“SUN” SERVICE STATION

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 728, 30 July 1929, Page 6

“SUN” SERVICE STATION

THE •Motordom' section of The Su n includes in Its service to readers a Queries and Answers Department, the object of which Is to give accurate information regarding mechanical and touring subjects Whatever the particular puzzle may be in either diagnosing Irritating troubles, or motoring information of any kind, “Headlight** will endeavour to help, or refer the point to men who are recognised automobile experts Id their respective lines All communications must be accompanied by the inquirer’s name and address (not Cor publication), and sent to THE SUN “Service Station, Motor, dom.’’ THE SUN Auckland Answers will appear weekly In this column.

K.C. — I noticed that the steering on my car. a typical light American six, was frightfully stiff when driving, but when I jacked the front wheels up for an examination, everything appeared O.K. What is the reason? You do not state the model of car, and anyway stiff steering may be due to a number of causes. I should think, however, that in this case it is due to slack front wheel bearings. When the car is jacked up the weight is taken off and the movement becomes easier; but when the car’s weight is resting on them, and they are not tight, the tendency is to splay the wheels, causing tyre drag. ”Z.”—l am having a little annoyance with the screeching from the brushes in my generator, and would like to know if there is any cure. This is most likely caused by the quality of the carbon in the brushes. Chattering of the brush-holders would also be a contributing cause, but provided these are O.K. and the commutator in good condition, it is safe to assure the carbon is at fault. If you change the present grade of carbon for a much softer quality you will cure the noise. I have seen wonderful results achieved by the use of graphite brushes. '•Amateur.” —I have an Essex —early 192 S model —which is the possessor of

a most annoying knock, almost identical with a tappet knock. Every garage man, when I fill up with petrol, tells me 1 have a loose tappet. I have just had the big-ends done, gudgeon pins inspected—all O.K. Tappets have been tested—again 0.K., and the timing drive from generator to distributor inspected. The knock you complain about, similar to a tappet tap, is most likely the return of the ball valve in the oil pump, and is very noticeable in many Essex cars. If you find it is so. don’t worry any more, as it is doing no harm. To prove it proceed as follows: Run engine slowly, tune your ear to knock, sit in front of oil pressure gauge on dash, and watch if movement of needle synchronises with knock. If so, you have it. If you are going to worry over every knock found by petrol pump boys you will be continually pulling your car to pieces. H.A.Y.—My old Chevrolet has wheel wobble fairly badly and I have tried every possible cure. The only thing I can think of is that the springs are set too low on the front axle. Do you think it would be any good having the springs removed and reset. This operation is fairly expensive, and while it Quite possibly is the correct remedy, I would suggest making sure first.