Deck 125: Drive Axles and Differentials

Question 1

Technician A says that the convex side of the ring gear is the drive side on most rear axle assemblies. Technician B says that the convex side of the ring gear is the drive side on differentials used in the front of many four-wheel-drive vehicles. Which technician is correct?

A)Technician A only
B)Technician B only
C)Both technicians A and B
D)Neither technician A nor B

Answer 1

Technician A only

Question 2

The drive pinion gear is positioned with a shim that is too thick. This will cause contact with the ring gear teeth too close to the ________.

A)Face
B)Toe
C)Heel
D)Flank

Answer 2

Toe

Question 3

The backlash exceeds specifications. The technician should position the ring gear ________.

A)Further from the drive pinion gear
B)Closer to the drive pinion gear

Answer 3

Closer to the drive pinion gear

Question 4

The backlash is less than specifications (too low). This will cause the ring gear tooth pattern to be too close to the ________.

A)Toe
B)Face
C)Heel
D)Flank

Question 5

A collapsible spacer is used in some differentials to provide ________.

A)A lubrication path to the drive pinion bearing
B)The proper preload for the drive pinion bearings
C)The proper amount of slippage in a limited slip differential
D)The proper preload for the side bearings

Question 6

A growling sound is heard from the rear of a rear-wheel-drive vehicle during cornering only. Technician A says that defective rear axle bearings may be the cause. Technician B says that defective drive pinion bearings may be the cause. Which technician is correct?

A)Technician A only
B)Technician B only
C)Both technicians A and B
D)Neither technician A nor B

Question 7

The spacer used on a drive pinion gear is used to properly position the gear so that it can correctly mesh with the ________.

A)Ring gear
B)Differential pinion gears
C)Side gear
D)Both B and C

Question 8

What part(s) wears rapidly if a vehicle equipped with an open differential spins one wheel on ice or snow for an extended period of time?

A)Side gear
B)Pinion and side gear thrust washers
C)Ring gear and pinion
D)Pinion bearings

Question 9

Technician A says that if the backlash is okay, then the side bearing preload is also okay. Technician B says that a ring gear tooth pattern check will indicate if the drive pinion depth is correct. Which technician is correct?

A)Technician A only
B)Technician B only
C)Both technicians A and B
D)Neither technician A nor B

Question 10

Two technicians are discussing which lubricants are used in a limited-slip differential. Technician A says to use SAE 80W-140. Technician B says that most vehicle manufacturers usually specify SAE 80W-90 be used with or without special limited-slip additives. Which technician is correct?

A)Technician A only
B)Technician B only
C)Both technicians A and B
D)Neither technician A nor B

Question 11

What supports the pinion gear in the differential housing?

A)Ball bearings
B)Tapered roller bearings
C)Bronze bushings
D)Rubber bushings

Question 12

Which component allow the rear wheels to turn at different speeds while propelling the vehicle?

A)Differential assembly
B)Axle bearings
C)Adjustable shims
D)None of these choices are correct.

Question 13

Technician A says the ring gear is attached to the drive shaft flange on RWD vehicles. Technician B says the pinion gear is attached to the drive shaft flange on RWD vehicles. Which technician is correct?

A)Technician A only
B)Technician B only
C)Both technicians A and B
D)Neither technician A nor B

Question 14

What gears produce the final drive ratio?

A)Spider gears
B)Countershaft gears
C)Ring and pinion gear set
D)None of the above is correct.

Question 15

Which of the following is TRUE of drive pinion mounting?

A)All support for the pinion shaft comes from two preloaded bearings on a straddle mounted drive pinion
B)A compressible spacer separating the two inner races supports an overhung pinion
C)The overhung pinion can be supported by opposed straight roller bearings
D)Pinion depth does not require adjustment

Question 16

Technician A says most limited-slip differentials rely on clutches that connect each side gear to the differential case. Technician B says the inward thrust of the side gears increases as wheel slippage increases. Which technician is correct?

A)Technician A only
B)Technician B only
C)Both technicians A and B
D)Neither technicians A nor B

Question 17

Which of the following is TRUE of a vehicle going into a turn?

A)The outboard wheel turns faster than the inboard wheel
B)The wheels rotate at the same time
C)On a drive axle, each wheel is free to turn as needed
D)The inboard wheel turns faster than the outboard wheel

Question 18

Technician A says a final drive ratio is a compromise between performance and vehicle speed. Technician B says a final drive ratio that provides a lesser top vehicle speed also provides for slower acceleration. Which technician is correct?

A)Technician A only
B)Technician B only
C)Both technicians A and B
D)Neither technician A nor B

Question 19

Where are straight roller bearings used in a rear drive axle?

A)Axle bearings
B)Pinion bearings
C)Spider gear bearings
D)Ring gear bearings

Question 20

Ring gear runout should be less than ________ as measured by a dial indicator.

A)0.002 inch
B)1/10th of an inch
C)1/20th of an inch
D)0.020 inch

Question 21

What is the technician checking in this illustration?

A)Gear pattern
B)Backlash
C)Side bearing preload
D)Pinion preload

Question 22

What is being measured in this photograph?

A)Pinion bearing preload
B)Axle bearing preload
C)Pinion nut torque
D)None of these