ASE T3 Drive Train Practice Exam

ASE T3 Drive Train Practice Exam Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• A customer complains that their vehicle vibrates during acceleration.

Which component is most likely causing this?

• Brake pads
• Driveshaft
• Wheel bearings
• Exhaust system

Rationale: A vibration during acceleration often indicates an imbalance or

issue in the driveshaft, such as worn U-joints or a bent shaft.

• What is the main purpose of a differential in a drive axle?
• Increase engine power
• Allow wheels to rotate at different speeds 1 / 4

• Reduce tire wear on straight roads
• Provide braking assistance

Rationale: The differential allows the drive wheels to rotate at different

speeds, especially important when turning.

• A front-wheel-drive vehicle pulls to one side when braking. Which

system should be inspected first?

• Engine mounts
• Transmission fluid
• Brake system
• Drive axles

Rationale: Pulling during braking is usually caused by a sticking caliper,

uneven brake pad wear, or a collapsed brake hose.

• A CV (constant velocity) joint makes a clicking noise while turning.

What is the most probable cause?

• Low transmission fluid
• Torn CV boot or damaged CV joint
• Misaligned steering
• Worn wheel bearings

Rationale: Clicking noises while turning often indicate a CV joint is

damaged, commonly due to grease leakage from a torn boot.

• What type of lubricant is typically used in a hypoid gear differential?
• Engine oil 2 / 4

• Grease
• Hydraulic fluid
• Gear oil

Rationale: Hypoid differentials require gear oil because it contains extreme

pressure (EP) additives suitable for the sliding and rolling action of hypoid gears.

• A driveshaft has worn U-joints. What is the most likely symptom?
• Grinding brakes
• Vibration at certain speeds
• Engine overheating
• Hard steering

Rationale: Worn U-joints often produce a vibration when the driveshaft

rotates at specific angles and speeds.

• What is the function of a limited-slip differential?
• Reduce noise
• Lock the driveshaft
• Distribute torque to both wheels while allowing some difference

in speed

• Increase fuel efficiency

Rationale: Limited-slip differentials improve traction by transferring torque

to the wheel with the most grip while still allowing some rotational difference. 3 / 4

• Which symptom indicates a failing wheel bearing?
• Engine misfire
• Humming or growling noise increasing with vehicle speed
• Soft brake pedal
• Hard steering

Rationale: Failing wheel bearings often produce a constant humming or

growling noise that changes with vehicle speed.

• A rear-wheel-drive vehicle has a clunk when shifting from reverse to

drive. What is the most likely cause?

• Worn brake pads
• Misaligned engine
• Loose or worn driveshaft U-joints
• Low power steering fluid

Rationale: Clunks during directional shifts often indicate slack in the

drivetrain, commonly in U-joints or differential mounts.

• What is the main purpose of a torque converter in an automatic

transmission?

• Increase engine compression
• Transmit and multiply torque from the engine to the transmission
• Reduce fuel consumption
• Control steering effort
• / 4