CARE OF SPRINGS

Shannon News, 7 September 1928, Page 4

CARE OF SPRINGS

Cars of to-day w r ili run for long .periods Avithout much mechanical adjustment, but they will not continue to run indefinitely, and economy of operation includes such periodical attention to mere details as shall prevent breakdoAvn or such Avear as will make expensive trouble eventually. In the matter of springs, for instance, Ave can get harsh running and Avear Avhick witl mean expensive replacement unless these parts are attended to. Spring shackles Avhick are worn and loose Avill cause SAvay which may seriously interfere Avith the economical transmission of the power. Springs which have ‘ ‘ settled doAvn ’ ’ may cause the same, and also may have the effect of Avringing the bodyAVork and causing the loosening of the body framing joints and bad-fitting doors; not to mention the annoying rattle Avhich may be set up. Springs should be carefully lubricated. There is now no excuse for the neglect of this obvious service, since the makers of practically all" cars send out their vehicles fitted with grease-containing, or oil lubricative, leather gaiters. Flexible springing is one of the greatest elements in the nnservation of tyres. Harsh, unyielding springs cause the Avheels to bounce off the road and to make contact with it again with considerable abrasive friction, especially in the case of the rear Avheels. This means excessive tyre Avear. Thereforefi it becomes imperative if economy of tyre service is to be maintained that the springs should be avcll looked or, periodically examined and continually lubricated. The spring gaiter may hide a spring defect. It has been knOAvn of springs, even avcll iubricatcd in gaiters, to have a leaf broken near the spring plate. This cannot be ascertained except' by an extra sagging by that spring. It may arise from high speeds over bad roads or sudden breakings in emergency, of even sudden accelerations on low gear—a prolific cause of trouble of all kinds. A little care over this matter will save pounds in repair and replacements and will ensure ''easy riding and eeenomy of operation and upkeep.