UUS Practice Tests⌕ Search
Automotive Service · T5

ASE Suspension & Steering Practice Test

ASE Suspension & Steering (T5) practice focuses on how steering and suspension components affect wheel control, alignment, ride, and handling. The available questions use service situations involving steering linkage and assist, struts, stabilizer links, tire condition, runout, and tire-pressure monitoring. They ask you to connect inspection findings and measurements with appropriate diagnostic next steps.

Exam overview

Exam providerNational Institute for Automotive Service Excellence
Exam codeT5
CategoryAutomotive Service

About the ASE Suspension & Steering Exam

Work through the reasoning used to distinguish component wear from alignment or tire-related symptoms. Questions may ask you to interpret radial runout, locate a toe measurement, recognize a tread bulge, or identify how a worn stabilizer-bar link affects vehicle behavior. Other scenarios test service decisions such as aligning a cotter-pin fastener at specified torque, bleeding air from an opened power-steering system before evaluating assist, and diagnosing an electric power-steering sensor fault. The subject matter also calls for understanding component relationships: a MacPherson strut helps locate the steering knuckle, while a steering damper reduces unwanted motion in the linkage. Use inspection evidence, system operation, and safe service procedures together when selecting a response.

Sample Practice Questions

Review a selection from this exam's published US Practice Tests practice bank.

Question 1

After replacing a steering component, a technician must tighten a fastener that uses a cotter pin. What should be done if the slot does not align with the hole at the specified torque?

  1. AFollow the service procedure for alignment, using the permitted adjustment method without loosening below the required torque
  2. BLeave the fastener below specification so the slot lines up
  3. COmit the cotter pin because the fastener is tight
  4. DDrill a second hole through the component without authorization
Show answerCorrect answer: A

A cotter-pin fastener must be secured as designed. The service procedure specifies how to achieve alignment while maintaining the required clamping force; the pin should not be omitted or the part modified arbitrarily.

Question 2

When inspecting a tire for radial runout, what does the measurement describe?

  1. AVariation in the tire’s radius as it rotates
  2. BThe angle of the wheel relative to the vehicle centerline
  3. CThe lateral movement of a steering rack under load
  4. DThe difference between left and right ride height
Show answerCorrect answer: A

Radial runout is variation in the tire-and-wheel assembly’s effective radius during rotation. It can contribute to vibration or ride concerns and is measured with the appropriate procedure and equipment.

Question 3

A front suspension uses a MacPherson strut. Which component is typically integrated into the strut assembly and helps locate the steering knuckle?

  1. AThe shock absorber and structural spring support
  2. BThe rear axle differential
  3. CThe steering column clock spring
  4. DThe brake master cylinder
Show answerCorrect answer: A

A MacPherson strut combines a damper with a structural member that supports the spring and helps locate the steering knuckle. The exact arrangement varies by vehicle.

Question 4

After installing new tires, a technician notices the vehicle’s tire-pressure monitoring system warning remains on. What should be checked before replacing a sensor?

  1. AWhether the system requires a specified relearn or reset procedure
  2. BWhether caster is set to the maximum value
  3. CWhether the steering damper is fully extended
  4. DWhether the rear springs have identical paint marks
Show answerCorrect answer: A

Some tire-pressure monitoring systems require a vehicle-specific relearn, initialization, or reset after tire service. Confirming the prescribed procedure and checking system data can prevent unnecessary parts replacement.

Question 5

A technician finds that a power-steering fluid reservoir contains foam shortly after the system was opened for repair. What should be done before evaluating steering assist?

  1. ABleed the system using the specified procedure and check for air entry or leaks
  2. BAdd grease to the steering-column universal joint
  3. CIncrease tire pressure above the vehicle placard value
  4. DTighten the steering gear lash adjustment until the foam disappears
Show answerCorrect answer: A

Air introduced during service can aerate hydraulic steering fluid and cause foaming, noise, or inconsistent assist. Follow the manufacturer’s bleeding procedure and investigate leaks or other sources of air entry.

Question 6

A vehicle uses a steering damper connected between the frame and a steering linkage. What is its primary function?

  1. ADampen rapid steering oscillations and impacts transmitted through the linkage
  2. BSet the front wheel camber angle during alignment
  3. CSupply hydraulic pressure to the steering gear
  4. DIncrease the wheel-bearing preload as the vehicle turns
Show answerCorrect answer: A

A steering damper resists rapid movement in the steering linkage, helping reduce shimmy and transmitted impacts. It does not replace proper alignment or repair of worn components.

Question 7

A vehicle’s steering assist is inconsistent, and a scan tool reports a fault in the electric power-steering torque sensor circuit. What should the technician do next?

  1. AReplace the steering rack without further testing
  2. BUse the vehicle-specific diagnostic procedure to test the circuit and sensor data
  3. CIncrease front tire pressure until assist improves
  4. DAdjust rear toe to clear the fault
Show answerCorrect answer: B

A fault code identifies a system or circuit area, not necessarily a failed part. Following the vehicle-specific diagnostic procedure helps distinguish a sensor, wiring, connector, or control-module issue.

How to use this practice test

Access is free. A session draws up to 20 random questions from the 50-question T5 practice bank and displays results afterward. Review missed items by identifying the measurement, component function, or diagnostic sequence involved, then revisit that concept before another session.

Preparation tips

  • For alignment scenarios, distinguish toe from tire wear patterns and note where the specified measurement is taken.
  • Review steering and suspension component functions, including strut-to-knuckle relationships, stabilizer links, and steering dampers.
  • Practice interpreting tire findings such as radial runout, tread bulges, and feathered edges without treating them as interchangeable symptoms.
  • For power-steering questions, account for air introduced during service before judging assist; follow sensor-circuit faults with appropriate diagnosis rather than immediate parts replacement.
  • Apply specified torque and fastener-retention procedures; do not exceed torque merely to align a cotter-pin slot.
Official sourceOfficial exam page ↗