ASE T4 Brakes Practice Exam Questions

ASE T4 Brakes Practice Exam Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• What is the primary purpose of a vehicle’s brake system?
• Increase vehicle speed
• Maintain engine temperature
• Stop or slow the vehicle
• Reduce fuel consumption

Rationale: The brake system’s main function is to safely stop or slow

the vehicle under control.

• Which type of brake system uses hydraulic pressure to operate the

brakes?

• Mechanical brake system
• Pneumatic brake system
• Hydraulic brake system
• Electric brake system 1 / 4

Rationale: Hydraulic brake systems use fluid pressure to transfer

force from the pedal to the brake components.

• Which component converts hydraulic pressure into mechanical force

to apply the brakes?

• Brake pedal
• Brake caliper or wheel cylinder
• Master cylinder reservoir
• Brake booster

Rationale: Calipers (disc) or wheel cylinders (drum) convert hydraulic

pressure into mechanical force to push brake pads or shoes.

• What is the function of the brake master cylinder?
• Store brake fluid
• Convert pedal force into hydraulic pressure
• Apply brakes directly
• Reduce brake noise

Rationale: The master cylinder generates hydraulic pressure when

the brake pedal is pressed, distributing fluid to the brakes.

• Which of the following is a common sign of a failing brake master

cylinder?

• Engine overheating
• Spongy brake pedal or pedal sinking to the floor
• Steering wheel vibration
• Low tire pressure 2 / 4

Rationale: A failing master cylinder often causes a soft or sinking

brake pedal due to internal fluid leaks.

• What is the function of a brake booster?
• Reduce engine noise
• Increase braking force with less pedal effort
• Pump brake fluid
• Lubricate brake components

Rationale: A brake booster uses vacuum or hydraulic assistance to

amplify pedal force for easier braking.

• What is the main difference between drum and disc brakes?
• Drum brakes are more expensive
• Disc brakes use a drum inside a rotor
• Disc brakes use a rotor and caliper; drum brakes use a drum and

shoes

• Drum brakes are only used in motorcycles

Rationale: Disc brakes have calipers that squeeze pads on a rotor;

drum brakes have shoes that expand inside a drum.

• Which type of brake pad material generally produces the least noise?
• Semi-metallic
• Ceramic
• Organic
• Ceramic 3 / 4

Rationale: Ceramic pads are engineered to reduce noise and dust

while maintaining performance.

• Which component holds the brake pads in a disc brake system?
• Rotor
• Brake shoe
• Caliper bracket
• Master cylinder

Rationale: The caliper bracket secures the pads in place and allows

the caliper to slide and apply pressure.

• What is a common cause of brake pedal pulsation?
• Low tire pressure
• Warped brake rotors
• Low engine oil
• Faulty fuel pump

Rationale: Uneven or warped rotors cause vibration when the pads

contact the rotor surface, felt as pedal pulsation.

• How can moisture affect brake system performance?
• It increases braking efficiency
• It reduces engine performance
• It can cause corrosion and reduce hydraulic efficiency
• It strengthens brake pads

Rationale: Moisture in brake fluid or on metal components can

corrode parts and reduce braking performance.

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