is excessive?
Feathered treads across the width of the tire
157
Define CASTER.
is the forward or backward tilt of the kingpin at the top
158
What is optimum toe angle?
Zero toe - perfectly parallel
159
True or False:
| Positive caster results when the top of the steering axis is tilted towards the front of the vehicle?
False
160
True or False:
| Negative caster results when the king pin is tilted towards the front of the vehicle?
True
161
Predictable directional control is in reference to which steering characteristic?
Steering Stability
162
By reducing tire wear what do we achieve?
Long service life of tires
163
How do you correct the caster angle on an axle?
Hydraulicly
164
KPI stands for?
King Pin Inclination
165
What can be done if KPI measurements are wrong?
Components must be replaced
166
Turn Radius (toe-out on turns) is incorrect. What is the solution?
Replace components, parts have failed
167
What are the three tire wear angles?
Camber, Toe, Turning Radius
168
Some toe-in on a heavy duty truck is acceptable?
Yes some toe-in is normal
169
What can toe angle compensate for?
Deflection or looseness in steering linkage
170
When toe-out setting is incorrect what will happen to the tires?
Scuff and create a feathered edge
171
Where is the steering axis drawn through?
Invisible line through the centre of kingpin (when viewed from the side)
172
Where is the vertical liner drawn through?
Through the exact centre of the spindle
173
Describe "point of contact"
The centre of the tire footprint
174
Where is the weight actually being projected refered to as?
Point of Load
175
What steering angle helps with returning the steering wheel to the center position after turning?
Caster angle
176
In what situation would Negative Caster be wanted?
Slow moving vehicles, especially without power assist
177
What is the most common caster setting?
Positive caster
178
What happens to the spindle angle as turns are made with positive caster?
The spindle will raise and lower
179
What dictates correct caster angles?
Manufacture specifications
180
What are three problems that can be caused by EXCESSIVE positive caster?
Road Shock, Heavy steering and shimmy
181
Do negative caster give more or less road shock to the suspension?
Less road shock
182
Heavy steering negatively affects vehicles with manual steering or power steering?
Heavy steering will be more noticeable with a vehicle without power steering
183
Describe shimmy
Rapid side to side movement of the wheel
184
Is negative caster more or less stable at high speeds?
Less stable, it is better for slower speeds
185
What is the result of poor steering stability in reference to excessive negative caster?
Wander and weave
186
How is camber angle measured?
Tread centreline vs vertical line
187
How is the camber described when the vertical line and tread centreline overlap?
Zero Degrees
188
What are the two reasons camber angle is important?
1. Point of contact is closer to point of load
| 2. Easier Steering
189
When an axle is over loaded what happens to the camber angle?
Becomes more negative
190
Which sides of the tires wear in relation to positive and negative camber?
Positive - Outside edge of tire
| Negative - Inside edge of tire
191
Camber pull means the vehicle will pull to which side?
Whichever side has the most positive camber setting
192
Does camber angle have any effect on wheel bearings?
Excessive camber can cause premature wear on wheel bearings
193
Does camber angle have any affect on directional control or is it strictly a tire wearing angle?
It can contribute to steering stability
194
With a positive camber angle on a heavy duty vehicle which wheel bearing is taking more of the load?
The inner most bearing, which is usually larger
195
What does KPI reduce?
The need for high camber
Road Shock
Brake Pull
196
What does KPI provide?
Steering Stability/Directional Control
Pivot point for the wheel to turn around, ease of steering
Point of contact more directly under the point of load
197
KPI and Camber have what in common?
Bringing the point of contact more directly under the point of load
198
Even though KPI cannot be adjusted what must be done during an alignment?
It must be checked against manufacture spec
199
What two angles make up the "inlcuded angle"
KPI angle plus or mins Camber angle
200
Using included angle can show what kind of damage?
a bent spindle or steering knucle damaged
201
As a technician why is it considered wrong to pick a vehicle from a center point of the front axle?
You can bend the axle and affect camber angle
202
What dictates turning radius?
Toe-out on turns
203
Heavy duty trucks alignments depend on KPI, what does automotive use?
SAI Steering Axis Inclination
204
What controls toe-out during turns?
Lower steering arms
205
Operator complaint is: Excessive wheel scuffing when cornering. What is the cause?
Lower steering arm is bent
206
True or False
| A vehicles thrust line and geometric centre are always the same?
False
207
What two lines are used to determine thrust angle?
Thrust line and geometric centre
208
```
True or False
Vehicle centreline (VCL) and Geometric centreline (GCL) are identical if there are no wheel or axle off sets?
```
True
209
If the VCL and GCL are not identical?
The vehicle will want to pull to one side
210
What can be a result if thrust angle is incorrect?
The vehicle can dog track
211
If rear axles are closer together on one side of the vehicle, what will result?
Positive or Negative Scrub
212
A vehicle with positive scrub, which way will the drive have to move the steering wheel to compensate?
Steering wheel will have to be held to the left
213
A vehicle with a negative scrub, where will the front steer tires wear?
Steer tires
Left: Outside of tire
Right: Inside of tire
214
What are steps in a pre alignment check (6)?
Steering Gear - Condition/security
Steering Linkage - Condition/wear
Tires/Rims - air pressure, brands, matching sets, treads
Wheel bearings - Condition/Lube
Suspension - Condition
Vehicle Ride Height - Manufacture spec (i.e. fuel tank full)
215
What suspension components can affect an alignment if damaged or worn out?
Springs, Air Bags, Rubber Blocks, Torsion Bar
216
To measure vehicle ride height, where should you measure from?
a specific location on the axle to a specific location on the frame
217
If a vehicle comes in with warm shocks its safe to assume what?
That the shocks are working
218
What movements of a wheel do a shock control?
Bound and Rebound
219
Is the fifth wheel hitch supposed to be used lubricated or dry?
The fifth wheel should be lubricated or it can show as suspension/alignment problems
220
What tools can be used to help with a wheel alignment?
Caster/Camber bubble type alignment tool
| Radius Plate
221
True or False:
| On a rack and pinion steering gear you can change toe angle with a measuring tape?
False, must use a computerized multi wheel alignment rack
222
What is maximum wheel cut on a rack and pinion steering gear?
46 degrees
223
True or False:
| It is acceptable to use heat to bend axles to correct angles and positions?
Flase. NEVER USE HEAT
224
How is toe adjusted on rear axles?
With specialized alignment and straightening tools. May require the drive axle to be removed
225
What is used to change caster angle?
Tapered shims
226
Where must a technician stand to find Caster angle on a vehicle?
Side of the wheel
227
How many degrees does tapered caster shim generally change caster setting?
2 degrees
228
Manufacturers generally set camber angles positive or negative?
Slightly positive
229
True or False
| All axles can be bent to achieve the correct camber setting?
False, manufacture recommendations dictate replacement or repair
230
A high camber reading may indicate what problem?
Kingpin Problem, due to a damaged axle or steering knuckle
231
How is rear axle alignments corrected?
Either with shims between the torque arms and frame hanger or adjusting the torque rods
