FABRIC JOINTS

NZ Truth, Issue 1193, 11 October 1928, Page 20

FABRIC JOINTS

Metal Once Again

In Favor

After holding pride of place for, many years, the mechanical universal joint got a severe setback some* two or three years ago, .when a strong vogue set m for the fabric joint. , :' MOW, again, the pendulum has swung the other way, and the mechanical joint is coming back into its own. : The fabric joint has a good deal to recommend it, but owing to the liability of the transmission members to get out of truth, the shaft is apt to set up an annoying vibration at fairly high engine^ speeds. * , ... i It has an advantage m that it does not need lubrication, but against this, the fabric joint needs to be watched to ensure all nuts and bolts being- tight up, otherwise complete failure of the joint may result. , • : The mechanical joint certainly needs lubricating, and it also makes it necessary for a sliding shaft to be inserted m the trans- . mission line, but when of sound construction, with the d.ustproof oil casing, the mechanical joint is practically indestructible. It is necessary, however, m lubricating universal joints to use lubricant specially intended for the purpose. Ordinary grease does' not function when subjected, to a whirling motion.