MODERN SPRINGING.

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 154, 20 September 1927, Page 7

MODERN SPRINGING.

MANY SYSTEMS IN USE. ALL REQUIRE EVERY CARE. Of recent years a great deal more attention has been given to springs and their maintenance than hitherto. Springing has been studied from every angle and under all conditions, and the result is seen in the very fine suspension of which the modern car can boast. As a matter of fact, there is little to complain about in car suspension to-day. This is true, too, of vehicles which are in the low-price category. What is more noticeable, and in a way more remarkable, is the fact that the big proportion of modern designs have adopted what is, perhaps, the oldest form of spring suspension as applied to automobiles—the semi-elliptic spring. Other systems which are at present used are: Quarter elliptic, half elliptic front and quarter elliptic rear, half elliptic front, and cantilever rear—and many others. But even the best springing system Cannot operate successfully unless it is properly looked after, and due care taken by the user in the matter of maintenance. Springs need attention just as much as any other part of the car mechanism. SHACKLES ARE IMPORTANT. The shackling of the springs is a point in question. Perhaps the bulk of motorists do not realise how much the shackles have to do with efficient car operation. Loose and worn shackles cause rocking and side sway. Loose shackles make for side skidding, especially jin the case of well-loaded fivesealer tourers and closed cars. They make the car unstable on grease, and they add to the wear and tear of tyres, because they cause sudden side strains of considerable weight, to be imposed upon them. Shackles should have good rigid side plates, and the best makers adopt the very sensible practice of fixing the side plates rigidly together. This means a great deal in preventing side sway. REGULAR SPRING ATTENTION. Then, again, certain makers of highgrade cars make the shackle bolts a ground fit in the plates, and ensure accuracy of fitting in the bushed holes in the spring ends, and in the chassis side frame of bracket. These points are important.

Really good fitting here is an assurance against side sway, hut ample constant lubrication is necessary, or such wear will take place as will cause looseness and wobble.

Hardened and ground pins and proper forced grease lubrication, are the points to lie kept in mind. The same applies to the leaves of the springs, which should be oil or grease lubricated, and protected with spring gaiters.

Attention to these points is imperative if freedom from wear, and consequent side instability, is to be attained., and the amount of time and trouble taken in attention here is repaid a hundredfold in the better operation of the vehicle under all conditions. and bx its longer opex*atin£ life.