ASE T5 Truck Suspension Prep Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (1–10)

Question 1

What is the most likely cause of noise when turning the steering wheel of a medium-duty truck?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Worn steering column U-joints. Worn U-joints in the steering column often cause noise specifically when the steering wheel is being turned as they create binding or clicking sounds during rotation.

Question 2

Technician A says that collapsed steering column damage should be evaluated after any front-end collision. Technician B says a collapsible steering column should be replaced if it shows any signs of deformation. Who is right?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Both Technician A and B. Both technicians are correct. Collapsible steering columns should be inspected after any front-end collision, and if they show any signs of deformation (which means they've been compressed in a collision), they should be replaced as they will not function properly in a future collision.

Question 3

A power steering system has restricted flow. What is the proper test to accurately diagnose the issue?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Power steering pressure test. A power steering pressure test using a flow meter and pressure gauge is the proper diagnostic procedure to accurately determine if there is restricted flow in the system and identify the cause of the restriction.

Question 4

After replacing a hydraulic power steering pump on a heavy-duty truck, the steering is still difficult to turn. What is the most likely cause?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Relief/poppet valve requires adjustment. If the relief/poppet valve is not adjusted correctly after pump replacement, it may limit maximum system pressure, resulting in difficult steering despite the new pump installation.

Question 5

When diagnosing a truck with binding during steering, Technician A says that a damaged flexible coupling could be the cause. Technician B says that misadjusted poppet valves could be the cause. Who is right?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Both Technician A and B. Both technicians are correct. A damaged flexible coupling in the steering column can cause binding during rotation, and misadjusted poppet valves can create binding in the hydraulic system particularly at the extremes of steering travel.

Question 6

During inspection of a power steering system, milky fluid is observed in the reservoir. What is the most likely cause?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Water contamination. Milky power steering fluid typically indicates water contamination, which can occur due to condensation or a defective reservoir cap allowing water entry into the system.

Question 7

What tool is required to properly calibrate the steering angle sensor after replacing the electronic power steering control module?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Scan tool with OEM software. A scan tool with the appropriate software is required to calibrate the steering angle sensor after control module replacement to ensure proper functionality of the electronic power steering system.

Question 8

When checking a power steering gear box on a Class 8 truck, what is the proper procedure to check for internal leakage?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Perform a pressure test with the steering wheel at full lock. To check for internal leakage in a power steering gear box, a pressure test should be performed while observing if pressure drops when the steering wheel is held at full lock, which would indicate internal leakage past seals or valves.

Question 9

A truck exhibits a grinding noise from the power steering pump. Technician A says this could be caused by a worn pump shaft bearing. Technician B says this could be caused by low fluid level. Who is right?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Both Technician A and B. Both technicians are correct. A worn pump shaft bearing can cause grinding noise, and low fluid level can also cause grinding noise as the pump cavitates due to insufficient fluid intake.

Question 10

Which of these is the most common cause of power steering fluid contamination?

TheoryPractice · Accepted Answer

Deteriorated internal hoses. Deteriorated internal hoses are the most common cause of power steering fluid contamination as they break down over time and release particles into the fluid.

ASE T5 Truck Suspension Prep Exam Questions & Answers 2026 (1–10)

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