Question 1

Technician A says that as axle shafts rotate in one direction to drive the wheels, the axle housing attempts to rotate in the opposite direction. Technician B says this is called torque steer. Which technician is correct?

Accepted Answer

Technician A is correct because as axle shafts rotate to drive the wheels, the reaction force causes the axle housing to attempt to rotate in the opposite direction, a phenomenon related to Newton's third law of motion. This is not called torque steer; torque steer is a different phenomenon that occurs primarily in front-wheel-drive vehicles when differences in drive shaft lengths cause a vehicle to pull to one side under hard acceleration.

Question 2

Axle windup is most often a problem with ________.

Accepted Answer

Axle windup is typically a problem with vehicles that have a live rear axle, where the torsional forces from acceleration or deceleration can cause the axle to twist, leading to handling issues or drivetrain stress. Front-wheel drive vehicles generally do not have this issue because their drive axles are independent, not a solid or live axle.

Question 3

Technician A says that trailing arms run perpendicular to the center line of the chassis. Technician B says that trailing arms run parallel to the center line of the chassis. Which technician is correct?

Accepted Answer

Technician B is correct because trailing arms in a vehicle's suspension system run parallel to the center line of the chassis, not perpendicular. They are designed to control the fore and aft movement of the axle.

Question 4

Technician A says that a torque arm runs perpendicular the the driveshaft. Technician B says that a torque arm runs parallel to the driveshaft. Which technician is correct?

Accepted Answer

Technician B is correct because a torque arm typically runs parallel to the driveshaft, connecting the rear axle to the vehicle's chassis to control axle wrap and wheel hop.

Question 5

Panhard rods are installed ________.

Accepted Answer

Panhard rods are installed parallel to the rear axle to control lateral movement of the axle.

Question 6

Technician A says that vehicles with independent rear suspensions provide better handling than those with solid rear axles. Technician B says that vehicles with independent rear suspensions generally have less unsprung weight. Which technician is correct?

Accepted Answer

Vehicles with independent rear suspensions do provide better handling due to their ability to adapt to road irregularities independently on each wheel, improving traction and comfort. They also generally have less unsprung weight compared to solid rear axles, which enhances handling and ride quality by allowing the suspension to react more quickly and smoothly.

Question 7

Technician A says that a semi-independent rear suspension is used with live rear axles. Technician B says that the semi-independent rear suspension is used only with non-drive rear axles. Which technician is correct?

Accepted Answer

Semi-independent rear suspension is used only with non-drive rear axles.

Question 8

Technician A says that the top mounting nut for a rear shock absorber is often located inside the vehicle. Technician B says that shocks, struts, and springs should always be replaced in axle sets. Which technician is correct?

Accepted Answer

Technician A is correct because the top mounting nut for a rear shock absorber can indeed be located inside the vehicle, often accessible through the trunk or under the rear seat. Technician B is also correct because replacing shocks, struts, and springs in axle sets ensures balanced handling and wear, preventing potential safety issues and uneven tire wear.

Question 9

Identify this suspension type.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Identify this suspension type. 
...

Question 10

Which of these components is the Panhard rod?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of these components is the Panhard...

Quiz 114: Rear Suspensions and Service