ASE A3 · Manual Drive Train & Axles
Four-Wheel/All-Wheel Drive
Diagnosing and servicing 4WD and AWD systems: transfer case removal and overhaul, shafts and front axles, engagement and actuation controls, and tire size matching.
- Questions on the A3 test
- 8
- Share of the test
- 20%
- GearheadPass questions
- 23
- With exhibits
- 3
What this area covers
ASE's task list for Four-Wheel/All-Wheel Drive on the A3 Manual Drive Train & Axles test groups into these tasks. Expect diagnosis-first questions: what's the most likely cause, what should be checked next, and which technician is right.
- Drive system noise and leaks
- Transfer case shifting and overhaul
- Transfer case fluid and service resets
- Front shafts, CV joints and bearings
- Engagement and actuator diagnosis
- Tire size and circumference matching
How to study it
- This area carries 8 of the A3 test's questions (20%). Give it study time in proportion.
- Work the free questions first, then read every explanation, including the ones you got right; the reasoning is what transfers to new questions.
- 2 of the 5 free questions here are Technician A/B items. Judge each statement on its own before you pick A only, B only, Both or Neither.
- Always confirm specifications in the vehicle manufacturer's service information. Test questions assume you would.
Free practice quiz
5 Four-Wheel/All-Wheel Drive questions with explanations
All 23 Four-Wheel/All-Wheel Drive questions are in the app
Plus a full-length A3 mock, flash cards, and English or Spanish on every question.
More A3 content areas
A3 · 6 questions on the test
Clutch
Diagnosing and repairing clutch systems: pedal and hydraulic release components, release bearing, disc and pressure plate, pilot bearing, flywheel and powertrain mounts.
A3 · 7 questions on the test
Transmission
Rear-wheel-drive manual transmission work: shifting and noise diagnosis, external linkage, overhaul of shafts, gears and synchronizers, preload and endplay, and electronic parts.
A3 · 7 questions on the test
Transaxle
Front-wheel-drive manual transaxle work: shifting and noise diagnosis, removal and mounts, internal gears and synchros, the built-in differential, preload, lubrication and electronics.
A3 · 5 questions on the test
Drive/Half Shaft & U/CV Joints
Servicing drive shafts and half shafts on front- and rear-drive vehicles: noise and vibration diagnosis, U-joints and CV joints, balance, runout, working angles and wheel bearings.
A3 · 7 questions on the test
Drive Axle
Rear drive axle service: ring and pinion setup, differential case work, limited slip and locking units, and axle shafts, bearings and housings.