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Key Facts: ASE A4 Exam

40

Scored Questions

ASE A4 Exam

60 min

Time Limit

ASE

Pass/fail

Test Result

ASE

$62

Exam Fee

ASE (plus $34 registration)

5 years

Certification Valid

ASE

28%

Wheel Alignment

Key content area

The ASE A4 Suspension and Steering exam has 40 scored questions plus 10 research questions, with a 60-minute time limit. The exam covers 4 content areas: Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair (30%), Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair (30%), Wheel Alignment Diagnosis, Adjustment, and Repair (28%), and Wheel and Tire Diagnosis and Service (12%). ASE certifications are valid for 5 years and are recognized throughout the automotive industry.

Sample ASE A4 Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the ASE A4 exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 224+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1During a poor-return complaint, the gear and steering linkage move freely when isolated. Steering effort rises at the same point in each column rotation. What should be inspected next?
A.Steering gear lash
B.Intermediate shaft U-joints
C.Pump relief pressure
D.Outer tie-rod sockets
Explanation: A seized or stiff intermediate shaft joint can bind at a repeatable point in its rotation. Isolating the gear and linkage narrows the fault to the column or shaft.
2Before replacing the steering column on a vehicle with a driver airbag, what should the technician do?
A.Remove the SRS fuse with battery power connected
B.Disconnect a module connector while the SRS is powered
C.Disable the SRS and wait per vehicle service information
D.Turn the ignition off and start column disassembly
Explanation: Follow the vehicle procedure to disable the SRS and allow its reserve energy to discharge before handling the module or column. The waiting period varies by application.
3Technician A says a collapsible steering column helps absorb collision energy. Technician B says a column that has collapsed must be inspected for damage using the manufacturer's procedure. Who is right?
A.A only
B.B only
C.Both A and B
D.Neither A nor B
Explanation: A collapsible column is designed to shorten under impact. After a collision, inspect its designed collapse points and related mounts as specified before returning it to service.
4The steering column has axial play when the driver pulls on the wheel, but the intermediate shaft remains fixed. What should be checked first?
A.The rack bearing and guide
B.The column lock and bearings
C.The hydraulic pump and pulley
D.The pitman shaft and sector gear
Explanation: Movement along the column axis without motion of the shaft points to the column's support or telescoping mechanism. Check its lock and bearing clearance using the service information.
5What fluid should be installed in a hydraulic power steering system?
A.The same grade as the engine oil
B.The vehicle's specified steering fluid
C.The transmission fluid used by the vehicle
D.A fluid chosen by matching its color
Explanation: Always use the specific power steering fluid type specified by the vehicle manufacturer. Some vehicles require automatic transmission fluid (ATF), while others require specific power steering fluids with different viscosity and additive properties. Using the wrong fluid can cause seal damage, poor performance, or system failure. Check the owner's manual or service information for the correct fluid specification.
6A hydraulic steering pump passes its output test, but pressure is normal at the left stop and below specification at the right stop. What does this pattern indicate?
A.Pump relief valve opens too early
B.Internal bypass in the steering gear
C.Common pressure feed is restricted
D.Steering linkage has excessive lash
Explanation: A fault in the gear's valve or a seal can bypass fluid in one steering direction. The common pump and feed supply both directions. Follow the shop manual's test and stop-hold limits.
7A vehicle with rack and pinion steering has a power steering fluid leak. The leak appears to be coming from the area where the steering column connects to the steering gear. What component is most likely leaking?
A.Pump shaft seal
B.Gear input shaft seal
C.Pressure hose fitting
D.Intermediate shaft joint
Explanation: The rack and pinion steering gear input shaft seal is the most likely source of a leak at the connection between the steering column and steering gear. This seal prevents power steering fluid from leaking where the input shaft enters the steering gear housing. If the seal wears out or is damaged, fluid will leak at this location. The input shaft seal can be replaced on some steering gears, while others require complete gear replacement.
8When adjusting a conventional (non-rack and pinion) steering gear, what two adjustments are typically made?
A.Worm preload and sector lash
B.Pinion depth and rack preload
C.Worm depth and sector angle
D.Rack backlash and pinion height
Explanation: Worm bearing preload is set before sector lash on serviceable designs that specify both. Lash is the clearance in the gear mesh. The manufacturer's on-center rotating-torque check is used to set or verify the mesh adjustment on some gears.
9Which step protects a hydraulic pump while exchanging power steering fluid?
A.Wait until the reservoir empties before adding fluid
B.Hold the gear against a stop throughout the exchange
C.Fill above the specified level to prevent aeration
D.Maintain the required fluid supply during the exchange
Explanation: Use the manufacturer-approved exchange method and specified fluid. Running the pump dry can introduce air and damage it. Bleed the system by the vehicle procedure afterward.
10A vehicle equipped with electric power steering (EPS) has intermittent loss of power assist. Technician A says a failing torque sensor could be the cause. Technician B says a poor ground connection could be the cause. Who is right?
A.A only
B.B only
C.Both A and B
D.Neither A nor B
Explanation: Both technicians are correct. Electric power steering systems rely on input from the torque sensor to determine how much assist to provide. A failing torque sensor can cause intermittent or incorrect assist. Additionally, EPS systems require good electrical connections, including proper grounding. A poor ground connection can cause intermittent operation, error codes, or complete loss of assist. Both components should be checked when diagnosing intermittent EPS problems.

About the ASE A4 Exam

The ASE A4 Suspension and Steering certification tests knowledge of steering systems diagnosis and repair, suspension systems diagnosis and repair, wheel alignment diagnosis and adjustment, and wheel and tire diagnosis and service. Passing this exam earns you the A4 certification, part of the ASE Master Automobile Technician credential.

Exam sponsor: National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Questions

50 questions

Time Limit

60 minutes

Passing Score

Pass/fail; ASE does not publish a fixed A4 cut score

Exam / Certification Fees

$62 test fee + $34 registration fee per order, plus applicable tax

Exam sponsor website

Reported exam pass rate: Not published by ASE. varies by experience level Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

30%

Steering Systems Diagnosis and Repair

Steering columns and steering shafts, steering gear types and diagnosis, power steering systems (hydraulic and electric), steering linkage components and inspection

30%

Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair

Front suspension components (control arms, ball joints, struts, springs), rear suspension systems (leaf springs, coil springs, control arms), shock absorbers and struts, stabilizer bars and links

28%

Wheel Alignment Diagnosis, Adjustment, and Repair

Camber, caster, toe angles and their effects, SAI and included angle, thrust angle and setback, four-wheel alignment procedures, ride height inspection

12%

Wheel and Tire Diagnosis and Service

Tire inspection and tread wear patterns, tire mounting and balancing, TPMS systems, tire repair procedures, wheel runout and damage inspection

Preparing for the ASE A4 Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Pass/fail; ASE does not publish a fixed A4 cut score
  • Exam length: 50 questions
  • Time limit: 60 minutes
  • Exam / certification fees: $62 test fee + $34 registration fee per order, plus applicable tax Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 224 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

ASE A4: Suggested Study Strategy

1Master steering system diagnosis — know how to identify worn components and system failures
2Understand suspension component wear patterns and their effects on handling
3Study wheel alignment angles: camber, caster, toe, SAI, and their interrelationships
4Know the alignment adjustment sequence: caster first, then camber, then toe
5Learn tire wear patterns and what they indicate about alignment problems
6Understand power steering system diagnosis including pressure testing
7Study TPMS operation and service procedures
8Know proper torque procedures for suspension and steering fasteners

Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is the ASE A4 Suspension and Steering exam?

ASE does not publish an official A4 pass rate. The test requires hands-on experience combined with theoretical knowledge, and it measures practical diagnostic skills and alignment knowledge.

How many questions are on the ASE A4 exam?

The ASE A4 test has 50 questions: 40 scored plus 10 unscored research questions, with a 60-minute time limit. The research questions gather statistics for future tests and are not identified, so answer every question. ASE reports pass or fail and does not publish a fixed cut score.

What experience do I need to take the ASE A4 exam?

ASE recommends 2 years of on-the-job experience in suspension and steering repair before testing. However, you can take the exam without experience. If you pass without meeting experience requirements, you receive certification once you complete the experience. Formal training from an automotive program can substitute for part of the experience requirement.

How do I become an ASE Master Technician?

To become an ASE Master Automobile Technician, you must pass all eight A-series exams: A1 Engine Repair, A2 Automatic Transmission/Transaxle, A3 Manual Drive Train and Axles, A4 Suspension and Steering, A5 Brakes, A6 Electrical/Electronic Systems, A7 Heating and Air Conditioning, and A8 Engine Performance. Certifications are valid for 5 years.

How much does ASE certification cost?

The ASE A4 test costs $62, plus a $34 registration fee per order (you can buy several tests in one order for a single registration fee). A recertification test also costs $62, and recertification tests are capped at $186 per order. Many employers reimburse ASE certification costs as part of their technician development programs.