CARE OF SPRINGS

Shannon News, 14 September 1928, Page 3

CARE OF SPRINGS

Cars of to-day will run for long periods without 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 breakdown or such wear as will make expensive trouble eventually. In the matter of springs, for instance, we can get harsh running and wear which will mean expensive replacement unless these parts are attended to. Spring shackles which are worn and loose will cause sway which may seriously interfere with the economical transmission of the power. Springs which have "settled" down" may cause the same, and also may have the effect of wringing the bodywork and causing the loosening of the body framing joints and bad-fitting doors; not to mention the annoying rattle which 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 onservation of tyres. Harsh, unyielding springs cause the wheels to bounce off the road and to make contact with it again with considerable abrasive friction, especially in the case of the rear wheels. This means excessive tyre wear. Thercforefi it becomes imperative if economy of tyre service is to be maintained that the springs should be well looked er, periodically examined and continually lubricated." The spring gaiter may hide a spring defect. It has been known of springs, even well lubricated 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, or 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 ecenomy ■ of operation and upkeep.