Grade 10 power mechanics – Motor Vehicle Chassis Quiz
1. What is the main purpose of the vehicle chassis (frame)?
The chassis (frame) provides the structural support for the body, engine, suspension and other components, keeping the vehicle rigid and maintaining alignment.
2. Which type of suspension commonly uses layers of curved metal strips bolted together?
Leaf springs are made from stacked, curved steel plates (leaves) and are traditional on many trucks and older vehicles for supporting loads.
3. Which component absorbs and controls unwanted bouncing and oscillation of the vehicle's springs?
Shock absorbers dampen spring motion, converting kinetic energy into heat to control bouncing and provide a smoother ride.
4. What is the main difference between a live axle and a dead axle?
A live axle carries driving torque to the wheels (often rear axle on driven vehicles), whereas a dead axle is a non-driven support for wheels.
5. Which steering system is commonly used in modern small cars for its simplicity and precision?
Rack and pinion steering gives direct, precise control and is compact, making it common in modern small cars.
6. What does wheel alignment adjustment change to improve tyre wear and handling?
Alignment adjustments change camber, caster and toe to ensure tyres contact the road correctly, reducing uneven wear and improving handling.
7. Which type of brake uses a hydraulic piston to squeeze pads against a spinning disc?
Disc brakes use hydraulic pistons to clamp brake pads onto a rotor (disc), providing effective stopping power and good heat dissipation.
8. What is the purpose of the differential in the rear axle of a vehicle?
The differential lets left and right driven wheels rotate at different speeds during turns, preventing tyre scrubbing and easing steering.
9. Which tyre pressure condition may cause poor fuel economy and increased tyre wear on the edges?
Under-inflated tyres have higher rolling resistance (worse fuel economy) and excessive wear on tyre edges due to more flexing.
10. What is the main function of wheel balancing?
Wheel balancing adds weights so the wheel-tyre assembly spins evenly, reducing vibration, wear and strain on suspension components.
11. Which material is commonly used for modern vehicle chassis frames because of its strength and lighter weight?
Modern chassis use high-strength steel and often aluminium to balance strength, stiffness and lower weight for better performance and efficiency.
12. What is the purpose of anti-roll (sway) bars in a vehicle's suspension?
Anti-roll bars connect left and right suspension to resist body roll in turns, improving stability and handling.
13. Which part transfers torque from the gearbox to the differential in a rear-wheel drive car?
The driveshaft transmits engine torque from the gearbox to the rear differential in rear-wheel drive vehicles.
14. What is camber angle in wheel alignment?
Camber is the inward (negative) or outward (positive) tilt of a wheel and affects tyre contact and wear.
15. Which component supports the wheel and allows it to rotate smoothly on its axle?
Wheel bearings are mounted at the hub and allow the wheel to rotate with minimal friction while supporting load.
16. What is porpoising in a vehicle chassis context?
Porpoising describes oscillatory vertical motion caused by improperly damped suspension or improper setup at certain speeds.
17. Which maintenance practice helps prevent corrosion of the chassis in Kenya's rainy and coastal areas?
Cleaning to remove salt, mud and grime and applying anti-rust coatings reduce corrosion risk, especially in wet or coastal climates.
18. What is caster angle and how does it affect steering?
Caster is the forward or rearward tilt of the steering axis which influences stability and how the steering wheel returns to centre.
19. Which brake system component stores hydraulic pressure and helps maintain braking force in power-assisted brakes?
The master cylinder creates hydraulic pressure and the booster (in power brakes) helps amplify pedal force for easier braking.
20. What does tyre tread depth affect most directly?
Adequate tread depth channels water away and maintains contact, improving wet grip and reducing stopping distance.
21. Which part is used to lift a vehicle safely when changing a wheel?
Vehicles have designated jacking points to safely support lifting with a jack when changing tyres; using wrong points can damage the chassis.
22. What is the role of bushes (bushings) in suspension and steering linkages?
Bushes isolate vibration, allow controlled movement and reduce noise and wear where suspension and steering parts pivot.
23. Which type of axle is most likely used on heavy trucks to carry heavy loads and withstand rough roads?
Heavy trucks commonly use solid beam axles and leaf spring suspensions for strength, load capacity and durability on rough roads.
24. What is the effect of excessive toe-in or toe-out on tyres?
Incorrect toe causes tyres to scrub while rolling, leading to uneven wear and degraded handling.
25. Why is regular inspection of chassis mounting points and welds important?
Checking mounts and welds finds structural problems early, preventing failures that could cause unsafe driving conditions.
26. Which system in the chassis helps support the weight of the vehicle and keeps the wheels in contact with the road?
The suspension supports vehicle weight, absorbs bumps and keeps tyres in contact with the road for control and comfort.