Question 1

Which of the following is not a type of leaf spring?

Accepted Answer

Carbon/carbon composite is not a type of leaf spring; it is a material that can be used in the construction of various automotive components, including brakes and clutches, but not specifically categorized as a type of leaf spring. Leaf springs are typically made from steel or fiber composites and can be classified into multiple leaf, monoleaf, and fiber composite types based on their construction and materials.

Question 2

The amount of load necessary to deflect the spring 1 inch (25.4 mm)is known as the _____.

Accepted Answer

The spring rate, also known as the stiffness of the spring, is defined as the amount of load necessary to deflect the spring by a certain distance, in this case, 1 inch (25.4 mm). It is a measure of the spring's resistance to deformation.

Question 3

Technician A says the shackle prevents fore and aft movement of a leaf spring. Technician B says most leaf springs are semi-elliptical. Who is correct?

Accepted Answer

Technician B is correct because most leaf springs are indeed semi-elliptical. Technician A is incorrect because shackles allow for the necessary movement of the leaf spring as it flexes, rather than preventing it.

Question 4

A coil spring that is cylindrical in overall shape and has closely spaced coils at one end and widely space coils at the other end is called a _____ spring.

Accepted Answer

A progressive rate spring is designed with varying coil spacing, which allows the spring to operate with a variable stiffness. This means the spring can absorb small bumps smoothly for comfort, while still being able to handle larger bumps or loads without bottoming out, making it ideal for automotive suspension systems.

Question 5

Which type of spring weighs the least?

Accepted Answer

Fiberglass leaf springs weigh the least compared to monoleaf, multileaf, and quarter leaf springs because fiberglass is a lighter material than the steel typically used in the other types of springs.

Question 6

Technician A says a typical car shock has more resistance during compression (jounce). Technician B says mounting shock absorbers at an angle improves vehicle stability and dampens accelerating and braking torque. Who is correct?

Accepted Answer

Shock absorbers typically have more resistance during extension (rebound) rather than compression (jounce). Mounting shock absorbers at an angle can indeed improve vehicle stability and help dampen forces during acceleration and braking.

Question 7

In what type of leaf spring is the center of the spring mounted to the vehicle's chassis and the outer ends fastened to the ends of the axle housing or wheel spindles?

Accepted Answer

A transverse leaf spring is mounted at the center to the vehicle's chassis, with the outer ends attached to the axle housing or wheel spindles.

Question 8

_____ occurs when the wheel hits a dip or hole and moves downward.

Accepted Answer

The answer of _____ occurs when the wheel hits a...

Question 9

Technician A says a load-carrying ball joint supports the car's weight and is found on the control arm on which the spring rests. Technician B says all ball joints require periodic lubrication. Who is correct?

Accepted Answer

Technician A is correct because load-carrying ball joints do support the vehicle's weight and are typically found on the control arm that holds the spring. Technician B is incorrect because not all ball joints require periodic lubrication; some are sealed and maintenance-free.

Question 10

Gas-filled shock absorbers perform better on rough roads because the pressurized gas _____.

Accepted Answer

Gas-filled shock absorbers help prevent fluid aeration, which is the mixing of air with the hydraulic fluid. This can lead to decreased performance in traditional shock absorbers because aeration reduces the fluid's ability to dampen vibrations effectively. By using pressurized gas, typically nitrogen, gas-filled shock absorbers maintain consistent performance even under rough road conditions by minimizing this aeration.

Question 11

The MacPherson strut system uses a _____-type ball joint.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The MacPherson strut system uses a _____-type...

Question 12

Suspension bushings are being discussed. Technician A says the rubber bushings used in a control arm flex and twist as the control arm moves up and down. Technician B says rubber bushings should be lubricated with petroleum-based lubricants every 30,000 miles. Who is correct?

Accepted Answer

Technician A is correct because rubber bushings in a control arm are designed to flex and twist to accommodate the movement of the control arm. This flexibility helps to absorb road shocks and vibrations, providing a smoother ride. Technician B is incorrect because petroleum-based lubricants can actually degrade rubber bushings over time. It's generally recommended to avoid using petroleum-based products on rubber components in vehicles.

Question 13

When both front wheels go into jounce, the stabilizer bar _____.

Accepted Answer

When both front wheels go into jounce simultaneously, the stabilizer bar pivots in its bushings but does not transfer force. This is because the stabilizer bar primarily functions to reduce body roll during cornering, not to transfer vertical suspension movements directly.

Question 14

Which statement is false?

Accepted Answer

Follower-type ball joints are designed to pivot in multiple directions, including up and down, to accommodate the suspension's movement. This allows for both rotational movement and vertical pivoting, contrary to the statement in option C.

Question 15

Technician A says cars that use unibody construction are lighter than body-on-frame vehicles of comparable size. Technician B says in body-over-frame construction, all major parts of the vehicle are attached to the frame. Who is correct?

Accepted Answer

Technician A is correct because unibody construction integrates the body and frame into a single unit, reducing weight compared to body-on-frame vehicles. Technician B is correct because in body-on-frame construction, the vehicle's components, including the engine, body, and suspension, are mounted on a separate frame.

Question 16

Which of the following is not part of a MacPherson mount?

Accepted Answer

The MacPherson strut suspension system does not include an upper ball joint because it integrates the spring and shock absorber into a single unit, which connects directly to the wheel hub, eliminating the need for an upper ball joint typically found in other suspension setups.

Question 17

The sway bar link connects the sway bar to the ______.

Accepted Answer

The sway bar link connects the sway bar to the lower control arm, which helps reduce vehicle roll during cornering.

Question 18

Technician A says torsion bars are used in pickup trucks and SUVs because they can be mounted low. Technician B says one end of the bar is attached to the vehicle frame, and the other end is attached to the steering knuckle. Who is correct?

Accepted Answer

Technician A is correct because torsion bars are indeed used in pickup trucks and SUVs, and one of their advantages is that they can be mounted low, saving space. Technician B is incorrect because the other end of the torsion bar is typically attached to a control arm, not directly to the steering knuckle.

Question 19

High-performance suspension bushings made of _____ improve handling and reduce torque steer on FWD cars.

Accepted Answer

Polyurethane bushings are known for improving handling and reducing torque steer in front-wheel-drive cars due to their stiffness and durability compared to standard rubber bushings.

Question 20

A technician is checking a suspension complaint. He depresses the front bumper a few inches by hand then releases it. When the front bumper is released, it oscillates up and down about three times before coming to rest. What could be the problem?

Accepted Answer

Worn shock absorbers are responsible for the described symptom. Shock absorbers are designed to dampen the oscillations of the vehicle's suspension system. If they are worn, they cannot effectively dampen these oscillations, leading to excessive bouncing or oscillation before the vehicle comes to rest.

Quiz 46: Suspension Systems