Question 1

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)

Accepted Answer

A system that prevents wheel lockup during braking by modulating brake pressure to each wheel, improving control and reducing stopping distances.

Question 2

Air Suspension

Accepted Answer

A type of suspension system that uses air springs to support the weight of the vehicle, providing a smoother ride and height adjustability.

Question 3

Axle Alignment

Accepted Answer

The process of ensuring that the axles are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the centerline of the trailer.

Question 4

Brake Chambers

Accepted Answer

Enclosed units containing a diaphragm and pushrod that convert air pressure into mechanical force to apply the brakes.

Question 5

Brake Fade

Accepted Answer

The reduction in braking efficiency caused by the buildup of heat in the braking system, leading to a temporary loss of stopping power.

Question 6

Camshaft Brake

Accepted Answer

A type of drum brake that uses a camshaft to force the brake shoes against the drum, providing stopping power.

Question 7

Cargo Securement

Accepted Answer

The process of properly securing and restraining cargo on a trailer to prevent shifting during transport.

Question 8

Conspicuity Tape

Accepted Answer

Reflective tape used on trailers to enhance visibility, particularly at night or in low-light conditions.

Question 9

Coupler

Accepted Answer

A device that connects the trailer to the towing vehicle, allowing for articulation and transfer of weight between the two.

Question 10

Drum Brake

Accepted Answer

A type of brake that uses a rotating drum and brake shoes to create friction and stop the vehicle.

Question 11

Electrical Wiring

Accepted Answer

The system of wires, connectors, and components that transmit electrical signals and power throughout the trailer.

Question 12

Fifth Wheel

Accepted Answer

A type of hitch used to connect a semi-trailer to a towing vehicle, allowing for pivoting and articulation between the two.

Question 13

Gladhand

Accepted Answer

A coupling device used to connect the air lines from the towing vehicle to the trailer, allowing for the transfer of air pressure for braking and suspension.

Question 14

Hitch

Accepted Answer

A device that connects a trailer to a towing vehicle, transferring weight and allowing for articulation.

Question 15

Hydraulic Brake System

Accepted Answer

A brake system that uses hydraulic fluid to transfer force from the brake pedal to the brakes, providing stopping power.

Question 16

Kingpin

Accepted Answer

A large, cylindrical pin that connects the trailer to the fifth wheel hitch on the towing vehicle, allowing for articulation.

Question 17

Landing Gear

Accepted Answer

Retractable support legs used to stabilize a trailer when it is disconnected from the towing vehicle.

Question 18

Leaf Spring

Accepted Answer

A type of suspension that uses a series of curved steel plates to support the weight of the vehicle and provide shock absorption.

Question 19

Load Distribution

Accepted Answer

The process of properly distributing the weight of cargo on a trailer to ensure optimal handling and braking performance.

Question 20

Pintle Hitch

Accepted Answer

A type of hitch that uses a hook and loop mechanism to connect a trailer to a towing vehicle, often used for off-road or military applications.

Question 21

Radial Tire

Accepted Answer

A type of tire construction that uses radial plies to provide strength and flexibility, resulting in improved ride quality and fuel efficiency.

Question 22

S-cam Brake

Accepted Answer

A type of drum brake that uses an S-shaped camshaft to force the brake shoes against the drum, providing stopping power.

Question 23

Slack Adjuster

Accepted Answer

A device used to maintain the proper clearance between the brake shoes and the drum, ensuring consistent braking performance.

Question 24

Spring Brake

Accepted Answer

A type of parking brake that uses a spring to apply the brakes when air pressure is released from the brake chamber.

Question 25

Suspension System

Accepted Answer

The collection of components that support the weight of the vehicle, absorb road shocks, and maintain proper wheel alignment.

Question 26

Tandem Axle

Accepted Answer

A pair of axles placed close together on a trailer, used to distribute weight and increase load capacity.

Question 27

Tire Inflation

Accepted Answer

The process of maintaining the proper air pressure in tires to ensure optimal handling, braking.

Question 28

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

Accepted Answer

A system that monitors the air pressure in the tires and alerts the driver when the pressure falls below a preset level.

Question 29

Torque Arm

Accepted Answer

A component of the suspension system that resists twisting forces and helps maintain proper axle alignment.

Question 30

Trailer Axle

Accepted Answer

A central shaft for a rotating wheel or gear that supports the weight of the trailer and its cargo.

Question 31

Trailer Frame

Accepted Answer

The main structural component of a trailer to which all other components are attached.

Question 32

Trailer Jack

Accepted Answer

A device used to lift a trailer for maintenance or to change a tire, also used to support a trailer when it's not connected to a towing vehicle.

Question 33

Trailer Lights

Accepted Answer

Lighting devices on a trailer, including headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, and clearance lights, that provide visibility and communicate driver intentions.

Question 34

Wheel Bearings

Accepted Answer

Components that reduce friction between the wheel and the axle, allowing the wheel to rotate smoothly.

Question 35

Wheel End Assembly

Accepted Answer

The components at the end of the axle, including the wheel, hub, bearings, and brake assembly.

Question 36

Air Dryer

Accepted Answer

A device that removes moisture from the air in the brake system to prevent freezing and corrosion.

Question 37

Brake Lining

Accepted Answer

The material mounted on the surface of the brake shoes that contacts the drum or rotor to provide friction for braking.

Question 38

Trailer ABS ECU

Accepted Answer

The electronic control unit for the anti-lock braking system on a trailer, which monitors wheel speed and modulates brake pressure to prevent wheel lockup.

Question 39

Brake Shoe Return Spring

Accepted Answer

A spring that pulls the brake shoes away from the drum or rotor when the brakes are released.

Question 40

Hubcap

Accepted Answer

A cap that covers the wheel hub and bearings, protecting them from dirt, water, and other contaminants.

Question 41

Lug Nuts

Accepted Answer

The nuts that secure the wheel to the hub.

Question 42

Mud Flap

Accepted Answer

A flexible panel hung behind the wheels to prevent mud, rocks, and other debris from being thrown up by the tires.

Question 43

Out-of-Service Criteria

Accepted Answer

The standards used to determine whether a commercial vehicle is safe to operate, based on inspections of critical components.

Question 44

Power Divider

Accepted Answer

A device in a multi-axle drive system that splits torque between the front and rear axles.

Question 45

Retarder

Accepted Answer

A device that provides supplementary braking power by creating a resistance in the drivetrain.

Question 46

Tire Tread

Accepted Answer

The pattern of grooves on the surface of a tire that provides traction and channels away water.

Question 47

Brake Drum

Accepted Answer

The rotating part of a drum brake against which the brake shoes press to create friction and stop the vehicle.

Question 48

Brake Rotor

Accepted Answer

The rotating part of a disc brake against which the brake pads press to create friction and stop the vehicle.

Question 49

Brake Pad

Accepted Answer

A piece of friction material that presses against the brake rotor in a disc brake system to stop the vehicle.

Question 50

Brake S-cam

Accepted Answer

A component in S-cam brakes that rotates to push the brake shoes against the drum.

Question 51

Brake Spider

Accepted Answer

A component in drum brakes that holds the brake shoes and other parts in place.

Question 52

Brake Adjuster

Accepted Answer

A device that maintains the correct distance between the brake shoes and drum or brake pads and rotor.

Question 53

Brake Hardware Kit

Accepted Answer

A set of springs, pins, and other parts used to mount the brake shoes or pads and adjust the brakes.

Question 54

Brake Cylinder

Accepted Answer

A hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder that applies force to the brake shoes or pads.

Question 55

Brake Air Reservoir

Accepted Answer

A tank that stores compressed air for use in the braking system.

Red Seal Exam: Transport Trailer Technician Flashcards