ASE PS2 Test Preparation Guide: Ignition System
● SPARK PLUGS — Provide a source of ignition in each cylinder of a gasoline-powered engine. High voltage from an ignition coil passes down through the spark plug’s conductive core and jumps across an electrode gap at the end of the plug to create a spark. This ignites the air/fuel mixture in the combustion chamber
ASE PS2 Test Preparation Guide: Manual Transmission/Transaxle Parts
● CLUTCH — Used with manual transmissions to engage and disengage the engine from the transmission and when shifting gears. The clutch is bolted to the flywheel on the back of the engine, and clamps the clutch disc against the flywheel when the clutch is engaged. When the clutch pedal is depressed to disengage the
ASE PS2 Test Preparation Guide: Fuel System
● FUEL PUMP — Delivers fuel from the fuel tank to the engine. Fuel injected engines usually have a tank-mounted, high-pressure electric pump. Older carbureted vehicles used an engine-mounted, low-pressure mechanical pump. Most EFI fuel pumps operate at 35 to 85 PSI or higher. Designs vary and include single- or double-vane, roller-vane, turbine or gerotor
ASE PS2 Test Preparation Guide: Engine Parts
● BEARINGS — Provide support for the crankshaft and camshaft. A thin film of oil between the bearings and shafts reduce friction and prevent wear. Most late model original equipment engine bearings are aluminum, or aluminum with a steel backing. Older engines typically use tri-metal (babbit and copper/lead over steel) rod and main bearings. Worn
ASE PS2 Test Preparation Guide: Emission Controls
● POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION (PCV) — Prevents crankcase blowby vapors from escaping into the atmosphere by siphoning the vapors back into the intake manifold so they can be reburned in the engine. Used since 1968 on most vehicles, the main component is a spring-loaded PCV valve that meters airflow. The PCV valve is usually mounted
ASE PS2 Test Preparation Guide: Driveline Components
● CONSTANT VELOCITY (CV) JOINTS — Used mostly in front-wheel drive (FWD) cars but also many four-wheel drive (4WD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicles that allow the operating angle of the joint to change without affecting the speed of the shaft or wheel. Basic types include Rzeppa, crossgroove, double-offset and tripod. Rzeppa, crossgroove and double-offset
ASE PS2 Test Preparation Guide: Brakes
● DISC BRAKES — Use a pair of friction pads to squeeze against a flat disc or rotor when the brakes are applied. Most cars and light trucks since the early 1970s have front disc brakes, and many have rear disc brakes also. Disc brakes provide more stopping power than drum brakes, better cooling and
ASE PS2 Test Preparation Guide: Automatic Transmission/Transaxle
● AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION — A transmission that shifts itself using engine RPM, load and other inputs to regulate shift points and gear engagement. Late model automatics have electronic/hydraulic controls operated by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) or its own Transmission Control Module (TCM). Most late model automatics have five or six gears (speeds), though some
Chassis Talk: Learning The Terminology Is Key To Selling The Correct Chassis Part
Just about everybody remembers the story of the Tower of Babel, in which people began speaking different languages. Unfortunately, the terminology connected with selling chassis parts often becomes its own Tower of Babel when a local alignment shop places a phone order. In many cases, term “tie rod” often becomes interchangeable with “tie rod end”
19th Annual Technical Forum: Chassis Parts
How often should chassis parts be replaced?
