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25 questions from the ase automotive fundamentals practice test.
10 questions, graded as you go, with the reason for every answer. No sign-up.
A brake pedal feels soft and spongy. What is the most likely cause?
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?
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?
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