ASE A3 EXAM QUESTIONS WITH VERIFIED
ANSWERS
What is another name for the clutch release bearing?
Throwout Bearing
What sound does a throwout bearing usually make when worn?
A squealing, chirping, or growling noise.
When does a worn clutch release bearing make noise?
When the clutch pedal is being depressed or fully depressed.
Where is the throwout bearing located?
Connected to the clutch release fork on a sleeve on the input shaft.
What happens to the release bearing when the clutch is depressed?
The bearing is pressed against the diaphragm springs, releasing the clutch.
What is another name for the output shaft seal?
Extension housing seal
Yolk seal
Name three causes of repeated output shaft seal failure.
Slip yolk pitting or rust on the drive shaft.
Clogged vent.
Worn output shaft bushing.
What is the name of the seal of the front of the differential?
Pinion Shaft Seal
What is the name of the component between the drive shaft and the differential?
Companion Flange
The pinion shaft seal is leaking.
Tech A says there is a collapsible sleeve that allows the companion flange nut to be loosened
and reused if necessary.
Tech B says the companion flange should be checked for pitting or damage when it is
removed.
Tech B.
Never reuse or loosen the companion flange nut sleeve.
Always look for a possible cause of seal failure.
, Which type of torque wrench is generally recommended for bearing preload?
Inch Pound Torque Wrench
What is the planetary gearset responsible for?
Gear Reduction
Where is the planetary gearset located?
Between the input shaft and the drive sprocket.
The 4WD indicator light flashes and then remains solid after a shift has been made. What
is most likely the problem?
There is no problem. The indicator light remains solid and represents which gear the 4WD is in.
What does it mean when a the indicator light flashes and then goes out when shifting from
4WD to 2WD
The shift was not successful or a problem occured.
The clutch master cylinder is leaking externally.
Tech A says this is caused by the primary seal leaking.
Tech B says this is caused by the secondary seal leaking.
Tech B
How do you know if a primary seal in the clutch master cylinder has failed?
The clutch pedal is soft, slowly sinks to the floor with gentle pressure, or loses pressure after the
clutch is applied.
How do you know when the secondary seal has failed in the clutch master cylinder?
Brake fluid is usually seen on the firewall under the master cylinder or on the floor board at the
clutch pedal.
Can a clutch master cylinder be rebuilt?
Yes, there are kits available. Though in my shop we just replace the entire unit.
What would cause excessive play in the shift lever?
A worn shift lever bushing.
What is the shift bushing connected to?
One ends connects to the shift lever. the other end is connected to the shift fork.
What is the purpose of detent notches and detent springs?
They help keep the vehicle in the desired gear.
ANSWERS
What is another name for the clutch release bearing?
Throwout Bearing
What sound does a throwout bearing usually make when worn?
A squealing, chirping, or growling noise.
When does a worn clutch release bearing make noise?
When the clutch pedal is being depressed or fully depressed.
Where is the throwout bearing located?
Connected to the clutch release fork on a sleeve on the input shaft.
What happens to the release bearing when the clutch is depressed?
The bearing is pressed against the diaphragm springs, releasing the clutch.
What is another name for the output shaft seal?
Extension housing seal
Yolk seal
Name three causes of repeated output shaft seal failure.
Slip yolk pitting or rust on the drive shaft.
Clogged vent.
Worn output shaft bushing.
What is the name of the seal of the front of the differential?
Pinion Shaft Seal
What is the name of the component between the drive shaft and the differential?
Companion Flange
The pinion shaft seal is leaking.
Tech A says there is a collapsible sleeve that allows the companion flange nut to be loosened
and reused if necessary.
Tech B says the companion flange should be checked for pitting or damage when it is
removed.
Tech B.
Never reuse or loosen the companion flange nut sleeve.
Always look for a possible cause of seal failure.
, Which type of torque wrench is generally recommended for bearing preload?
Inch Pound Torque Wrench
What is the planetary gearset responsible for?
Gear Reduction
Where is the planetary gearset located?
Between the input shaft and the drive sprocket.
The 4WD indicator light flashes and then remains solid after a shift has been made. What
is most likely the problem?
There is no problem. The indicator light remains solid and represents which gear the 4WD is in.
What does it mean when a the indicator light flashes and then goes out when shifting from
4WD to 2WD
The shift was not successful or a problem occured.
The clutch master cylinder is leaking externally.
Tech A says this is caused by the primary seal leaking.
Tech B says this is caused by the secondary seal leaking.
Tech B
How do you know if a primary seal in the clutch master cylinder has failed?
The clutch pedal is soft, slowly sinks to the floor with gentle pressure, or loses pressure after the
clutch is applied.
How do you know when the secondary seal has failed in the clutch master cylinder?
Brake fluid is usually seen on the firewall under the master cylinder or on the floor board at the
clutch pedal.
Can a clutch master cylinder be rebuilt?
Yes, there are kits available. Though in my shop we just replace the entire unit.
What would cause excessive play in the shift lever?
A worn shift lever bushing.
What is the shift bushing connected to?
One ends connects to the shift lever. the other end is connected to the shift fork.
What is the purpose of detent notches and detent springs?
They help keep the vehicle in the desired gear.
