310T Truck and Coach Technician Certification Practice Exam 2026 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

Caging the case halves before removing the bolts is critical for safely disassembling a traction-controlled differential assembly. This procedure involves placing a device or mechanism, often in the form of clamps or specific fixtures, to hold the case halves together and maintain their alignment during the disassembly process. This is important because differential assemblies can be under tension or load, and properly caging them ensures that components don't shift unexpectedly, which could lead to injury or damage to the parts involved.

By caging the case halves, you minimize the risk of the internal components, such as gears and clutch packs, being subjected to undue stress or misalignment when you remove the bolts. It also helps to maintain the integrity of the assembly parameters, making reassembly simpler and ensuring that the differential functions as intended after it is put back together.

In contrast, marking the case halves for orientation assists with reassembly but does not provide any physical stability or safety during disassembly. Lifting the carrier with an approved sling is essential for safety when moving heavy components but does not directly relate to the disassembly process itself. While removing the ring gear might seem logical, it is often part of the disassembly process performed after destabilizing the case halves, and doing this first potentially complicates safe