Michigan State Brakes Certification Exam
(2023 Edition) – Complete Questions and
Verified Answers
Section 1: Brake Inspection and Service (14 Qs)
1. A 2018 Ford F-150 (GVWR 6,800 lbs) enters your shop with a customer complaint of uneven
braking and pulling to the left during moderate stops. During inspection, you note the left front
brake pad thickness at 2 mm and the right at 8 mm, with no visible leaks. What is the MOST
likely cause, and what is the NEXT service step per Michigan SOS inspection standards?
A) Uneven pad wear due to caliper piston seizure; replace both front pads and resurface rotors.
B) Tire pressure imbalance; inflate to spec and retest.
C) Master cylinder bypass; bench-test and rebuild.
D) ABS modulator fault; scan for DTCs.
Answer: A
Rationale: Uneven wear indicates sticking caliper slide pins or piston (common on F-150s);
Michigan Vehicle Code (MCL 257.705) requires pads >3 mm for safety. Next: Measure rotor
thickness (min 26 mm per Ford spec) and parallel (0.025 mm max); replace pads in axle sets to
prevent imbalance (SOS task: P-1A, brake service). B/C/D are secondary checks.
2. While inspecting a 2022 Toyota Camry during Michigan annual safety check, you find the rear
drum brake linings contaminated with wheel bearing grease. The vehicle has 45,000 miles. What
is the MOST probable cause, and required action under FMVSS 105?
A) Axle seal leak; clean drums, replace linings, and seals.
B) Over-lubricated wheel bearings; repack only.
C) Drum scoring; resurface drums.
D) Parking brake cable bind; adjust only.
Answer: A
Rationale: Grease contamination from failed axle seal causes grab/pull (SOS diagnostic: inspect
for leaks). FMVSS 105 mandates effective brakes; replace linings (min 1.6 mm remaining) and
seals to restore friction material integrity (task: P-2A, drum service). B risks recurrence; C/D
address symptoms.
,3. A technician services the brakes on a 2015 Chevy Silverado and notes the parking brake does
not hold on a 20% grade. Inspection reveals stretched cables. Per Michigan inspection
standards (MCL 257.705g), what is the repair priority?
A) Replace cables and adjust to 10-15 clicks.
B) Lubricate cables and test.
C) Inspect shoes for wear only.
D) Bleed hydraulic system.
Answer: A
Rationale: Parking brakes must hold on any grade (MCL 257.705g); stretched cables reduce
tension. Replace and adjust per GM spec (task: P-3A, parking brake service); test on incline.
B/C ineffective long-term; D unrelated.
4. During a routine Michigan brake inspection on a 2020 Honda Civic, the technician observes a
soft pedal that sinks slowly to the floor under steady pressure. No leaks are visible. What
diagnostic test confirms the fault, and what is the likely repair?
A) Pedal effort test; replace master cylinder.
B) Vacuum booster check; replace check valve.
C) Proportioning valve test; recenter valve.
D) Rotor runout measurement; resurface rotors.
Answer: A
Rationale: Slow sink indicates internal master cylinder bypass (worn seals); perform residual
pressure test (hold pedal 30 sec, no drop >1/4"). Replace per Honda spec (SOS task: P-1B,
hydraulic diagnosis). Others don't match symptom.
5. A customer reports intermittent ABS activation on dry roads in a 2019 Jeep Wrangler. Scan
shows no DTCs, but wheel speed sensors read erratic. What is the MOST common cause in
Michigan's variable climate, and service procedure?
A) Corroded tone rings; clean or replace sensors.
B) Low battery voltage; charge battery.
C) Brake fluid contamination; flush system.
D) Worn rotors; measure thickness.
Answer: A
Rationale: Road salt corrosion affects sensors/tone rings (common in MI winters); use DVOM to
check AC voltage output (>0.5V AC). Clean/replace as matched set (task: P-5A, ABS
diagnosis). Others secondary.
6. Inspecting a fleet of 2017 Ram 1500 trucks, you find one with excessive rear brake fade during
downhill towing. Linings measure 4 mm. What Michigan safety standard violation is present, and
corrective action?
A) Inadequate lining contact; replace drums/shoes.
B) Proportioning valve misadjustment; recalibrate.
C) Overloaded springs; check GVWR.
, D) Tire mismatch; rotate tires.
Answer: B
Rationale: Load-sensing proportioning valve (LSPV) fails to balance rear pressure under load
(MCL 257.705 requires balanced braking). Adjust/test per Ram spec (task: P-1C, proportioning
systems). A/C/D not primary.
7. A 2023 Tesla Model 3 (EV) undergoes Michigan brake inspection; regenerative braking is noted
as primary, with friction brakes secondary. What unique service step is required per NHTSA
2025 guidelines?
A) Bleed system with low-viscosity DOT 4 fluid.
B) Perform adaptive learning reset via scan tool.
C) Measure caliper slide pin torque only.
D) Inspect parking pawl integration.
Answer: B
Rationale: EVs blend regen/friction; reset calibration post-service to optimize (task: P-5B,
electronic integration). Michigan aligns with FMVSS for hybrid systems; A standard, C/D partial.
8. During service on a 2016 Subaru Outback, the left rear caliper drags after pad replacement.
What is the cause, and Michigan-required verification?
A) Seized piston; compress and test for drag.
B) Incorrect pad taper; swap pads.
C) Hose kink; replace hose.
D) Booster vacuum leak; test hold-off.
Answer: A
Rationale: Piston corrosion causes drag; retract with tool, verify <1 mm drag (SOS task: P-4A,
disc service). MCL 257.705 mandates no binding; B/C less likely post-replacement.
9. A technician inspects a 2021 GMC Sierra with customer noise complaint: squeal on light
braking. Pads have 6 mm left. What is the probable cause, and repair per ASE A5?
A) Glazed pads; burnish or replace.
B) Warped rotor; measure runout.
C) Loose caliper bolts; torque to spec.
D) Worn shims; add anti-rattle clips.
Answer: A
Rationale: Glazing from overheating; bed-in with 10 stops from 50 mph (task: P-4B, noise
diagnosis). Michigan inspections require quiet operation; B if >0.050 mm runout.
10. In a Michigan fleet inspection, a 2014 Dodge Charger shows uneven front pad wear (inner 3
mm, outer 7 mm). What tool confirms diagnosis, and action?
A) Dial indicator on caliper pins; lubricate/replace pins.
B) On-car lathe; resurface in place.
C) Brake dyno; balance pressures.
(2023 Edition) – Complete Questions and
Verified Answers
Section 1: Brake Inspection and Service (14 Qs)
1. A 2018 Ford F-150 (GVWR 6,800 lbs) enters your shop with a customer complaint of uneven
braking and pulling to the left during moderate stops. During inspection, you note the left front
brake pad thickness at 2 mm and the right at 8 mm, with no visible leaks. What is the MOST
likely cause, and what is the NEXT service step per Michigan SOS inspection standards?
A) Uneven pad wear due to caliper piston seizure; replace both front pads and resurface rotors.
B) Tire pressure imbalance; inflate to spec and retest.
C) Master cylinder bypass; bench-test and rebuild.
D) ABS modulator fault; scan for DTCs.
Answer: A
Rationale: Uneven wear indicates sticking caliper slide pins or piston (common on F-150s);
Michigan Vehicle Code (MCL 257.705) requires pads >3 mm for safety. Next: Measure rotor
thickness (min 26 mm per Ford spec) and parallel (0.025 mm max); replace pads in axle sets to
prevent imbalance (SOS task: P-1A, brake service). B/C/D are secondary checks.
2. While inspecting a 2022 Toyota Camry during Michigan annual safety check, you find the rear
drum brake linings contaminated with wheel bearing grease. The vehicle has 45,000 miles. What
is the MOST probable cause, and required action under FMVSS 105?
A) Axle seal leak; clean drums, replace linings, and seals.
B) Over-lubricated wheel bearings; repack only.
C) Drum scoring; resurface drums.
D) Parking brake cable bind; adjust only.
Answer: A
Rationale: Grease contamination from failed axle seal causes grab/pull (SOS diagnostic: inspect
for leaks). FMVSS 105 mandates effective brakes; replace linings (min 1.6 mm remaining) and
seals to restore friction material integrity (task: P-2A, drum service). B risks recurrence; C/D
address symptoms.
,3. A technician services the brakes on a 2015 Chevy Silverado and notes the parking brake does
not hold on a 20% grade. Inspection reveals stretched cables. Per Michigan inspection
standards (MCL 257.705g), what is the repair priority?
A) Replace cables and adjust to 10-15 clicks.
B) Lubricate cables and test.
C) Inspect shoes for wear only.
D) Bleed hydraulic system.
Answer: A
Rationale: Parking brakes must hold on any grade (MCL 257.705g); stretched cables reduce
tension. Replace and adjust per GM spec (task: P-3A, parking brake service); test on incline.
B/C ineffective long-term; D unrelated.
4. During a routine Michigan brake inspection on a 2020 Honda Civic, the technician observes a
soft pedal that sinks slowly to the floor under steady pressure. No leaks are visible. What
diagnostic test confirms the fault, and what is the likely repair?
A) Pedal effort test; replace master cylinder.
B) Vacuum booster check; replace check valve.
C) Proportioning valve test; recenter valve.
D) Rotor runout measurement; resurface rotors.
Answer: A
Rationale: Slow sink indicates internal master cylinder bypass (worn seals); perform residual
pressure test (hold pedal 30 sec, no drop >1/4"). Replace per Honda spec (SOS task: P-1B,
hydraulic diagnosis). Others don't match symptom.
5. A customer reports intermittent ABS activation on dry roads in a 2019 Jeep Wrangler. Scan
shows no DTCs, but wheel speed sensors read erratic. What is the MOST common cause in
Michigan's variable climate, and service procedure?
A) Corroded tone rings; clean or replace sensors.
B) Low battery voltage; charge battery.
C) Brake fluid contamination; flush system.
D) Worn rotors; measure thickness.
Answer: A
Rationale: Road salt corrosion affects sensors/tone rings (common in MI winters); use DVOM to
check AC voltage output (>0.5V AC). Clean/replace as matched set (task: P-5A, ABS
diagnosis). Others secondary.
6. Inspecting a fleet of 2017 Ram 1500 trucks, you find one with excessive rear brake fade during
downhill towing. Linings measure 4 mm. What Michigan safety standard violation is present, and
corrective action?
A) Inadequate lining contact; replace drums/shoes.
B) Proportioning valve misadjustment; recalibrate.
C) Overloaded springs; check GVWR.
, D) Tire mismatch; rotate tires.
Answer: B
Rationale: Load-sensing proportioning valve (LSPV) fails to balance rear pressure under load
(MCL 257.705 requires balanced braking). Adjust/test per Ram spec (task: P-1C, proportioning
systems). A/C/D not primary.
7. A 2023 Tesla Model 3 (EV) undergoes Michigan brake inspection; regenerative braking is noted
as primary, with friction brakes secondary. What unique service step is required per NHTSA
2025 guidelines?
A) Bleed system with low-viscosity DOT 4 fluid.
B) Perform adaptive learning reset via scan tool.
C) Measure caliper slide pin torque only.
D) Inspect parking pawl integration.
Answer: B
Rationale: EVs blend regen/friction; reset calibration post-service to optimize (task: P-5B,
electronic integration). Michigan aligns with FMVSS for hybrid systems; A standard, C/D partial.
8. During service on a 2016 Subaru Outback, the left rear caliper drags after pad replacement.
What is the cause, and Michigan-required verification?
A) Seized piston; compress and test for drag.
B) Incorrect pad taper; swap pads.
C) Hose kink; replace hose.
D) Booster vacuum leak; test hold-off.
Answer: A
Rationale: Piston corrosion causes drag; retract with tool, verify <1 mm drag (SOS task: P-4A,
disc service). MCL 257.705 mandates no binding; B/C less likely post-replacement.
9. A technician inspects a 2021 GMC Sierra with customer noise complaint: squeal on light
braking. Pads have 6 mm left. What is the probable cause, and repair per ASE A5?
A) Glazed pads; burnish or replace.
B) Warped rotor; measure runout.
C) Loose caliper bolts; torque to spec.
D) Worn shims; add anti-rattle clips.
Answer: A
Rationale: Glazing from overheating; bed-in with 10 stops from 50 mph (task: P-4B, noise
diagnosis). Michigan inspections require quiet operation; B if >0.050 mm runout.
10. In a Michigan fleet inspection, a 2014 Dodge Charger shows uneven front pad wear (inner 3
mm, outer 7 mm). What tool confirms diagnosis, and action?
A) Dial indicator on caliper pins; lubricate/replace pins.
B) On-car lathe; resurface in place.
C) Brake dyno; balance pressures.
