Automobile Engineering Class: IV YEAR MECH

UNIT-IV
15A03701AUTOMOBILE ENGINEERING
(TWO MARKS WITH ANSWER)
1. Define steering system.
 A good steering mechanism is must for a vehicle’s stability at the time of turning.
 Steering of fourwheeler is designed in a manner so that it will not permit lateral slip of front wheels
during steering.There must be true rolling of wheels at the time of steering.
 The front wheels are mounted on front axles to allow their left and right swing for steering the
vehicle
 Steering is done by providing a suitable gearing and linkage between front wheels and steering
wheel.
2. What are all the uses of steering system in automobile?
The steering system helps the driver to guide the moving vehicle on the road and turns the vehicle
right or left according to his wishes.
3. What are the requirements of steering system?
 It should multiply the turning effort applied on the steering wheel by the driver.
 It should be to a certain extent irreversible. In other words, the shocks of the road surface
encountered by the wheels should not be transmitted to the driver’s hands.
 The mechanism should have self rightening effect i.e., when the driver releases the steering wheel
after negotiating the turn, the wheel should try to achieve straight ahead position.
4. List out the various functions of the steering system.
 It provides wheels swinging to the left or right
 It provides vehicle turning as per the will of the driver.
 It provides directional stability
 It helps to control wear and tear of tyres
 It helps in achieving the self – righting effect.
 It converts the rotary movement of the steering wheel into an angular turn of the front wheels.
 It provides multiple effort of the driver by leverage to make the wheels easy to turn

5. What is known as turning radius?

The Radius of the circle on which the outer front wheel turns to its extreme outer position is called
as turning radius.
6. What is meant by self – rightening effect?
When the driver releases the steering wheel after completing the turn, the wheel should try to
achieve straight ahead position immediately called self – rightening effect.
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Automobile Engineering Class: IV YEAR MECH
7. How does a steering wheel take a right turn?
 Both the steering wheel and steering tube are rotated clockwise by rotating the roller shaft through
the steering gear
 Due to this action, the bottom end moves forward for pushing the drag link.
 The tie rods are forced to the left by intermediate steering arm. Thus, it receives a push of the drag
link.
 The right steering arm is pulled by the right tie rod to turn the right steering knuckle and wheel to
the right.
 The left steering arm is pushed by the left tie rod for turning the left steering knuckle and wheel to
the right.
8. List out the components of steering system
a. Steering linkage
 Pitman arm  Left tie rod arm
 Ball joints  Tie rod
 Drag link  Right tie rod arm, spindle
 Steering arm and kingpin
 Left spindle and kingpin  Steering stops
b. Steering shaft
c. Steering gear
9. Explain about steering linkage.
The steering linkage has pitman arm, ball joints, drag link, steering arm, spindle, tie rod and king pin
assembly.
10. What are the functions of pitman arm in steering linkages?
 The Pitman arm is a linkage attached to the steering box (see recirculating ball) sector shaft, that
converts the angular motion of the sector shaft into the linear motion needed to steer the wheels.
 The Pitman arm is supported by the sector shaft and supports the linker center link with a ball joint.
 It transmits the motion it receives from the steering box into the drag (or center) link, causing it to
move left or right to turn the wheels in the appropriate direction.
11. What are the uses of ball joints in steering linkages?
 These joints are connected on both ends of the drag link and the tie rod.
 It performs the angular displacement, rotational movement of the drag link, the tie rod produced by
the front wheel rotation and suspension articulation.
12. Write the function of drag link in steering system.

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Automobile Engineering Class: IV YEAR MECH
It is connected between the pitman arm and the steering arm. It is a single piece forged component
having ball joint socket formed at the end in some other cases.
13. Explain about steering arm in steering linkage.
 The steering arm is the part of a vehicle's chassis that directs the input from the steering box to its
components.
 It applies pressure from the steering box to the tie rods and results in the tyres turning from left to
right, or right to left.
 The steering arm is ahead of the axle center line on front steer models and behind the axle center line
on rear versions
14. What is the function of left spindle and king pin?
The torque obtained by the steering arm rotates the left spindle, wheel and tyre about the king pin.
15. Explain the uses of tie rod in steering linkage.
 The tie rod is part of the steering mechanism in a vehicle. A tie rod is a slender structural rod that is
used as a tie and capable of carrying tensile loads only
 The tie rod transmits force from the steering center link or the rack gear to the steering knuckle. This
will cause the wheel to turn.
 The outer tie rod end connects with an adjusting sleeve, which allows the length of the tie rod to be
adjustable. This adjustment is used to set a vehicle’s alignment angle.
16. Explain the function of left tie rod arm.
 The left tie rod is connected with spindle in the same way of steering arm.
 It converts the available torque to turn the right wheel into force in the tie rod. The tie rod has a
tapered hole to receive the tie rod ball stud.
17. What is the use of right tie rod arm, spindle and kingpin?
 It converts the force from the tie rod into a moment to turn through the knuckle arm, the right spindle
wheel and tyre about the kingpin.
 The right spindle and the king pin assembly are merely the same assembly on the left side. But it has
no steering arm connected to it.

18. What is the function of steering stops in steering linkage?

Stops are used to limit the angular deflections of the front wheels. It also avoids the rubbing of tyres
against the frame produced by wear and tear of the tyres.
19. What is the use of steering shaft in steering system?

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Automobile Engineering Class: IV YEAR MECH
The steering shaft is fitted inside the hollow steering column. When the steering wheel is turned, the
steering shaft will also be rotated. Due to this, the motion is transmitted to the steering box.
20. What is the uses of steering gear in steering system?
 The steering gear is a device for converting the rotary motion of the steering wheel into straight line
motion of the linkage.
 The steering gears are enclosed in a box, called the steering gear box.
 The steering wheel is connected directly to the steering linkage, it would require a great effort to
move the front wheels.
21. Define steering mechanism.
To keep the straight – ahead motion of the vehicle at high speeds due to bumps and also to change
the path of the vehicle with minimum amount of driver’s effort, a mechanism known as steering
mechanism.
22. Define instantaneous center of a vehicle.
 During turning or moving the vehicle on a curved path, the wheels should follow a true radius with
each of the radius originating from the same centre.
 The circles should be based on the common centre known as instantaneous centre to avoid skidding
of the wheels.
23. What is meant by skidding?
Skidding is defined as the running both the inner and outer wheels of the vehicle on circle of
different radii. This common center will lie somewhere on its extension due to fixed near the wheel axis.
24. What is Ackermann principle of steering?
 When the vehicle takes a turn, its wheels should make arcs round the same centre.
 The axis of front wheels must meet the axis of rear wheels at a point.
 This point about which the wheels rotate is called Instantaneous Centre.
25. How is steering gear ratio determined?
Steering gear ratio is determined by the number of turns required on, the steering wheel to produce
one turn of steering gear shaft.
26. What is the backlash in steering?
Backlash is the play which is provided in rotation of the steering, to keep the wheels from
moving.

27. What is steering geometry?

 The term "steering geometry" (also known as "front-end geometry") refers to the angular relationship
between suspension and steering parts, front wheels, and the road surface.

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Automobile Engineering Class: IV YEAR MECH
 Because alignment deals with angles and affects steering, the method of describing alignment
measurements is called steering geometry.
 There are five steering geometry angles : Camber , Caster ,Toe, Steering axis inclination, and Toe-out
on turns
 There is two more steering geometry angles that are not specific to each wheel but measure the spatial
relationship among all four wheels .These are Setback and Thrust angle.
28. Mention ant two steering geometry parameters and their significance.
Camber
 When the front of the vehicle is viewed, the angle between the centre line of the tyre and the
vertical line is called as camber.
 The camber angle should not exceed 2º.
Castor
 Tilting of kingpin axis either forward or backward from the vertical line is known as castor.
 The caster angle in modern vehicles range from 2º to 8º
29. What is meant by wander?
 The change of spring height also changes the camber.
 When the camber is zero, slight irregularities on the road may occur to change the wheel load
thereby changing the direction of the camber effect. This phenomenon is called “wander”.
30. Why is camber angle provided?
Camber angle is provided,
 To minimize the side thrust on the king pin.
 To compensate the shifting of centre of the wheel plane outside the centre line of the king pin.
31. List out the various effects of wheel camber.
 Bending stresses in the kingpin and stub axle are reduced
 Steering effort is drastically reduced.
 Shocks loads are not permitted to transmit to the steering wheel at high speeds.
 It imparts directional stability.
32. Define castor angle.
The angle between the vertical line and the king pin center line and the kingpin centre line in the
plane of the wheel when it is viewed from the side is known as castor angle.

33. Define positive castor.

When the top of the king pin will be backward, the castor angle is positive.
34. Define negative castor.

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Automobile Engineering Class: IV YEAR MECH
The castor angle is negative, when the top of the kingpin will be in forward.
35. Note down the effects of castor.
 Positive castor gives directional stability and keeps the wheels to straight ahead after completing its
turns similarly, negative castor provides easy steering.
 Positive castor tends the vehicle rolling out. Similarly, negative castor makes the wheel to toe – out.
 If castor angle on both the wheel is the same, both the wheel will be equally balanced. Therefore, the
wheels are pulled towards the wheel having lesser castor angle
 Usually, about 3°of castor gives good results
36. What is kingpin inclination?
The angle between the vertical line and centre of the kingpin or steering axle when viewing is
carried out from the front of the vehicle is called “kingpin inclination”.
37. Mention the effects of kingpin inclination.
 When the king pin inclination and castor give directional stability.
 Particularly steering effort is reduced when the vehicle is stationary.
 Tyre wear also greatly reduced.
 During turning of the wheel, this inclination raises the vehicle. By this a force is exerted on the
wheels to straighten up automatically after completing its turn.
 The kingpin inclination should be equal on both sides. If it is greater on one side, the vehicle will be
pulled to the side having the greater angle.
38. Define toe in and toe out?
Toe-in
The distance at the front end between the front wheels is less than that distance between them at the
rear is called toe-in. The front wheels point inwards. The actual amount of toe in is only a few
millimeters.
Toe-out
The distance at the front end between the front wheels, is greater than the distance between them at
the rear and this position of the front wheel is called toe-out.
39. Write down any two effects of toe-in and toe-out.
Effects of toe-out
 It avoids tyre scrub.

Effects of toe-in
 Tyre slip  Poor steering stability
 Tyre wears on outside of
the tread
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Automobile Engineering Class: IV YEAR MECH
40. What is the purpose of Toe – in?
 To ensure the wheels are rolling parallel.
 To stabilize steering and prevent slipping towards sides.
 To prevent excessive tyre wear.
 To offset the effect of small deflections in the wheel support system
41. Define steering axis inclination.
It is defined as the inclination of the ball joint- axis from the vertical
42. What is meant by combined angle or included angle?
Combined angle or included angle is the angle between the vertical plane of the wheel center line and
the king pin centre line.
43. Define scrub radius.
The road resistance acts on the wheel at the contact point on the road. The distance between the two
points is known as scrub radius.
44. What are the effects of combined angle and scrub radius?
Effects of combined angle
If the scrub radius is not equal to zero, a torque acted on the wheel turns away from the straight ahead
position.
Effects of scrub radius
 When the scrub is negative, the wheel caused to toe-in
 When the scrub radius is positive, the wheel is caused to toe-out
 A large radius will cause greater torque required to turn the wheel. This means, higher loads on the
steering linkage suspension components act. It results in greater wear of steering linkage and unequal
braking on the front wheels
45. Define slip angle?
The angle between the wheel inclination and the path followed by the wheel is known as slip angle.
46. What is the function of steering gears?
The rotary motion of the steering wheel is converted into straight – line motion of the linkage by the
steering
47. List out the types of steering gears.
 The pitman – arm type  The rack and pinion type
48. Define steering gear ratio.
The steering gear assembly not only steers the front wheels but also reduces the steering wheel
turning effort by increasing the output torque. The reduction ratio is known as steering gear ratio.

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Automobile Engineering Class: IV YEAR MECH
49. What is mean by center point steering?
When the scrub radius becomes zero, the wheel is kept in straight position without any toe-in or toe-
out. This position is known as center point steering.
50. Classify steering gear boxes commonly used in light moving vehicles?
 Worm and roller  Screw and nut
 Worm and sector  Recirculating ball
 Cam and roller  Worm and ball bearing
 Cam and peg  Rack and pinion.
 Cam and turn lever
51. Explain the working principle of cam and roller type steering gear box.
 By moving the steering wheel and steering shaft, the cam is rotated.
 Due to this rotation, the roller is constrained to follow the helix of the groove.
 When the cam rotates, the roller is followed the cam and made the rocker shaft to rotate.
52. Explain the working principle of Recirculating balltype steering gear box.
 When the driver turns the wheel, the two steel ball races will roll in the grooves and make the nut to
travel among the length of the worm.
 The motion from the nut is transmitted to the wheel sector. The front wheels displaced by the drop
arm.
53. Explain the working principle of Rack and pinion type steering gear box.
 A pinion is attached at the end of the steering shaft. A rack mashes with the pinion.
 The rotary movement of the steering moves the pinion which gives motion to the rack.
 The movement of the rack is responsible for turning the wheels through steering linkages.
54. Explain the working principle of Worm and worm wheel type steering gear box.
 In worm and worm wheel system, square threads are provided on the worm on the steering shaft.
 The worm meshes with the worm wheel which is mounted on a shaft.
 The rotation of steering shaft rotates the worm and worm wheel.
 This rotates drop arm by 60° to 90°. This moves the steering linkages.

55. Explain the working principle of Worm and Sector type steering gear box.
 In a worm and sector type steering gear a worm is provided at the end of steering shaft which meshes
with a sector provided on a sector shaft.

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Automobile Engineering Class: IV YEAR MECH
 When the worm is rotated, the sector turns which moves the linkages for steering the vehicle. The
sector shaft is also called pitman arm shaft, roller shaft or cross shaft.
56. What is meant by roller shaft?
Worm an roller gear have two – toothed roller which is fastened to the cross shaft called roller shaft
or sector shaft or pitman shaft
57. What is meant by center point steering?
When the scrub radius becomes zero, the wheel is kept in straight position without any toe-in or toe-
out. This position is known as center point steering.
58. What is meant by overall steering ratio?
The number of degrees through which the steering wheel is turned is divided into the number of
degrees that the front wheel turns is called as overall steering ratio.
59. Define steering ratio.
The ratio of output forces to the input forces applied is known as steering ratio.
60. What the meant by slow steering?
High steering ratio are called as slow steering because the steering wheel is turned many degree to
obtain a small a small steering effect
61. What the meant by fast steering?
Low steering ratio is called as fast or quick steering because steering wheel has to be turned to obtain
a large steering effect.
62. What is the function of synchronizer in a gearbox?
The synchronizer helps to synchronize the speeds of the two gears to be engaged without necessary
of faster running gear to slow down.
63. How are oversteer and understeer defined with respect to slip angle?
Distinguish between understeer and over steer. (Nov 2019)
 When the slip angle of the front wheel is greater than those for the rear wheels, this is the condition of
understeer.
 When the slip angle of the front wheel are less than the rear wheels, this is the condition of oversteer.
64. What are the disadvantages of manual steering over power steering?
 It is smaller and simpler in engines on cars.
 High pressure tyres should be used in case of cars. The smaller steering ratio is required to steer these
cars. For this less turns of the steering wheel are required to move to the desired distance.
65. Specify the methods of power steering?
 Integral type  Linkage type

66. What are the main advantages of power steering?

In power steering,
 Driver’s effort is substantially reduced.
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Automobile Engineering Class: IV YEAR MECH
 When the vehicle is suddenly driven over a bump, there is no return back of steering.
 Even if power system fails, the steering can be operated by manual steering.
67. What is the action of fluids in neutral position?
 Fluid is sent to the control valve from the pump.
 If the control valve is in the neutral position, all the fluid will send through the control valve into the
relief port and back to the pump.
 By this, pressure is produce and the pressure on the piston becomes equal on the both sides. Due to
this, the piston will not move in either direction.
68. What is the need for power steering in automobiles?
 Larger tyres having heavier weight on vehicles make a car more difficult in parking.
 So, the driver has to apply greater physical strength for driving the vehicles.
 To overcome this difficulty, power assisted steering has been introduced.
69. Which wheel forms more angle while turning the vehicle?
 Inner wheel forms larger angle – 23°
 Outer wheel forms lesser angle – 20°
So, the inner wheel forms more angle while turning the vehicle.
70. State the functions of the front axle.
 It takes the weight of the front of the vehicle.
 It provides steering action.
 Spring transmits cushion effect to the vehicle.
 It controls the ride through shock absorber.
 It takes the braking system
 It transmits power to the front wheels in case of four wheel drive.
 It carries both the hub and wheels.
71. What is meant by steering knuckle pin?
The steering spindle and steering knuckle assemblies are pinned at the ends of axle in order to permit
the wheels to be turned by the steering gear. This pin is known as king pin or steering knuckle pin.
72. Define Elliot type and reverse Elliot type.
The ends of the forked axle to hold the steering knuckle extension between the ends is called an Elliot
type.
The forked portion is integral with the steering knuckle and fitted over the end of the axle called
reverse Elliot type.
73. Define spring pads.

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Automobile Engineering Class: IV YEAR MECH
The spring pad is used as a cushioning layer over the top and bottom surfaces of the coil springs used
in suspension of vehicles.
74. List out the components of the front axle.
The components of the front axle are beam, stub axle, swivel pin and track rod
75. Define swivel pin.
The pins made up of good quality case hardening steel used to secure the stub axle to the axle beam is
called as swivel pins.
76. What is meant by track rod ends?
The two stub axle arms of the front axle are connected with ends of a track rod through knuckle or
ball joints known as track rod ends.
77. List out the types of front axle.
 Live front axle  Dead front axle
78. Name the types of stub axles.
 Elliot  Lamoine
 Reversed Elliot  Reversed lamoine
79. How can we define suspension system?
 The chassis of vehicle is connected to the front and rear wheel through the medium of springs, shock
absorbers and axles.
 All the parts perform the function of protection of the parts from shocks are known as suspension
system.
80. Give a brief note a damper?
 Shock absorbers or dampers will not absorb road shocks efficiently if the suspension springs are
highly rigid.
 They will be continuously vibrated for a longer time if the springs are sufficiently flexible.
 To overcome this difficult, a system having compromise between flexibility and stiffness should be
used.
 Shock absorber is used as part of the suspension system. They provide more resistance to the motion
of the spring and road wheel to damp out vibrations.
81. Describe the various components of suspension system with its functions briefly.
 Springs to neutralize the shocks from the road surface
 Dampers called shock absorbers to improve riding comfort by limiting the free oscillation of the
springs.
 Stabilizer called sway bar or anti – roll bar to prevent lateral swaying of the car

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Automobile Engineering Class: IV YEAR MECH
 A linkage system holds the above components to control the longitudinal and lateral movements of the
wheels.
82. List the functions of suspension system.(April 2019)
 To eliminate the road shocks from transmission to the vehicle components.
 To maintain stability of the vehicle in pitching, rolling while in motion.
 To safeguard the occupants from road shocks
 To obtain good road holding while driving, cornering and braking.
 To keep proper steering geometry
 To obtain particular height to body structure.
83. How sprung and unsprung weights are defined? Write down the relation between sprung and
unsprung weights.
The body of the vehicle is supported by springs. The weight of the body is supported by springs called
sprung weight.
Unsprung weight is the weight of everything between the springs and road and a portion of weight of
springs itself.
Sprung weight = Total weight of vehicle – unsprung weight.
84. What are the different types of movement occurred when the vehicle is in motion?
 Bouncing  Rolling
 Pitching  Yawing
85. Define ‘Bouncing’ and ‘pitching’.
 The vertical movement of the complete body is called as bouncing.
 Rocking chair action or rotating action about a transverse axis through the vehicle parallel to ground is
known as pitching.
86. Define rolling.
The movement of the wheel about longitudinal axis produced by centrifugal force when cornering is
known as rolling.
87. Define yawing.
Yawing is the movement of the car’s longitudinal centerline to the right and left in relation to the car’s
center of gravity.
88. What is meant by diagonal pitch?
Diagonal pitch is defined as the combined radius and pitching action of rolling and pitching
89. Classify the various types of suspension springs.
a) Steel springs
 Leaf spring  Coil spring
 Tapered leaf spring  Torsion spring
b) Rubber springs
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Automobile Engineering Class: IV YEAR MECH
 Compression springs  Progressive springs
 Compression – shear springs  Face shear spring
 Steel reinforced springs
c) Air springs
 Bellows type springs  Piston type springs
d) Plastic springs
90. Define shackle pin.
The spring eye is mounted to the frame by a pin called as shackle pin.
91. Mention the various types of leaf springs
 Semi elliptical spring  Transverse springs
 Quarter elliptical spring  Full elliptical spring
 Three quarter elliptical spring  Platform type spring
92. Write down the characteristics of helper springs.
 Due the springs having enough rigidity to hold the axis in the proper position they are required.
 Controlling of own oscillation through internal leaf friction is performed.
 These springs have durability in heavy – duty applications
 Due to inter – leaf friction, it is very difficult to absorb the minute vibrations from the road surface.
93. Define coil spring.
A coil spring, also known as a helical spring, is a mechanical device which is typically used to store
energy and subsequently release it, to absorb shock, or to maintain a force between contacting surfaces.
94. Write down the characteristics of coil spring.
 The energy absorption rate per unit of weight is greater when compared to leaf springs.
 Soft springs can be coiled
 Due to no inter leaf friction with leaf springs, no control of oscillation is necessary by the spring itself
but shock absorber is necessary.
 Due to no resistance to lateral forces, linkage mechanisms to support the axle such a suspension arm,
lateral control rod, etc. is required.
95. What is meant by torsion bar?
A torsion bar is a steel bar which is operated by both twisting and absorbing shear stress only.
96. How does the rubber spring absorb shocks during running of the vehicle?
Rubber springs absorb vibrations by the internal friction generation, if they are stretched by an external
force.
97. State the advantages of rubber springs.
 Spring can be made into any desired shape.
 Springs do not require to be lubricated.

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Automobile Engineering Class: IV YEAR MECH
98. Write down the characteristics of coil spring.
 They are softer in the vehicle is not loaded. At the same time, spring constant increases when the load
is increased by increasing the air pressure inside the chamber.
 So, it gives optimum riding comfort when the vehicle is lightly loaded and fully loaded condition
 The height of the vehicle is kept constant through the load variation by varying the air pressure.
99. What is the purpose of the coil spring in rear end suspension?
The coil spring controls suspension travel and provides wide height control.
100. How are leaf springs lubricated?
Leaf springs are lubricated by feeding lubricants form a centre grease nipple through grooved oil ways
or by spraying oil on the leaves.
101. What is a frame stabilizer?
A frame stabilizer is a device designed to resist any tendency of vehicles to dip on either sides, to resist
centrifugal force which is the cause of slipping on curve.
102. Classify shock absorbers.
1. Mechanical shock absorber
2. Hydraulic shock absorber
a. Van type
b. Piston type
i. Single acting ii. Double acting
c. Telescopic type
103. What are the main functions of the shock absorber?
The main functions of the shock absorber are,
 To control the quick bouncing of the wheel.
 To control the slow bouncing of the body in the suspension spring.
 To keep all the four wheels on the road during a turn at high speed.
104. Mention the advantages of the telescopic shock absorber.
 Large amount of energy is dissipated due to large volume of fluid displaced without causing a high
temperature rise.
 There is no wear development in the damper with absence of trunion bearing are connecting arm
pivots.
 The leakage is very less due to low pressure in the absence of rotating shaft entering the reservoir
105. What are the purposes of shock absorber?
 To control the vibration of the spring
 To provide comfortable ride
 To act flexible and to be rigid enough
 To resist unnecessary motion of the spring.
106. What are the different types of damper used in shock absorber?

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Automobile Engineering Class: IV YEAR MECH
 Pneumatic damper
 Hydraulic damper
 Mechanical spring type damper.
107. Write down the two differences between springs and shock absorber with respect to its functions.
S.NO SPRINGS SHOCK ABSORBERS
It is connected between the wheel and the It is connected between the axle and lower end
1
vehicle frame of the chassis frame
It acts as a cushion load shock, to keep the The shock absorber provides resistance to the
vehicle body leveled up over un even motion of the springs and road wheels for

2 surfaces, to absorb driving and breaking damping out vibration. It is done for several
torque load and stresses and also to resist the complete oscillations thereby resulting in
body tilting and rolling on corners and bends discomfort to the passengers
108. Classify the suspension system.
1. Front end suspension
a. Independent front suspension
b. Rigid axle front suspension
2. Rear end suspension
a. Longitudinal leaf spring rear suspension
b. Transverse leaf rear suspension
c. Coil spring rear end suspension
109. Classify independent front suspension system
 Longitudinal suspension  Strut and link type suspension
 Transverse suspension  Trailing link type suspension
 Sliding suspension  Vertical guide suspension
 Parallelogram type suspension
110. Classify the independent rear suspension system.
 Longitudinal leaf spring rear end suspension
 Transverse leaf spring rear end suspension
 Coil spring rear end suspension
111. Mention the advantages of theindependent front suspension system
 Unsprung weight is reduced with improved ride and better road holding while turning and braking
 Instead of tilting the frame and body, it is kept horizontal and the wheels are vertical when
encountered a road bump
 The wheels are sprung independently but springing movement of one wheel is not transmitted to the
other side.

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Automobile Engineering Class: IV YEAR MECH
 A greater degree of vertical springing movement is provided.
 Both the wheels wobble and steering tramp are reduced.
 Greater resilience is provided with better springing action than most rigid axles vehicles
 The independent front suspension gives more space for engine accommodation.
 Front springs are arranged for enough apart to satisfy understeer conditions also preferable to
oversteer,
 Softer suspension is provided the low spring rate which enables large wheel movement
112. Classify air suspension system.
 Bellow type air suspension  Piston type air suspension
113. Write the advantages of air suspension system?
 Change in head lamp alignment due to varying loads is completely eliminated
 The spring rate varies with loading and unloading thereby reducing dynamic loading
114. Write the disadvantages of the independent rear suspension.
 The initial cost is high
 Greater maintenance is required
 Misalignment of steering geometry is obtained
 Wear of the component wear out easily and quickly
115. What is meant by parallel link system?
In parallel link system, the wheels are attached with a backbone – type frame using two wishbone
shaped links.
116. Define swinging arm type suspension system?
In swinging arm type, a spring or a torsion bar is used at the pivot. It has two axle tubes joined to the
final drive housing which allows the wheel to rise or fall.
117. What is anti-analyzing – roll bar or stabilizer?
Stabilizer or a sway bar is used in all independent suspension to decrease the tendency of the vehicle to
roll or tip on either side when making a turn known an anti-roll bar.
118. What is meant by sway bars?
Anti-roll bar is passed through rubber bushes in the frame. These alloy steel bars are known as sway bar.

119. Define braking system.

The mechanism which is used to slow and stop the vehicle is known as braking system.
120. State the need for brakes.
 To stop or slow down the vehicle at will of the operator
 To control the vehicle descending a hill

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Automobile Engineering Class: IV YEAR MECH
 To keep the vehicle in desired position even in rest.
121. What is the principle of braking system?
In this system, the kinetic energy is converted into the heat energy due to friction between two mating
surface of the brake lining and the brake drum. Then heat is dissipated into the atmosphere.
122. What are the requirements of braking system?
 It should have good anti- fade characteristics.
 It should not skid while applying brake.
 It should have less weight.
 It should be reliable.
 It should be strong enough to stop the vehicle within a minimum distance.
 It should be easy to adjust
123. Classification of Brakes
Brakes are classified according to:
 Applications
 Service or primary brakes  Parking or Secondary brakes
 Actuation
 Mechanical brakes  Servo brakes
 Hydraulic brakes  Electrical brakes
 Air brakes
 Construction
 Drum brakes  Disc brakes
 Location
 Wheel brakes  Transmission brakes
 Method of braking contact
 Externally contacting  Internally expanding
124. List out the various components of external contacting brakes
 Brake drum  Push rod
 Bandwidth lining  Return spring
 Operating lever  Adjusting lever
125. List out the various components of internal expanding brakes
 Brake drum  Anchor pins
 Stationary plate  Cam and retracting springs
 Two brake shoes
126. What is meant by leading shoe or Primary shoe?
The shoe drags along the drum produces more thrust or friction in the brake drum known as leading shoe
or primary shoe.
127. What is meant by Trailing shoe or Secondary shoe?
The shoes move away from the drum while applying the brake called Trailing shoe or Secondary shoe.

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Automobile Engineering Class: IV YEAR MECH
128. List out the various types of brake linings
 Solid oven type  Moulded type
129. What is brake compensation?
Brake compensation is the allowing for the back brakes on a car, to take hold suddenly first before the
front brakes do, to allow better and more even braking.
130. State Pascal’s law.
It states that the total pressure acting on the transmission system is equal to the sum of pressures acting
in all directions without any losses.
131. State the purpose of master cylinder.
 The required hydraulic pressure is built up to operate the system.
 It maintains the constant volume of fluid in the system.
 To bleed or force air out of the brake line and wheel cylinder, a pump is used.
132. List out the various parts of master cylinder.
 Brake fluid reservoir  Check valve
 Cylinder  Piston return spring
 Piston assembly
133. How does disc brake function?
A disc brake consists of a rotating disc and two friction pads which are actuated by four hydraulic
wheel pistons contained in two halves of an assembly called caliper.
134. What is the minor and major adjustment of brakes?
 Minor adjustment refers to the adjustment of brake shoes to compensate lining wear without
removing the wheel.
 Major adjustment is installation of new shoes or relining the old shoes.
135. What are the materials added to the brake shoes to be effective?
Zinc, brass, copper, graphite, ceramic products may be added to the asbestos lining to give better
gripping action.
136. What are the functions of the wheel cylinder?
The following are the function of the wheel cylinders
 It actuates the shoes outward to contact the brake drum
 It converts the hydraulic pressure of very low value into a comparable mechanical force of higher value.
137. What is the function of bleeder valve?
The bleeder valve is used for pumping out air and liquid during bleeding operation.
138. What are the characteristics of hydraulic fluid?
 It should remain fluid at low temperature.
 It should not corrode or rust metallic parts in the braking system.
 It should not vaporize at high temperature encountered in actual service.

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Automobile Engineering Class: IV YEAR MECH
 It should act as a lubricant to the moving parts inside the system.
 It should not soften the rubber parts used in the hydraulic brake system
 It should be non-compressible
139. Mention the advantages of the hydraulic fluid.
 The system is very simple mechanically in construction due to absence of the brake rod, joints etc.
 This system gives equal braking effort at all the four wheels when comparing to the mechanical
braking system.
 All the wheel brakes are forced to act together without any consideration in individual adjustments.
 It gives an increased braking effort
 It gives equal pressures at all points
 It is self-compensating system
 The wear rate is low due to self-lubrication of the system.
140. Mention the disadvantages of the hydraulic fluid.
 Complete braking system should be liable if any fault, making pressure loss or the breakage of a pipe
to one wheel occurs
 The brake shoe should be liable to get ruined when the brake fluid leaks out.
141. Define vacuum assisted hydraulic brakes.
When the vacuum produced in the manifold of the engine or a separately driven exhauster is used to
assist the braking effort, the system is known as vacuum assisted hydraulic brakes.
142. What is meant by suspended vacuum?
One side of the piston only exposed to atmosphere to apply brakes with desire force on the piston. So
this system is known as suspended vacuum
143. List out the main components of air assisted hydraulic brake.
 Compressor  Booster
 Air governor  Air reservoir
144. Mention the advantages of air brakes.
 It is most power full when compared to the other brakes.
 The air brake parts are easily located where the chassis design making is simple.
 The compressed air can be used for tyre inflation wipers, horn and other accessories.
145. Classify disc brake.
 Spot type  Clutch type
146. What are the special types of spot type disc brake?
 Fixed caliper (or) Swinging caliper type  Floating caliper (or) Sliding caliper type
147. Mention the advantages of the disc brake.
 There are less fading due to exposing of disk for allowing heat radiation.
 The construction is very simple and the brake pads can be easily replaced or serviced readily.

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Automobile Engineering Class: IV YEAR MECH
 There is no self – energizing effect.
 The brake get wet, the disk brakes will recover braking effect quicker due to the centrifugal force
throwing off the water.
148. Mention the disadvantages of the disc brake
 Surface pressure is larger due to limited area of braking
 Due to absence of self – energizing effect high hydraulic pressure is required to attain sufficient
braking effect
 Cost is high
 External aids are needed to prevent damage to disk by sand and dirt.
149. Define servo mechanism.
Any mechanism that is added to the driver’s effort by applying the brakes is known as servo mechanism
150. List out the types of hydraulic brake fluids.
 DOT3  DOT4  DOT5
151. Mention the advantages of girling brakes.
 They can easily be adjusted without jacking up the vehicle
 The driver effort can be minimized
 It uses a mechanical comparator
 It provides a self - centering effort
 Less traction distance is enough for applying the brake.
152. What is meant by bleeding?
The process of removing air from the brake system is called as bleeding.
153. List out the main steps involved in bleeding operation.
The main steps involved in bleeding operation are
 Reservoir should be full.
 One end of the rubber tube should be connected to bleeder valve while the other tube is dipped in
fluid contained in a container.
 The bleeder valve should be opened and pedal pumped slowly until the air bubbles cease to appear
 The same procedure should be repeated for all the wheel cylinders.

154. What is the need of antilock braking system

 Braking systems take the force applied to the foot pedal by the driver and transfer it via a mechanical
system to the brakes on the wheel.
 The mechanism works by increasing the input force via a servo to the master cylinder which converts
the force into the pressure applied by brakes.
 The master cylinder has two pressure chambers both of which are responsible for the braking pressure
on two of the wheels and this is to provide an extra level of safety.

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Automobile Engineering Class: IV YEAR MECH
155. List the components of ABS system.
 Wheel speed sensors  Hydraulic modulator valves
 Electronic control unit (ECU)  Pump motor and accumulator
156. What are the types of anti-lock brakes?
 Four – channel, four sensor ABS  One – channel, one sensor ABS
 Three – channel, three sensor ABS
157. State the advantages of ABS.
 Prevents vehicle skidding  Prevents Tractor-Trailer jack knifing
 Reduces stopping distance  Increases the life of tyre, brakes, and
 Improve stability and steer ability suspension
158. Why do we not use brakes with more than 80% efficiency in automobile?
 The braking efficiency is generally less than 80% because of insufficient road adhesion, the vehicle is
on a down gradient or ineffective brake system.
 If the efficiency is more than 80% then more braking force needs to be applied.
159. Write a short notes on Antilock braking system.
 An Anti-lock brake system consists of a sensor to detect incipient wheel locking.
 This system is also provided with an arrangement for relieving momentarily the hydraulic pressure on
the brakes to prevent locking before its application.
160. State the function electronic control unit in ABS.
 ABS electronic control unit is a microprocessor that functions such as the engine control computer.
ECU processes, all ABS information and signal functions.
 It receives and interprets voltage pulses generated by the sensor pickup as the exciter teeth pass by,
and uses this information
161. What is the function of hydraulic modulator valve?
 ABS modulator valves regulate the fluid pressure to the brakes during ABS action.
 When it not receiving commands from ECU, the modulator valve allows fluid to flow freely and has
no effect on the back pressure.
162. What causes vapor lock in the braking system?
The condition that causes vapor locking in a braking system is overheating of the fluid due to frequent
brake application.
163. What is the function of traction control in automobiles?And mention its significance
A traction control system is also known as anti – slip regulation is typically a secondary function of the
ABS. it is designed to prevent loss of traction of driven road wheels
164. Express a relation satisfying the conditions for true rolling conditions of a vehicle.
cx c x c
cot       cot 
b b b b
Where, θ = Angle of inside lock
Φ = Angle of outside lock
a = Wheel track, also known as tread of the vehicle
b = Wheel base of the vehicle

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Automobile Engineering Class: IV YEAR MECH
c = Distance between the pivot centers
x = Projected distance from instantaneous centre to the inner pivot centre
c
Therefore, cot   cot  
b
This equation gives the fundamental condition to be satisfied by all types of steering mechanism if true
rolling for all the wheels is to be obtained avoiding any lateral slip.
165. With a neat block diagram, list the components of a typical traction control system used in modern
passenger car.
 ECU  Wheel speed sensors
 Hydraulic modulator assemblies  Wire harness

Typical Traction Control System

166. Differentiate between passive and semi-active suspension system.
S.no Passive Suspension System Semi-active Suspension System
Passive indicates that the suspension Semi- active system can only change the viscous
1 elements cannot provide energy to the damping coefficient of the shock absorber, and
suspension system. do not add energy to the suspension system.
The passive suspension system limits the
Therefore Semi- active system only purpose
motion of the body and wheel by limiting
2 different riding modes corresponding to different
their relative velocities to a rate that give the
damping coefficients.
required ride comfort
167. Enumerate any two merits of using full floating front axle.
 It does not carry the weight of the vehicle as a semi-floater does.
 As, such a full-floating axle system is considerably stronger than an equivalently sized semi-floating
system.
 Full – floater include being able to remove a broken axle shaft while keeping a functional rolling tire
on that corner of the vehicle.

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