ASE A5 Brakes Practice Test

25 practice questions

Choose an answer, then check it under Show answer.

1. Question 1 of 25Medium

   A vehicle's traction control lamp comes on intermittently during steady straight-line driving on dry pavement. No DTCs are stored, and scan tool wheel speed data at a steady 50 mph shows the right rear wheel at 53 mph while the other three read 50 mph. Which of these is the MOST likely cause?

   1. AA. A seized right rear brake caliper
   2. BB. A defective traction control switch
   3. CC. Air in the hydraulic modulator
   4. DD. An underinflated right rear tire
   Show answer to question 1

   Answer: D. An underinflated right rear tire

   A tire with low pressure has a smaller rolling radius and rotates faster, creating a wheel speed mismatch that can trigger traction control. A seized caliper would tend to slow that wheel, not make its speed reading higher than the others.

2. Question 2 of 25Medium

   A vehicle has a firm pedal after a complete flush, but the fluid drawn from the right rear wheel is dark and contains visible sediment while the other wheels run clean. Which of these is the BEST next step?

   1. AA. Continue flushing that wheel until the fluid runs clean, then recheck pedal feel
   2. BB. Pressure-test the system and look for an external leak at that wheel
   3. CC. Replace the ABS hydraulic modulator because it stores contaminated fluid
   4. DD. Replace the master cylinder because the dark fluid comes from cup wear
   Show answer to question 2

   Answer: A. Continue flushing that wheel until the fluid runs clean, then recheck pedal feel

   Dark, contaminated fluid at one wheel usually means old fluid and sediment are being pushed out of that circuit, so flushing that corner until clean is the correct continuation of the service. Replacing the master cylinder or modulator is premature; those parts are not indicated by dirty fluid at a single wheel when the pedal is already firm.

3. Question 3 of 25Easy

   A rigid brake line passes through an opening in a body crossmember, and the plastic insert that centered the line in the opening is missing. The line is otherwise in good condition. What should the technician do?

   1. AA. Install the correct insert so the line is supported and cannot rub
   2. BB. Replace the line with a longer section routed outside the crossmember
   3. CC. Loosen the fittings and pull the line against one edge of the opening
   4. DD. Wrap the line with electrical tape and leave the opening as is
   Show answer to question 3

   Answer: A. Install the correct insert so the line is supported and cannot rub

   The insert both supports the line and shields it from the sharp metal edge, so the correct replacement insert restores proper routing and support. Tape is not a durable support and will wear through, allowing the line to chafe on the crossmember and eventually leak.

4. Question 4 of 25Medium

   All of the following drum brake components are normally lubricated at their contact points EXCEPT:

   1. AA. the adjuster lever pivot
   2. BB. the shoe hold-down spring and pin
   3. CC. the star-wheel adjuster threads
   4. DD. the anchor pin contact area
   Show answer to question 4

   Answer: B. the shoe hold-down spring and pin

   High-temperature brake lubricant is applied to the adjuster threads, the lever pivot, the anchor pin contact and the support pads. Hold-down springs and pins are not lubricated; a weak or stretched hold-down spring is replaced, not greased. Lubricating the adjuster threads is correct because it keeps the star wheel turning freely.

5. Question 5 of 25Easy

   A technician is servicing a disc brake rotor with an integral hub that uses serviceable tapered roller bearings. When replacing a worn inner bearing cone, the technician should:

   1. AA. replace the bearing race along with the cone as a matched set
   2. BB. reuse the original bearing race if it shows no visible scoring
   3. CC. dress the original bearing race with fine emery cloth before assembly
   4. DD. install the new race with a slip fit so it can turn inside the hub
   Show answer to question 5

   Answer: A. replace the bearing race along with the cone as a matched set

   Tapered roller bearing cones and cups (races) mate together and establish a distinct wear pattern; therefore, they must always be replaced together as a matched set. Installing a new bearing into a used race leads to uneven contact, localized stress, and rapid bearing failure. Bearing races must never be sanded or fitted loosely inside the hub bore.

6. Question 6 of 25Medium

   A pickup truck equipped with a height-sensing proportioning valve exhibits rear-wheel lockup during moderate braking when unloaded. Technician A says as vehicle payload increases and rear ride height increases, the valve increases fluid pressure to the rear brakes. Technician B says installing hydraulic pressure gauges at the inlet and outlet of the proportioning valve can verify if the split-point pressure meets specifications. Who is correct?

   1. AA. A only
   2. BB. B only
   3. CC. Both A and B
   4. DD. Neither A nor B
   Show answer to question 6

   Answer: B. B only

   Technician B is correct because installing pressure gauges on the inlet and outlet ports allows a technician to observe the split point and ensure the valve restricts rear line pressure according to manufacturer specifications. Technician A is incorrect because added payload compresses the rear suspension, which decreases ride height (the body moves closer to the axle), signaling the valve linkage to allow higher hydraulic pressure to the rear brakes.

7. Question 7 of 25Medium

   After replacing a front rotor, a technician notices rust and debris on the hub face but installs the wheel without cleaning it. Which condition is MOST likely?

   1. AA. Incorrect parking brake cable adjustment.
   2. BB. Excessive lateral rotor runout and brake pulsation.
   3. CC. An ABS wheel speed sensor air gap that is too large.
   4. DD. A low brake pedal caused by air in the hydraulic system.
   Show answer to question 7

   Answer: B. Excessive lateral rotor runout and brake pulsation.

   Debris trapped between the hub and rotor or wheel prevents the rotor from seating squarely, which creates lateral runout and can lead to pulsation. Air in the hydraulics would cause a low pedal, not runout from a poorly seated rotor.

8. Question 8 of 25Medium

   When servicing rear disc brakes equipped with motor-on-caliper electric parking brake (EPB) systems, all of the following statements are correct EXCEPT:

   1. AA. A scan tool or manufacturer-approved procedure must be used to retract the internal spindle nut.
   2. BB. A calibration or basic setting routine should be performed after exiting service mode.
   3. CC. The electric actuator motors can be damaged if pistons are pushed back without entering service mode.
   4. DD. The parking brake cables must be disconnected from the caliper operating levers before caliper removal.
   Show answer to question 8

   Answer: D. The parking brake cables must be disconnected from the caliper operating levers before caliper removal.

   Motor-on-caliper EPB systems do not utilize parking brake cables or mechanical operating levers; an electric motor bolted directly to the caliper housing drives the piston spindle. Attempting to retract pistons without using service mode can break the motor gearbox, and recalibrating the system after assembly is required to establish proper pad clearance.

9. Question 9 of 25Easy

   A technician is manually adjusting drum brake shoes through the backing plate access hole on an assembled brake assembly. Technician A says that a brake adjusting spoon can be used through the access slot to rotate the star wheel and expand the brake shoes. Technician B says that to retract the brake shoes, a small screwdriver must be used to hold the adjuster lever away from the star wheel while rotating it. Who is correct?

   1. AA. A only
   2. BB. B only
   3. CC. Both A and B
   4. DD. Neither A nor B
   Show answer to question 9

   Answer: C. Both A and B

   Technician A is correct because a brake spoon is designed to pry against the edge of the backing plate slot to index the star wheel teeth. Technician B is correct because the self-adjuster pawl locks the star wheel against backward rotation, requiring a thin tool to lift the lever clear of the star wheel teeth when retracting the shoes.

10. Question 10 of 25Easy

    A front-wheel-drive vehicle with non-driven rear drum brakes has a roaring noise from the rear and brake pedal pulsation during stops. The rear hubs use sealed hub-and-bearing assemblies. Technician A says excessive rear hub runout can cause brake pedal pulsation even if the drum thickness and roundness are within specification. Technician B says a noisy sealed rear hub unit can be disassembled, washed in solvent, and repacked with wheel bearing grease. Who is correct?

    1. AA. A only
    2. BB. B only
    3. CC. Both A and B
    4. DD. Neither A nor B
    Show answer to question 10

    Answer: A. A only

    Technician A is correct because excessive runout at the hub flange forces the mounted drum to rotate out of true, creating lateral runout that translates to brake pedal pulsation when the brakes are applied. Technician B is incorrect because sealed hub-and-bearing assemblies are non-serviceable units that cannot be disassembled or repacked and must be replaced as an assembly when worn or noisy.

11. Question 11 of 25Medium

    A technician observes brake fluid leaking from the rear of a newly installed caliper assembly. The bleeder screw is dry, but fluid is pooling around the brake hose fitting bolt. What should the technician check first?

    1. AA. The sliding pin bore clearance and lubrication
    2. BB. The caliper mounting bracket bolt torque
    3. CC. The condition of the caliper piston dust boot
    4. DD. The presence and condition of the copper sealing washers
    Show answer to question 11

    Answer: D. The presence and condition of the copper sealing washers

    Brake hose banjo fittings require new copper or aluminum crush washers on both sides of the fitting block to establish a fluid-tight seal against the caliper housing. Reusing old crush washers, missing a washer, or debris on the housing sealing surface is the most common cause of leakage at the inlet fitting. The piston boot and slide pins are unrelated to the hydraulic inlet junction.

12. Question 12 of 25Easy

    When installing a replacement disc brake caliper, all of the following are proper service procedures EXCEPT:

    1. AA. Allowing the caliper assembly to hang unsupported by the flexible brake hose during pad installation.
    2. BB. Tightening the caliper slide pins and mounting bracket fasteners to manufacturer specifications.
    3. CC. Positioning the caliper so the bleeder screw is oriented toward the top of the fluid bore.
    4. DD. Installing new copper sealing washers on both sides of the brake hose banjo bolt fitting.
    Show answer to question 12

    Answer: A. Allowing the caliper assembly to hang unsupported by the flexible brake hose during pad installation.

    Allowing a brake caliper to hang unsupported by the flexible brake hose places excessive tension on the hose, which can damage its internal fabric reinforcement or inner liner and lead to hydraulic failure. Installing new copper crush washers, orienting the bleeder screw at the highest point to prevent air entrapment, and torquing fasteners to specification are all standard, required procedures.

13. Question 13 of 25Medium

    A vehicle has a soft, spongy brake pedal and reduced stopping performance. Visual inspection during a heavy brake pedal application reveals that the outer casing of the left front flexible brake hose expands and bulges outward. Which repair should the technician perform?

    1. AA. Replace the flexible brake hose and bleed the hydraulic circuit.
    2. BB. Install a reinforcing metal support clamp over the bulged section of hose.
    3. CC. Wrap the damaged section of the flexible hose with vulcanizing repair tape.
    4. DD. Flush the hydraulic brake fluid and clean the master cylinder reservoir.
    Show answer to question 13

    Answer: A. Replace the flexible brake hose and bleed the hydraulic circuit.

    A bulging or ballooning brake hose indicates that the internal reinforcing fabric has failed, allowing the hose to expand under pressure instead of transferring hydraulic force to the caliper; the only proper repair is replacement of the hose followed by system bleeding. Flexible brake hoses cannot be repaired, spliced, or clamped with tape or external brackets. Flushing fluid will not correct structural failure of the hose wall.

14. Question 14 of 25Easy

    A technician is inspecting a master cylinder that has been removed from a vehicle. The bore is scored and pitted, and the bore has the factory anodized finish. What should the technician do?

    1. AA. Hone the bore and install an oversize piston assembly
    2. BB. Replace the master cylinder with a new or remanufactured unit
    3. CC. Hone the bore and install new rubber cups
    4. DD. Polish the bore with emery cloth and reuse the original piston
    Show answer to question 14

    Answer: B. Replace the master cylinder with a new or remanufactured unit

    A scored, pitted bore will not seal regardless of new cups, and honing removes the anodized surface that the aluminum bore depends on, so the unit must be replaced. Honing is the tempting answer, but it leaves a bore that wears and leaks again quickly.

15. Question 15 of 25Medium

    A vehicle with an electro-mechanical brake booster has a hard pedal and no power assist. The scan tool shows a high booster motor command, but the motor current is near zero. Which is the MOST likely cause?

    1. AA. Worn rear brake shoes.
    2. BB. Air in the hydraulic system.
    3. CC. A stuck-open pedal simulator valve.
    4. DD. An open in the booster motor circuit.
    Show answer to question 15

    Answer: D. An open in the booster motor circuit.

    A high motor command with almost no current flow indicates the motor cannot complete its circuit, such as an open in the motor feed or ground. Air in the hydraulics would cause a spongy pedal, and the simulator valve or worn rear shoes would not prevent booster motor current flow.

16. Question 16 of 25Medium

    Immediately after a press-in front wheel bearing is replaced on a front-wheel-drive vehicle, the ABS warning light illuminates. A scan tool displays a missing wheel speed signal DTC for that wheel. Which of these is the MOST likely cause?

    1. AA. The brake rotor was mounted out of phase with the wheel hub studs
    2. BB. The tone ring became demagnetized from contact with the brake cleaner solvent
    3. CC. The bearing was pressed in with the magnetic encoder ring facing the wrong direction
    4. DD. The axle nut was tightened using a calibrated torque wrench rather than an impact wrench
    Show answer to question 16

    Answer: C. The bearing was pressed in with the magnetic encoder ring facing the wrong direction

    Many modern press-in wheel bearings feature an integrated magnetic encoder ring on one side only to provide a signal for the active wheel speed sensor; installing the bearing backwards places the magnetic track away from the sensor head, preventing signal generation. Chemical cleaners do not demagnetize encoder rings, and axle nuts should always be tightened with a torque wrench rather than an impact wrench.

17. Question 17 of 25Hard

    After completing a rear drum brake replacement on a vehicle with duo-servo brakes, the technician notes excessive brake pedal travel, but the pedal becomes firm when pumped. Which of the following is the correct procedure to make final adjustments?

    1. AA. Shorten the master cylinder pushrod to decrease brake pedal free play.
    2. BB. Drive the vehicle in reverse and apply the brakes firmly several times to operate the self-adjusters.
    3. CC. Apply the parking brake lever rapidly while driving forward at highway speeds.
    4. DD. Tighten the parking brake cable equalizer nut until the pedal travel decreases.
    Show answer to question 17

    Answer: B. Drive the vehicle in reverse and apply the brakes firmly several times to operate the self-adjusters.

    Duo-servo drum brakes with star wheel adjusters utilize the reverse movement and firm application of the brakes to actuate the self-adjuster pawl and take up excess shoe-to-drum clearance. Modifying pushrod length or overtightening the parking brake cable masks the underlying clearance issue and can cause brake dragging.

18. Question 18 of 25Medium

    A technician is installing a pair of new performance front brake rotors with curved (directional) internal cooling vanes. How should these rotors be installed on the vehicle?

    1. AA. With both rotors positioned so that the internal vanes point straight upward at the three o'clock position.
    2. BB. With the internal vanes pointing forward toward the front of the vehicle at the top of the rotor.
    3. CC. In either direction because internal vane orientation does not affect airflow through the rotor.
    4. DD. With the internal vanes curving rearward toward the back of the vehicle at the top of the rotor.
    Show answer to question 18

    Answer: D. With the internal vanes curving rearward toward the back of the vehicle at the top of the rotor.

    Directional internal cooling vanes act like a centrifugal pump, drawing air in from the center hat and expelling it outward at the outer edge; for proper airflow, the vanes must lean or curve toward the rear of the vehicle at the top of the rotor as the wheel rotates forward. Installing them backwards significantly reduces cooling airflow and leads to brake overheating.

19. Question 19 of 25Hard

    A technician is fabricating an SAE 45-degree double flare on a new steel brake line. Upon completing the second step, the rim of the flare is found to be cracked and split. Which of these is the MOST likely cause?

    1. AA. Using an inverted cone rather than an ISO bubble anvil
    2. BB. Applying a drop of brake fluid to the cone before flaring
    3. CC. Failure to deburr and chamfer the tube end after cutting
    4. DD. Threading the flare nut onto the tubing before flaring
    Show answer to question 19

    Answer: C. Failure to deburr and chamfer the tube end after cutting

    Cutting tubing with a wheel cutter creates a sharp internal ridge and small microscopic burrs while work-hardening the metal edge. If the inside and outside of the cut tube are not properly reamed, deburred, and chamfered, these stress risers will cause the lip to split and crack when folded inward during the double-flaring operation. Lubricating the flaring cone with clean brake fluid actually helps prevent binding and cracking, and installing the nut first is the correct procedure.

20. Question 20 of 25Easy

    A technician clears an ABS diagnostic trouble code, but the same code resets as soon as the ignition is cycled. Which of these is the MOST likely explanation?

    1. AA. The code is now only a history code.
    2. BB. The ABS module requires replacement.
    3. CC. The scan tool cleared the wrong module.
    4. DD. The original fault is still present.
    Show answer to question 20

    Answer: D. The original fault is still present.

    A code that resets immediately after being cleared shows that the ABS module is still detecting the fault during its self-test. A scan tool can erase stored memory, but it cannot correct an active circuit or component failure. The code's diagnostic flow should be used to locate the remaining fault.

21. Question 21 of 25Hard

    A vehicle has a vibration felt in the driver seat and floorboard that occurs only during moderate braking from 50 mph. The steering wheel does not shake, and the vehicle rides smoothly at cruising speeds. Which of these is the MOST likely cause and correct repair?

    1. AA. Excessive front rotor lateral runout; machine or replace the front rotors
    2. BB. Excessive rear rotor thickness variation; machine or replace the rear rotors
    3. CC. Rear wheel imbalance; dynamically balance the rear wheel assemblies
    4. DD. Cupped rear tire tread; rotate the tires and perform an alignment
    Show answer to question 21

    Answer: B. Excessive rear rotor thickness variation; machine or replace the rear rotors

    A vibration felt through the floor and seat during braking without steering wheel shake typically points to rear brake friction surfaces, such as excessive thickness variation on the rear rotors. Machining or replacing the rear rotors will correct this brake shudder. Rear wheel imbalance and cupped tires cause continuous vibration or road noise at highway speeds regardless of whether the brakes are applied. Front rotor lateral runout primarily causes pedal pulsation and steering wheel shake.

22. Question 22 of 25Hard

    A technician pressure tests a front caliper with the engine off and then with the engine running. At the same pedal force, the reading is much higher with the engine running. Which statement is correct?

    1. AA. The higher reading indicates a faulty proportioning valve.
    2. BB. The higher reading indicates a leaking master cylinder.
    3. CC. The higher reading is normal because the vacuum booster adds assist.
    4. DD. The higher reading indicates air in the hydraulic system.
    Show answer to question 22

    Answer: C. The higher reading is normal because the vacuum booster adds assist.

    With the engine running, the vacuum booster multiplies pedal force, so line pressure is higher at the same pedal effort; this is normal. A leaking master cylinder would cause pressure loss, and air or a faulty proportioning valve would not raise pressure above normal.

23. Question 23 of 25Hard

    A technician connects hydraulic pressure gauges to test a combination valve on a vehicle with front disc and rear drum brakes. Gauge 1 is installed at the proportioning valve inlet from the master cylinder, and Gauge 2 is installed at the proportioning valve outlet to the rear drum brakes. Technician A says both gauges should read identical pressures until hydraulic pressure reaches the proportioning valve split point. Technician B says once pressure rises above the split point, Gauge 2 will increase at a slower rate than Gauge 1. Who is correct?

    1. AA. A only
    2. BB. B only
    3. CC. Both A and B
    4. DD. Neither A nor B
    Show answer to question 23

    Answer: C. Both A and B

    Both technicians are correct. Technician A is correct because below the split point (or knee point), fluid passes freely through the proportioning valve, maintaining a 1:1 ratio between inlet and outlet pressures. Technician B is correct because once system pressure exceeds the split point, the proportioning valve restricts the rate of pressure rise to the rear brakes, causing Gauge 2 (outlet) to increase at a lower rate than Gauge 1 (inlet) to prevent rear-wheel lockup as vehicle weight shifts forward.

24. Question 24 of 25Hard

    A vehicle exhibits a brake pull to the right during moderate to heavy braking. Inspection reveals normal pad wear and clean rotor surfaces on both front wheels. Hydraulic pressure testing reveals 1,200 psi at the right front caliper and 400 psi at the left front caliper during pedal application. Which of these is the MOST likely cause?

    1. AA. A restriction in the left front hydraulic brake circuit
    2. BB. A seized slide pin on the right front caliper bracket
    3. CC. Excessive thickness variation in the left front brake rotor
    4. DD. A leaking piston square-cut seal in the right front caliper
    Show answer to question 24

    Answer: A. A restriction in the left front hydraulic brake circuit

    A hydraulic restriction in the left front line or hose prevents full fluid pressure from reaching the left caliper, resulting in weak clamping force on the left and a severe pull toward the working right side. Mechanical defects such as seized slide pins or rotor thickness variation would affect mechanical operation or pedal pulsation, but they would not cause an 800 psi hydraulic pressure difference between wheels.

25. Question 25 of 25Hard

    A technician is troubleshooting a newly installed set of disc brake pads that developed a glazed surface during the initial road test. Which of the following is LEAST likely to cause this condition?

    1. AA. A binding caliper slide pin that causes continuous pad dragging
    2. BB. Riding the brake pedal continuously to rapidly seat the friction surfaces
    3. CC. Driving at moderate speeds between decelerations during the test
    4. DD. Making consecutive hard stops without allowing adequate cooling intervals
    Show answer to question 25

    Answer: C. Driving at moderate speeds between decelerations during the test

    Driving at moderate speeds between stops allows airflow to cool the brake assemblies, which prevents excessive temperatures and helps prevent pad glazing. In contrast, consecutive panic stops, dragging the brakes continuously, or a sticking caliper pin generate excessive, uncontrolled heat that melts and glazes the resins on the pad surface.

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