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ASE Automobile & Light Truck (A1–A8) — Practice Exam

A3 Four-wheel drive: practice questions

Our ASE A1–A8 bank has 10 questions on this topic. Here are 5 of them with answers; the full mock exam draws from every topic, like the real one.

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Question 1 · A3 Manual Drive Train & Axles

Why must tires on an AWD vehicle be closely matched in size?

  1. For better appearance
  2. It only matters for the spare
  3. Different diameters force the center coupling to slip constantly
  4. Mismatched tires improve traction by spreading the load more evenly
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C. Different diameters force the center coupling to slip constantly — Constant slip overheats and wears the coupling.

Question 2 · A3 Manual Drive Train & Axles

What is checked when inspecting a front drive axle on a 4WD vehicle?

  1. U-joints or CV joints, seals, fluid level and vent
  2. Only the shocks
  3. Only the brake pads, rotors and the brake lines
  4. Only the steering wheel play
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A. U-joints or CV joints, seals, fluid level and vent — Water in the axle fluid is common after deep water driving.

Question 3 · A3 Manual Drive Train & Axles

What drives a chain-type transfer case's front output?

  1. A hydraulic pump
  2. A drive chain between the rear and front output sprockets
  3. A separate engine
  4. A belt from the transmission output shaft
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B. A drive chain between the rear and front output sprockets — A stretched chain can cause noise or slipping.

Question 4 · A3 Manual Drive Train & Axles

What is a common symptom of a stretched transfer case chain?

  1. A slapping noise or skipping under load
  2. Hard steering when turning in 4WD
  3. Low engine oil pressure
  4. A no-start
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A. A slapping noise or skipping under load — Check chain slack against specifications.

Question 5 · A3 Manual Drive Train & Axles

What does a transfer case do on a 4WD vehicle?

  1. Replaces the front and rear differentials on most 4WD trucks
  2. Splits power between front and rear axles and may provide a low range
  3. Shifts the main transmission
  4. Controls the clutch
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B. Splits power between front and rear axles and may provide a low range — Many have a 2-wheel, 4-high and 4-low range.

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