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Brakes (A5) practice test

25 free practice questions for this exam, each with the reason for the answer and where to look it up.

ASE automotive fundamentals: practice test

10 questions, graded as you go, with the reason for every answer. No sign-up.

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About the exam

ExamBrakes (A5)
Who runs itASE
WhereUnited States

Question count, time limit and pass mark differ by where you take it. Check the official candidate bulletin from the organisation that runs your exam.

Sample questions

A brake pedal feels soft and spongy. What is the most likely cause?

  1. A failed vacuum brake booster
  2. Glazed brake pads and rotors
  3. A seized caliper slide pin
  4. Air in the hydraulic system
Show the answer

D. Air in the hydraulic system

Air compresses, so pedal travel is used up squeezing the air instead of applying the brakes, and the pedal feels springy. A failed booster gives the opposite feel: a hard pedal that needs high effort.

Reference: Brake pedal feel diagnosis; bleeding

A brake pedal is hard to push and the vehicle takes much more effort than normal to stop. What is the most likely cause?

  1. Air trapped in the rear brake lines
  2. Brake fluid with a low boiling point
  3. Loss of vacuum to the brake booster
  4. Rear brake shoes that are out of adjustment
Show the answer

C. Loss of vacuum to the brake booster

Without vacuum the booster gives no assist, so the pedal is high and hard and the driver must supply all the force. Air in the lines or badly adjusted shoes cause a low or spongy pedal instead.

Reference: Vacuum brake booster diagnosis

A high-pitched squeal is heard from a front wheel while driving, and it stops when the brakes are applied. What is the most likely cause?

  1. A wheel bearing that has lost its grease
  2. A pad wear indicator touching the rotor
  3. A brake hose that is swollen inside
  4. A caliper piston that is stuck in its bore
Show the answer

B. A pad wear indicator touching the rotor

Audible wear indicators are spring-steel tabs that rub the rotor when the lining is nearly gone; the noise commonly changes or stops when the pads are clamped. A dry wheel bearing growls or rumbles rather than squeals.

Reference: Disc brake pad wear indicators

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