Virginia State Inspection Practice Test

For steering linkage play, what is the rejection threshold for wheels 16 inches or less?

1. 1/4 inch

2. 3/8 inch

3. 1/2 inch

4. 1 inch

The correct answer is: 1/4 inch

For steering linkage play in vehicles with wheels that are 16 inches or less in diameter, the threshold for rejection is 1/4 inch. This specification is crucial because excessive play in the steering linkage can lead to handling and safety issues. When a vehicle has too much play, it may not respond predictably to driver inputs, increasing the risk of accidents. A threshold of 1/4 inch has been established as the maximum acceptable amount of play to ensure that the vehicle remains controllable and safe to operate. This threshold helps ensure that the steering components maintain their integrity and functionality. If the play exceeds this limit, it indicates that there may be wear and tear on the steering components, which could compromise the driver's ability to maneuver the vehicle effectively. Options that propose larger rejection thresholds, such as 3/8 inch, 1/2 inch, or 1 inch, would imply a less rigorous standard for safety and could lead to serious operational issues. These larger measurements do not align with safety practices intended to ensure a well-maintained vehicle's steering performance. Thus, the standard of 1/4 inch serves to uphold safety and reliability in vehicles with smaller wheel sizes.