A ball and socket joint in the steering linkage shows movement that is not rotational. How much fails the periodic inspection standards?Appendix A to 49 CFR Part 396, Appendix A, 7. Steering Mechanism, g. Ball and Socket Joints. Outline: ASE Transit Bus Study Guide (2026), Suspension and Steering (Test H5), A. Steering System Diagnosis and Repair (12 of 45)
A pusher articulated bus has its engine in the rear section. Why does its articulation joint need a damping system?Wikipedia, Articulated bus, Pusher. Outline: ASE Transit Bus Study Guide (2026), Suspension and Steering (Test H5), A. Steering System Diagnosis and Repair (12 of 45)
Besides joining the steering wheel to the steering mechanism, which secondary function may a steering column perform?Wikipedia, Steering column, Secondary functions. Outline: ASE Transit Bus Study Guide (2026), Suspension and Steering (Test H5), A. Steering System Diagnosis and Repair (12 of 45)
Show all 45 questions (42 more)
Steering system, continued
The drag link in TM 9-8000 has springs in its ball socket housing. What do they do?US Army TM 9-8000, Principles of Automotive Vehicles (1985), chapter 33, Steering Systems and Wheel Alinement, paragraph 33-2, Solid Axle Steering Linkage. Outline: ASE Transit Bus Study Guide (2026), Suspension and Steering (Test H5), A. Steering System Diagnosis and Repair (12 of 45)
The hydraulic booster of a power steering system fails on the road. What happens to the steering?Wikipedia, Power steering, Hydraulic systems. Outline: ASE Transit Bus Study Guide (2026), Suspension and Steering (Test H5), A. Steering System Diagnosis and Repair (12 of 45)
In an electric power steering system, what do the sensors in the steering column detect?Wikipedia, Power steering, Electric and electronic systems. Outline: ASE Transit Bus Study Guide (2026), Suspension and Steering (Test H5), A. Steering System Diagnosis and Repair (12 of 45)
In an in-line integral power steering gear, which part serves as the power piston?US Army TM 9-8000, Principles of Automotive Vehicles (1985), chapter 33, Steering Systems and Wheel Alinement, paragraph 33-10, Components. Outline: ASE Transit Bus Study Guide (2026), Suspension and Steering (Test H5), A. Steering System Diagnosis and Repair (12 of 45)
In the hydraulic power steering system that TM 9-8000 describes, where are the pressure relief and flow relief valves?US Army TM 9-8000, Principles of Automotive Vehicles (1985), chapter 33, Steering Systems and Wheel Alinement, paragraph 33-10, Components. Outline: ASE Transit Bus Study Guide (2026), Suspension and Steering (Test H5), A. Steering System Diagnosis and Repair (12 of 45)
What does a higher steering ratio mean for the driver?Wikipedia, Steering ratio, lead section. Outline: ASE Transit Bus Study Guide (2026), Suspension and Steering (Test H5), A. Steering System Diagnosis and Repair (12 of 45)
Which kinds of pump typically supply the pressure in a hydraulic power steering system?Wikipedia, Power steering, Hydraulic systems. Outline: ASE Transit Bus Study Guide (2026), Suspension and Steering (Test H5), A. Steering System Diagnosis and Repair (12 of 45)
Why does an idler arm generally wear sooner than a pitman arm?Wikipedia, Idler arm, lead section. Outline: ASE Transit Bus Study Guide (2026), Suspension and Steering (Test H5), A. Steering System Diagnosis and Repair (12 of 45)
Why is a much higher steering gear reduction ratio no substitute for power steering on a heavy vehicle?US Army TM 9-8000, Principles of Automotive Vehicles (1985), chapter 33, Steering Systems and Wheel Alinement, paragraph 33-13. Outline: ASE Transit Bus Study Guide (2026), Suspension and Steering (Test H5), A. Steering System Diagnosis and Repair (12 of 45)
Suspension systems 23
A front axle beam shows an obvious welded repair. How do the periodic inspection standards treat it?Appendix A to 49 CFR Part 396, Appendix A, 7. Steering Mechanism, c. Outline: ASE Transit Bus Study Guide (2026), Suspension and Steering (Test H5), B. Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair (23 of 45)
A sagging suspension lets the body touch a tire on a loaded bus. How do the periodic inspection standards treat it?Appendix A to 49 CFR Part 396, Appendix A, 9. Frame, b. Tire and Wheel Clearance. Outline: ASE Transit Bus Study Guide (2026), Suspension and Steering (Test H5), B. Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair (23 of 45)
Both front wheels of a bus rise over a speed hump at the same moment. What does the stabilizer bar do?US Army TM 9-8000, Principles of Automotive Vehicles (1985), chapter 30, Suspension Systems in Wheeled Vehicles, paragraph 30-20, Swaybars. Outline: ASE Transit Bus Study Guide (2026), Suspension and Steering (Test H5), B. Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair (23 of 45)
The front axle of a transit bus carries weight but does not drive the wheels. What does TM 9-8000 call such an axle?US Army TM 9-8000, Principles of Automotive Vehicles (1985), chapter 30, Suspension Systems in Wheeled Vehicles, paragraph 30-3. Outline: ASE Transit Bus Study Guide (2026), Suspension and Steering (Test H5), B. Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair (23 of 45)
How is a direct-acting shock absorber mounted, by TM 9-8000?US Army TM 9-8000, Principles of Automotive Vehicles (1985), chapter 30, Suspension Systems in Wheeled Vehicles, paragraph 30-18, Types of Shock Absorbers. Outline: ASE Transit Bus Study Guide (2026), Suspension and Steering (Test H5), B. Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair (23 of 45)
How many leaves of a leaf spring assembly may be broken or missing at a periodic inspection?Appendix A to 49 CFR Part 396, Appendix A, 8. Suspension, b. Spring Assembly. Outline: ASE Transit Bus Study Guide (2026), Suspension and Steering (Test H5), B. Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair (23 of 45)
In a double-acting shock absorber, when is the damping force greater?US Army TM 9-8000, Principles of Automotive Vehicles (1985), chapter 30, Suspension Systems in Wheeled Vehicles, paragraph 30-17, Classification of Shock Absorbers. Outline: ASE Transit Bus Study Guide (2026), Suspension and Steering (Test H5), B. Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair (23 of 45)
In a short and long arm (SLA) front suspension, why is the upper control arm usually the shorter one?Wikipedia, Double wishbone suspension, Implementation. Outline: ASE Transit Bus Study Guide (2026), Suspension and Steering (Test H5), B. Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair (23 of 45)
In an air suspension, what lifts the chassis off the axle?Wikipedia, Air suspension, lead section. Outline: ASE Transit Bus Study Guide (2026), Suspension and Steering (Test H5), B. Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair (23 of 45)
In the leveling system TM 9-8000 describes, where is the height control valve mounted?US Army TM 9-8000, Principles of Automotive Vehicles (1985), chapter 30, Suspension Systems in Wheeled Vehicles, paragraph 30-14. Outline: ASE Transit Bus Study Guide (2026), Suspension and Steering (Test H5), B. Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair (23 of 45)
In which direction does a radius rod control wheel motion?Wikipedia, Radius rod, lead section. Outline: ASE Transit Bus Study Guide (2026), Suspension and Steering (Test H5), B. Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair (23 of 45)
Just after a tight turn, an axle sits slightly to one side of its normal position. What does Appendix A to 49 CFR Part 396 say?Appendix A to 49 CFR Part 396, Appendix A, 8. Suspension, a. Outline: ASE Transit Bus Study Guide (2026), Suspension and Steering (Test H5), B. Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair (23 of 45)
On an independent front suspension, which part holds the wheel hub or spindle and is joined to both the suspension and the steering?Wikipedia, Steering knuckle, lead section. Outline: ASE Transit Bus Study Guide (2026), Suspension and Steering (Test H5), B. Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair (23 of 45)
One wheel of a beam axle rises over a bump. What happens to the camber angle between the two wheels?Wikipedia, Beam axle, Implementation. Outline: ASE Transit Bus Study Guide (2026), Suspension and Steering (Test H5), B. Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair (23 of 45)
Upper and lower control arm bushings are found worn and loose. What does the Navy manual say that will do?US Navy NAVEDTRA 14050, Construction Mechanic, Advanced (1992), chapter 12, Wheel and Track Alignment, Alignment Procedures. Outline: ASE Transit Bus Study Guide (2026), Suspension and Steering (Test H5), B. Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair (23 of 45)
What does a lateral rod (Panhard rod or track bar) do in a suspension?Wikipedia, Panhard rod, lead section. Outline: ASE Transit Bus Study Guide (2026), Suspension and Steering (Test H5), B. Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair (23 of 45)
What does the kneeling device of a low-floor bus do?Wikipedia, Low-floor bus, Other features. Outline: ASE Transit Bus Study Guide (2026), Suspension and Steering (Test H5), B. Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair (23 of 45)
What kind of spring is an anti-roll (stabilizer) bar?Wikipedia, Anti-roll bar, lead section. Outline: ASE Transit Bus Study Guide (2026), Suspension and Steering (Test H5), B. Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair (23 of 45)
What makes a suspension an independent suspension, by TM 9-8000?US Army TM 9-8000, Principles of Automotive Vehicles (1985), chapter 30, Suspension Systems in Wheeled Vehicles, paragraph 30-5. Outline: ASE Transit Bus Study Guide (2026), Suspension and Steering (Test H5), B. Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair (23 of 45)
Which rubber bushing condition fails the suspension inspection standard of 49 CFR 570.61?49 CFR 570.61, paragraph (a), Suspension condition. Outline: ASE Transit Bus Study Guide (2026), Suspension and Steering (Test H5), B. Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair (23 of 45)
Why are shock absorbers fitted alongside the air bags of an air-suspended axle, by TM 9-8000?US Army TM 9-8000, Principles of Automotive Vehicles (1985), chapter 30, Suspension Systems in Wheeled Vehicles, paragraph 30-21, Pusher Axle. Outline: ASE Transit Bus Study Guide (2026), Suspension and Steering (Test H5), B. Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair (23 of 45)
Why is the gas section of a gas-charged shock absorber filled with nitrogen at high pressure?Wikipedia, Shock absorber, Construction. Outline: ASE Transit Bus Study Guide (2026), Suspension and Steering (Test H5), B. Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair (23 of 45)
Why is the linkage of the height control valve damped with a fluid?US Army TM 9-8000, Principles of Automotive Vehicles (1985), chapter 30, Suspension Systems in Wheeled Vehicles, paragraph 30-14. Outline: ASE Transit Bus Study Guide (2026), Suspension and Steering (Test H5), B. Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair (23 of 45)
Wheel alignment 6
A wheel reads 7 degrees of steering axis inclination and 1 degree of positive camber. By the Navy manual, what angle is the spindle support built to?US Navy NAVEDTRA 14050, Construction Mechanic, Advanced (1992), chapter 12, Wheel and Track Alignment, Steering Axis Inclination. Outline: ASE Transit Bus Study Guide (2026), Suspension and Steering (Test H5), C. Wheel Alignment Diagnosis, Adjustment, and Repair (6 of 45)
On a rear-wheel drive vehicle, what does more front toe-in give, and at what cost?Wikipedia, Toe (automotive), Description. Outline: ASE Transit Bus Study Guide (2026), Suspension and Steering (Test H5), C. Wheel Alignment Diagnosis, Adjustment, and Repair (6 of 45)
Some positive camber moves the tire contact point closer to the steering knuckle pivot. Which wheel bearing then carries most of the load, by the Navy manual?US Navy NAVEDTRA 14050, Construction Mechanic, Advanced (1992), chapter 12, Wheel and Track Alignment, Steering Geometry, 1. Camber Angle. Outline: ASE Transit Bus Study Guide (2026), Suspension and Steering (Test H5), C. Wheel Alignment Diagnosis, Adjustment, and Repair (6 of 45)
What is one purpose of kingpin inclination, by the Navy manual?US Navy NAVEDTRA 14050, Construction Mechanic, Advanced (1992), chapter 12, Wheel and Track Alignment, Steering Geometry, 3. Kingpin Inclination. Outline: ASE Transit Bus Study Guide (2026), Suspension and Steering (Test H5), C. Wheel Alignment Diagnosis, Adjustment, and Repair (6 of 45)
What is the scrub radius of a steered wheel?Wikipedia, Scrub radius, lead section. Outline: ASE Transit Bus Study Guide (2026), Suspension and Steering (Test H5), C. Wheel Alignment Diagnosis, Adjustment, and Repair (6 of 45)
With positive caster, the steering axis meets the road ahead of the center of the tire contact patch. What is that distance called?Wikipedia, Caster angle, Positive caster angle. Outline: ASE Transit Bus Study Guide (2026), Suspension and Steering (Test H5), C. Wheel Alignment Diagnosis, Adjustment, and Repair (6 of 45)
Wheels and tires 4
A bus has averaged 45 mph over the past hour and its tires are hot. The tires are rated over 4,000 pounds. How is cold inflation pressure estimated under 49 CFR 393.75?49 CFR 393.75, paragraph (i), Tire inflation pressure, and Table 1. Outline: ASE Transit Bus Study Guide (2026), Suspension and Steering (Test H5), D. Wheels and Tires Diagnosis and Repair (4 of 45)
On a rear axle, one tire of a dual is mounted so that it touches its mate. How do the periodic inspection standards treat it?Appendix A to 49 CFR Part 396, Appendix A, 10. Tires, b. Outline: ASE Transit Bus Study Guide (2026), Suspension and Steering (Test H5), D. Wheels and Tires Diagnosis and Repair (4 of 45)
What does dynamic balance require of a tire and wheel, beyond static balance?Wikipedia, Tire balance, Static balance and Dynamic balance. Outline: ASE Transit Bus Study Guide (2026), Suspension and Steering (Test H5), D. Wheels and Tires Diagnosis and Repair (4 of 45)
What is the conical seat of a lug nut designed to do?Wikipedia, Lug nut, Design. Outline: ASE Transit Bus Study Guide (2026), Suspension and Steering (Test H5), D. Wheels and Tires Diagnosis and Repair (4 of 45)
How this list was compiled: Our own questions, written to the four content areas of the Suspension and Steering (Test H5) test specifications and task list in the ASE Transit Bus Study Guide (copyright 2026, https://ase.com/wp-content/uploads/ASE_TransitBus_Study_Guide.pdf, read 2026-10-13): steering system 12 of 45 scored questions, suspension systems 23, wheel alignment 6, wheels and tires 4. The bank holds the same 12, 23, 6 and 4. Every fact was read on 2026-10-13 in the public text the question names: US Army TM 9-8000, Principles of Automotive Vehicles (1985), chapters 30 and 33, and US Navy NAVEDTRA 14050, Construction Mechanic, Advanced (1992), chapter 12, both in the copies at archive.org; Appendix A to 49 CFR Part 396 and 49 CFR 393.75 and 570.61 at ecfr.gov; and Wikipedia articles on power steering, steering ratio, steering columns, idler arms, articulated and low-floor buses, air suspension, shock absorbers, suspension links, steering knuckles, beam axles, caster, toe, scrub radius, tire balance and lug nuts. The sample questions printed in the study guide were not used. Licence: Questions, choices and explanations are original work of this site. NAVEDTRA 14050 and TM 9-8000 are works of the United States Navy and Army approved for public release, and no question or example is copied from them.
How it works
These 45 questions make a free ASE H5 transit bus suspension and steering practice test, one question for each that ASE scores. The page is unofficial and is not affiliated with the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
Read the full guide
Suspension is half of H5
Of the 45 scored questions in ASE's Transit Bus study guide, 23 are on suspension systems: independent and I-beam front ends, rear suspensions, air springs, leveling valves and kneeling. Steering has 12, wheel alignment 6, and wheels and tires 4.
Manuals, federal rules and Wikipedia
Steering gear, linkage, shock absorber and leveling valve answers rest on a 1985 Army manual, and alignment angles on a 1992 Navy manual and Wikipedia. Inspection limits are from 49 CFR Parts 393, 396 and 570. Electric steering, kneeling and articulation joints rest on Wikipedia.
Transit run by a State or local government is excepted from 49 CFR Parts 393 and 396, so those limits are asked here as public yardsticks.
Questions and answers
How many questions are on the ASE H5 test?
Fifty-five, to be answered in 75 minutes. ASE's 2026 Transit Bus study guide scores 45 of them and uses the other ten to gather statistics. The H5 recertification test has 23 questions and a 30-minute limit.
Are these the real ASE H5 questions?
They are not. All 45 were written for this page from ASE's H5 task list and public manuals, rules and articles. ASE's own eight sample questions were read only to keep clear of them.
Does H5 cover air suspension and kneeling?
Yes. ASE's H5 task list names air springs, height control valves, pressure protection valves and the kneeling system under suspension, and the articulation system of an articulated bus under steering.
How is H5 different from the school bus test, S5?
ASE's School Bus study guide gives S5 50 scored questions, 18 of them on steering. H5 has 45, with 12 on steering and 23 on suspension, and its task list adds kneeling and articulation systems.