• 50 questions

ASE S5 School Bus Suspension and Steering Practice Test

Unofficial S5 practice on what keeps a school bus on the road: steering, springs, shock absorbers, alignment, wheels and tires.

A driver reports hard steering. Which alignment cause does the Navy manual list for it?

Pick an answer, then press Check answer. Then you see Correct or Not quite, with the reason. Keys: A to D pick, Enter checks.

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Exam mode: 50 questions, 75 minutes.

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Unofficial practice questions, not affiliated with the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Bank checked October 13, 2026.

Next step Same systems, other questions: ASE H5School bus drive train: ASE S3 practice

All 50 questions

Steering system 18

  • A driver reports hard steering. Which alignment cause does the Navy manual list for it? US Navy NAVEDTRA 14050, Construction Mechanic, Advanced (1992), chapter 12, Steering and Alignment Trouble. ASE S5 content area A, Steering System Diagnosis and Repair (18 of 50 questions)
  • A parallelogram linkage has a centerlink. What supports the end of the centerlink opposite the pitman arm? US Army TM 9-8000, Principles of Automotive Vehicles (1985), paragraph 33-3. ASE S5 content area A, Steering System Diagnosis and Repair (18 of 50 questions)
  • A power steering pump delivers flow in proportion to engine speed. What keeps the steering from working faster at high engine speed? Wikipedia, Power steering, Hydraulic systems. ASE S5 content area A, Steering System Diagnosis and Repair (18 of 50 questions)
  • A worm and roller steering gear has an hourglass worm. How does its ratio change from straight ahead to full lock? US Army TM 9-8000, Principles of Automotive Vehicles (1985), paragraph 33-5. ASE S5 content area A, Steering System Diagnosis and Repair (18 of 50 questions)
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Steering system, continued

  • After an alignment the steering wheel is not centered when the bus runs straight. Which cause does the Navy manual list, besides toe and bent parts? US Navy NAVEDTRA 14050, Construction Mechanic, Advanced (1992), chapter 12, Steering and Alignment Trouble. ASE S5 content area A, Steering System Diagnosis and Repair (18 of 50 questions)
  • How does the Navy manual check an idler arm and the linkage before an alignment? US Navy NAVEDTRA 14050, Construction Mechanic, Advanced (1992), chapter 12, Alignment Procedures. ASE S5 content area A, Steering System Diagnosis and Repair (18 of 50 questions)
  • How is a hydraulic power steering pump usually driven, by TM 9-8000? US Army TM 9-8000, Principles of Automotive Vehicles (1985), paragraph 33-10. ASE S5 content area A, Steering System Diagnosis and Repair (18 of 50 questions)
  • How is a semi-integral power steering system laid out? US Army TM 9-8000, Principles of Automotive Vehicles (1985), paragraph 33-12. ASE S5 content area A, Steering System Diagnosis and Repair (18 of 50 questions)
  • In a parallelogram linkage, which part carries the turning action of the steering box to the centerlink? US Army TM 9-8000, Principles of Automotive Vehicles (1985), paragraph 33-3. ASE S5 content area A, Steering System Diagnosis and Repair (18 of 50 questions)
  • In a recirculating ball steering gear, how does the nut move on the worm? US Army TM 9-8000, Principles of Automotive Vehicles (1985), paragraph 33-7. ASE S5 content area A, Steering System Diagnosis and Repair (18 of 50 questions)
  • Looseness is felt along the steering shaft of a worm and sector gear. What is provided for adjusting the end play of the worm? US Army TM 9-8000, Principles of Automotive Vehicles (1985), paragraph 33-4. ASE S5 content area A, Steering System Diagnosis and Repair (18 of 50 questions)
  • Power steering hoses are examined at an inspection of a bus over 10,000 pounds. Which hose condition does 49 CFR 570.60 list as a fault? 49 CFR 570.60, (e). ASE S5 content area A, Steering System Diagnosis and Repair (18 of 50 questions)
  • The steering wheel has excessive play and the linkage is tight. Which adjustment does the Navy manual say often cures steering looseness? US Navy NAVEDTRA 14050, Construction Mechanic, Advanced (1992), chapter 12, Alignment Procedures. ASE S5 content area A, Steering System Diagnosis and Repair (18 of 50 questions)
  • The wheels are held hard against the stops. What keeps hydraulic pressure from building dangerously when the power piston reaches the end of its stroke? Wikipedia, Power steering, Hydraulic systems. ASE S5 content area A, Steering System Diagnosis and Repair (18 of 50 questions)
  • Where is power steering fluid generally added and its level checked, by TM 9-8000? US Army TM 9-8000, Principles of Automotive Vehicles (1985), paragraph 33-10. ASE S5 content area A, Steering System Diagnosis and Repair (18 of 50 questions)
  • Why are the steering arms on an axle bent toward each other? US Army TM 9-8000, Principles of Automotive Vehicles (1985), paragraph 33-2. ASE S5 content area A, Steering System Diagnosis and Repair (18 of 50 questions)
  • Why is rack and pinion steering little used on larger vehicles, by TM 9-8000? US Army TM 9-8000, Principles of Automotive Vehicles (1985), paragraph 33-8. ASE S5 content area A, Steering System Diagnosis and Repair (18 of 50 questions)
  • Why is the steering wheel centered before toe is set, by the Navy manual? US Navy NAVEDTRA 14050, Construction Mechanic, Advanced (1992), chapter 12, Toe-in and Steering Wheel Adjustment. ASE S5 content area A, Steering System Diagnosis and Repair (18 of 50 questions)

Suspension systems 18

  • A direct-acting shock absorber on the front axle has lost its damping. What does TM 9-8000 say about servicing it? US Army TM 9-8000, Principles of Automotive Vehicles (1985), paragraph 30-18. ASE S5 content area B, Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair (18 of 50 questions)
  • A front coil spring has sagged and spacers are proposed to restore ride height. What does 49 CFR 570.61 say? 49 CFR 570.61, (a). ASE S5 content area B, Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair (18 of 50 questions)
  • A front spring pack squeaks. What does a multileaf spring have between its leaves to reduce wear and stop squeaks? US Army TM 9-8000, Principles of Automotive Vehicles (1985), paragraph 30-2. ASE S5 content area B, Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair (18 of 50 questions)
  • A rear spring has flat ends that bear on curved bearing plates. What happens as the load grows? US Army TM 9-8000, Principles of Automotive Vehicles (1985), paragraph 30-10. ASE S5 content area B, Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair (18 of 50 questions)
  • A rear suspension noise is being traced. What does the Navy manual say to check about the U-bolts that fasten the springs to the rear axle housing? US Navy NAVEDTRA 14050, Construction Mechanic, Advanced (1992), chapter 11, Service and Maintenance. ASE S5 content area B, Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair (18 of 50 questions)
  • A torsion bar is refitted on an independent front suspension. Why does the arrow stamped into the bar matter? US Army TM 9-8000, Principles of Automotive Vehicles (1985), paragraph 30-2. ASE S5 content area B, Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair (18 of 50 questions)
  • Auxiliary (secondary) springs are fitted above the rear mainsprings. When do they start to carry load? US Army TM 9-8000, Principles of Automotive Vehicles (1985), paragraph 30-10. ASE S5 content area B, Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair (18 of 50 questions)
  • In a Hotchkiss drive, what resists the torque reaction and drive thrust of the rear axle? US Army TM 9-8000, Principles of Automotive Vehicles (1985), paragraph 30-4. ASE S5 content area B, Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair (18 of 50 questions)
  • In the independent front suspension TM 9-8000 shows, which part receives the vehicle weight from the coil spring? US Army TM 9-8000, Principles of Automotive Vehicles (1985), paragraph 30-6. ASE S5 content area B, Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair (18 of 50 questions)
  • Kingpins are checked at an inspection of a bus over 10,000 pounds. What does 49 CFR 570.61 require of ball joints and kingpins? 49 CFR 570.61, (a). ASE S5 content area B, Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair (18 of 50 questions)
  • Ride height is low on a front suspension that uses torsion bars. How is the height corrected, by the Navy manual? US Navy NAVEDTRA 14050, Construction Mechanic, Advanced (1992), chapter 12, Alignment Procedures. ASE S5 content area B, Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair (18 of 50 questions)
  • Two air shock absorbers at the rear are joined by a crossover air line. What is the line for? US Army TM 9-8000, Principles of Automotive Vehicles (1985), paragraph 30-15. ASE S5 content area B, Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair (18 of 50 questions)
  • What are torque arms (torque rods) on a rear axle for? US Army TM 9-8000, Principles of Automotive Vehicles (1985), paragraph 30-19. ASE S5 content area B, Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair (18 of 50 questions)
  • What is the primary function of a shock absorber, by TM 9-8000? US Army TM 9-8000, Principles of Automotive Vehicles (1985), paragraph 30-16. ASE S5 content area B, Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair (18 of 50 questions)
  • Which section do dead front axles usually have, by TM 9-8000? US Army TM 9-8000, Principles of Automotive Vehicles (1985), paragraph 30-4. ASE S5 content area B, Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair (18 of 50 questions)
  • Which shock absorbers does TM 9-8000 call single acting? US Army TM 9-8000, Principles of Automotive Vehicles (1985), paragraph 30-17. ASE S5 content area B, Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair (18 of 50 questions)
  • Why does a coil spring front suspension need control arms and a stabilizer, by TM 9-8000? US Army TM 9-8000, Principles of Automotive Vehicles (1985), paragraph 30-2. ASE S5 content area B, Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair (18 of 50 questions)
  • Why is a dead front axle usually hung on rather stiff semielliptic leaf springs, by TM 9-8000? US Army TM 9-8000, Principles of Automotive Vehicles (1985), paragraph 30-4. ASE S5 content area B, Suspension Systems Diagnosis and Repair (18 of 50 questions)

Wheel alignment 8

  • A bus shimmies at low speed. Which alignment cause does the Navy manual list? US Navy NAVEDTRA 14050, Construction Mechanic, Advanced (1992), chapter 12, Steering and Alignment Trouble. ASE S5 content area C, Wheel Alignment Diagnosis, Adjustment, and Repair (8 of 50 questions)
  • Before any alignment angle is checked, what does the Navy manual say to do about the wheel bearings? US Navy NAVEDTRA 14050, Construction Mechanic, Advanced (1992), chapter 12, Alignment Procedures. ASE S5 content area C, Wheel Alignment Diagnosis, Adjustment, and Repair (8 of 50 questions)
  • How is toe-out on turns usually specified? US Navy NAVEDTRA 14050, Construction Mechanic, Advanced (1992), chapter 12, Steering Geometry. ASE S5 content area C, Wheel Alignment Diagnosis, Adjustment, and Repair (8 of 50 questions)
  • On a bus with an axle front suspension, how is positive caster obtained, by the Navy manual? US Navy NAVEDTRA 14050, Construction Mechanic, Advanced (1992), chapter 12, Steering Geometry. ASE S5 content area C, Wheel Alignment Diagnosis, Adjustment, and Repair (8 of 50 questions)
  • Steering axis (kingpin) inclination is out of specification. What does the Navy manual say about adjusting it? US Navy NAVEDTRA 14050, Construction Mechanic, Advanced (1992), chapter 12, Steering Axis Inclination. ASE S5 content area C, Wheel Alignment Diagnosis, Adjustment, and Repair (8 of 50 questions)
  • Where is toe-in measured? US Navy NAVEDTRA 14050, Construction Mechanic, Advanced (1992), chapter 12, Steering Geometry. ASE S5 content area C, Wheel Alignment Diagnosis, Adjustment, and Repair (8 of 50 questions)
  • Which alignment factor does the Navy manual call the most critical, and which bent part changes it? US Navy NAVEDTRA 14050, Construction Mechanic, Advanced (1992), chapter 12, Steering Geometry. ASE S5 content area C, Wheel Alignment Diagnosis, Adjustment, and Repair (8 of 50 questions)
  • Why does a wheel with excessive camber scrub its tire, by TM 9-8000? US Army TM 9-8000, Principles of Automotive Vehicles (1985), paragraph 33-19. ASE S5 content area C, Wheel Alignment Diagnosis, Adjustment, and Repair (8 of 50 questions)

Wheels and tires 6

  • A cast (spoke) wheel is inspected with its rim removed. What does 49 CFR 570.63 say a cast wheel shall not show? 49 CFR 570.63, (b). ASE S5 content area D, Wheels and Tires Diagnosis and Repair (6 of 50 questions)
  • A tire has a reinforcement repair to its cord body. Where does 49 CFR 570.62 allow such a tire? 49 CFR 570.62, (d). ASE S5 content area D, Wheels and Tires Diagnosis and Repair (6 of 50 questions)
  • A wheel is inspected after a wheel-off repair. Which finding does 49 CFR 570.63 list against a rim, wheel disc or spider? 49 CFR 570.63, (a). ASE S5 content area D, Wheels and Tires Diagnosis and Repair (6 of 50 questions)
  • New tires of a different size are fitted to the rear axle. Under FMVSS 120, what must the sum of the maximum load ratings of the tires on an axle at least equal? 49 CFR 571.120, S5.1.2. ASE S5 content area D, Wheels and Tires Diagnosis and Repair (6 of 50 questions)
  • Tread depth is measured with a gauge on a tire that has no treadwear indicators. Where does 49 CFR 570.62 say to measure? 49 CFR 570.62, (a)(1). ASE S5 content area D, Wheels and Tires Diagnosis and Repair (6 of 50 questions)
  • What does a spin balancer in a tire shop determine? Wikipedia, Tire balance, Dynamic balance. ASE S5 content area D, Wheels and Tires Diagnosis and Repair (6 of 50 questions)

How this list was compiled: Our own questions, written to the test specifications and task list for Suspension and Steering (Test S5) in the ASE School Bus Study Guide (https://ase.com/wp-content/uploads/ASE_SchoolBus_Study_Guide.pdf, copyright 2026, read 2026-10-13): A steering system diagnosis and repair 18 questions, B suspension systems diagnosis and repair 18 (independent front suspensions 5, straight or I-beam axle 6, rear suspensions 7), C wheel alignment diagnosis, adjustment and repair 8, D wheels and tires diagnosis and repair 6; total 50. The bank holds the same 18, 18 (5, 6 and 7), 8 and 6. Each fact was read on 2026-10-13 in the public text named under its question: US Army TM 9-8000, Principles of Automotive Vehicles (1985), chapters 30 and 33; US Navy NAVEDTRA 14050, Construction Mechanic, Advanced (1992), chapters 11 and 12; the inspection standards of 49 CFR 570.60 to 570.63 and 49 CFR 571.120 (FMVSS 120) at ecfr.gov; and, for three questions, Wikipedia. The sample questions printed in the study guide were not used. Licence: Questions, choices and explanations are original work of this site.

How it works

Fifty questions of our own make up this free ASE S5 school bus suspension and steering practice test, the number ASE scores. It is unofficial, and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) has no part in it.

Read the full guide

How the 50 questions are split

ASE's study guide scores steering 18, suspension 18, wheel alignment 8, and wheels and tires 6. Suspension is itself split into independent front 5, straight or I-beam axle 6 and rear 7, and this bank keeps that split.

What the answers rest on

Steering gears, springs, shock absorbers and alignment angles come from a 1985 Army manual and a 1992 Navy manual. Hoses, kingpins, tires and cast wheels come from the inspection standards of 49 CFR Part 570, and tire load from FMVSS No. 120.

Not the transit bus test

H5 covers the same systems on a transit bus and adds kneeling and articulation. This page asks different questions, so the ASE H5 practice test is a second round, not a repeat.

  • Learn the steering linkage part by part, from the pitman arm to the steering arms.
  • Alignment questions turn on which angle can be adjusted. Steering axis inclination cannot: a bent part is replaced.

Questions and answers

How many questions are on the ASE S5 test?

Sixty, with a 75 minute limit, in ASE's 2026 School Bus study guide. Fifty count toward the score. A technician who has passed S5 once recertifies on 25 questions in 30 minutes.

What is on the ASE S5 Suspension and Steering test?

Steering columns, power steering pumps, gears and linkage; independent, I-beam and rear suspensions with leaf and air springs; caster, camber, toe and steering axis inclination; and wheels and tires, including balance and runout.

Does S5 count toward Master School Bus Technician status?

It does. S5 is one of the five starred tests, S2 to S6, that ASE's study guide requires for recognition as an ASE Certified Master School Bus Technician.

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