Virginia State Inspection Practice Test

Which of the following steering wheel sizes would correspond to a maximum lash of 2 3/8 inches for a power steering system?

1. 20 inches

2. 19 inches

3. 21 inches

4. 22 inches

The correct answer is: 19 inches

In the context of a power steering system, the size of the steering wheel directly affects how much lash or play is acceptable. Lash refers to the amount of movement in the steering wheel that does not result in corresponding movement of the wheels. A maximum lash of 2 3/8 inches indicates that for a specific size of steering wheel, that amount of free play is permissible before the steering system requires adjustment. When considering steering wheel sizes, a smaller diameter wheel typically has a proportionally smaller amount of lash compared to a larger wheel. Thus, as the diameter of the wheel decreases, the acceptable lash also decreases. The choice of a 19-inch steering wheel corresponds to a setup where a maximum lash of 2 3/8 inches is still within an acceptable limit for safe vehicle operation. In contrast, opting for a larger steering wheel would likely result in increased lash, thus exceeding the 2 3/8 inch requirement. Understanding this relationship between steering wheel size and maximum lash is critical for safe steering function and overall vehicle handling. Therefore, the choice of a 19-inch steering wheel aligns well with the specified lash limit, ensuring that the system remains within safe operational parameters.