ASE Automobile and Light Truck Certification Manual Transmission (A3) Practice Test 2026 - Free Manual Transmission Certification Practice Questions

Shimming a transverse engine mount can influence steer torque due to the way it adjusts the position and angle of the engine relative to the vehicle’s chassis and suspension components. When the engine is repositioned through shimming, it may alter how the torque from the engine is transmitted through the drivetrain to the wheels.

This adjustment can affect the dynamics of the vehicle's steering. For instance, if the engine is angled in such a way that it changes the load distribution or affects the alignment of suspension components, it could lead to changes in how the vehicle handles during acceleration or deceleration, particularly in cornering situations.

Such modifications can create variations in how the steering feels or responds, potentially increasing steer torque, which is the force experienced through the steering wheel due to changes in load or alignment. Overall, shimming modifies the interaction between the engine's position and the vehicle's handling characteristics, resulting in an effect on the steering torque.