https://www.stuvia.com/user/performance
HEAVY TRUCK STEERING AND SUSPENSION Michigan Mechanic Exam –
Original Questions with Answers and Rationales
Section 1: Steering System Fundamentals (Questions)
1. What is the primary function of the steering system on a
heavy truck?
A. To absorb road shocks
B. To provide directional control of the vehicle
C. To support the vehicle weight
D. To reduce tire wear only
Answer: B
Rationale: The steering system's primary function is
directional control, allowing the driver to guide the
vehicle safely. Suspension handles shocks, and the
frame/axles support weight.
2. Which component connects the steering gearbox to the
steering knuckles?
A. Pitman arm
B. Drag link
C. Tie rod
D. Kingpin
Answer: B
Rationale: The drag link connects the pitman arm
(attached to the gearbox output shaft) to the steering
,https://www.stuvia.com/user/performance
arm on the left knuckle. The tie rod connects left and
right knuckles for simultaneous turning.
3. On a manual steering system, excessive steering wheel free
play is most likely caused by:
A. Overinflated tires
B. Worn steering linkage components
C. Tight wheel bearings
D. Excessive caster
Answer: B
Rationale: Worn tie rod ends, drag link ends, or a worn
steering gearbox create looseness (free play) in the
steering system. Tire pressure and caster affect handling
but not typically free play.
4. What is the function of the steering gearbox?
A. To connect the steering wheel to the frame
B. To multiply driver input force and change direction of
motion
C. To absorb road shock
D. To hold the front wheels in alignment
Answer: B
Rationale: The steering gearbox multiplies the driver's
turning effort and converts rotational motion of the
steering wheel into linear or rotary motion of the pitman
arm/sector shaft.
,https://www.stuvia.com/user/performance
5. A power steering system that is hard to steer in both
directions is most likely caused by:
A. Low power steering fluid
B. Worn tie rod ends
C. A bent frame
D. Excessive toe-in
Answer: A
Rationale: Low fluid, a failed pump, or a slipping belt
reduces hydraulic assist, making steering difficult in both
directions. Worn linkage causes looseness, not stiffness.
6. What component maintains proper tension on the power
steering pump belt?
A. Idler pulley
B. Tensioner
C. Alternator bracket
D. Crankshaft damper
Answer: B
Rationale: The belt tensioner (or adjustable bracket on
older systems) maintains correct tension so the pump
operates efficiently without belt slippage.
7. The steering column U-joints should be inspected for:
A. Rust only
B. Looseness, binding, and wear
C. Paint condition
, https://www.stuvia.com/user/performance
D. Fluid leaks
Answer: B
Rationale: Worn or seized U-joints in the steering column
cause binding, uneven steering effort, or noise. They
should be checked during routine inspections.
8. What is the purpose of the steering damper (stabilizer) on
a heavy truck?
A. To reduce steering effort
B. To dampen road shock and shimmy transmitted to the
steering wheel
C. To increase caster angle
D. To hold the wheels in alignment
Answer: B
Rationale: The steering damper is a hydraulic shock
absorber mounted horizontally in the steering linkage
that reduces vibration, shimmy, and road shock.
9. A truck pulls to the right while driving. Which is the most
likely cause?
A. Excessive positive caster on the left
B. Unequal tire pressure or brake drag on the right
C. Worn steering gearbox
D. Too much toe-in
Answer: B
Rationale: Pulling to one side is often caused by unequal
HEAVY TRUCK STEERING AND SUSPENSION Michigan Mechanic Exam –
Original Questions with Answers and Rationales
Section 1: Steering System Fundamentals (Questions)
1. What is the primary function of the steering system on a
heavy truck?
A. To absorb road shocks
B. To provide directional control of the vehicle
C. To support the vehicle weight
D. To reduce tire wear only
Answer: B
Rationale: The steering system's primary function is
directional control, allowing the driver to guide the
vehicle safely. Suspension handles shocks, and the
frame/axles support weight.
2. Which component connects the steering gearbox to the
steering knuckles?
A. Pitman arm
B. Drag link
C. Tie rod
D. Kingpin
Answer: B
Rationale: The drag link connects the pitman arm
(attached to the gearbox output shaft) to the steering
,https://www.stuvia.com/user/performance
arm on the left knuckle. The tie rod connects left and
right knuckles for simultaneous turning.
3. On a manual steering system, excessive steering wheel free
play is most likely caused by:
A. Overinflated tires
B. Worn steering linkage components
C. Tight wheel bearings
D. Excessive caster
Answer: B
Rationale: Worn tie rod ends, drag link ends, or a worn
steering gearbox create looseness (free play) in the
steering system. Tire pressure and caster affect handling
but not typically free play.
4. What is the function of the steering gearbox?
A. To connect the steering wheel to the frame
B. To multiply driver input force and change direction of
motion
C. To absorb road shock
D. To hold the front wheels in alignment
Answer: B
Rationale: The steering gearbox multiplies the driver's
turning effort and converts rotational motion of the
steering wheel into linear or rotary motion of the pitman
arm/sector shaft.
,https://www.stuvia.com/user/performance
5. A power steering system that is hard to steer in both
directions is most likely caused by:
A. Low power steering fluid
B. Worn tie rod ends
C. A bent frame
D. Excessive toe-in
Answer: A
Rationale: Low fluid, a failed pump, or a slipping belt
reduces hydraulic assist, making steering difficult in both
directions. Worn linkage causes looseness, not stiffness.
6. What component maintains proper tension on the power
steering pump belt?
A. Idler pulley
B. Tensioner
C. Alternator bracket
D. Crankshaft damper
Answer: B
Rationale: The belt tensioner (or adjustable bracket on
older systems) maintains correct tension so the pump
operates efficiently without belt slippage.
7. The steering column U-joints should be inspected for:
A. Rust only
B. Looseness, binding, and wear
C. Paint condition
, https://www.stuvia.com/user/performance
D. Fluid leaks
Answer: B
Rationale: Worn or seized U-joints in the steering column
cause binding, uneven steering effort, or noise. They
should be checked during routine inspections.
8. What is the purpose of the steering damper (stabilizer) on
a heavy truck?
A. To reduce steering effort
B. To dampen road shock and shimmy transmitted to the
steering wheel
C. To increase caster angle
D. To hold the wheels in alignment
Answer: B
Rationale: The steering damper is a hydraulic shock
absorber mounted horizontally in the steering linkage
that reduces vibration, shimmy, and road shock.
9. A truck pulls to the right while driving. Which is the most
likely cause?
A. Excessive positive caster on the left
B. Unequal tire pressure or brake drag on the right
C. Worn steering gearbox
D. Too much toe-in
Answer: B
Rationale: Pulling to one side is often caused by unequal
