PLAN No. 1124. FRONT AXLES AND SPINDLES
Front axles, unlike the frame, are forged instead of being pressed into shape. In the pressed steelwork the dies that shape the piece move slowly under great pressure. In the drop-forge work one die is stationary, and the other attached to a large weight operated by power is lifted several feet and released, striking the piece laid upon the stationary die a hard blow, and forging the metal into the shape. Before being placed in the drop forge machine the metal is heated in a blast furnace to the proper temperature.
Front axles are drop-forged from a solid bar of steel. They are forged into an I-beam form which gives them great strength. The end of the axle is forged into the shape of a fork or yoke.
This rough forge work is done by men who are capable of handling the weight of the axle and who can handle the machine. Care must be exercised or the dies will be ruined. Two to three men are usually necessary for each drop forge machine. They must bend the axle to proper shape while it is still hot. The axle is given a rough jig test before it goes to the heat-treatment department. After the axle is forged it goes to the heat-treatment department, where it is heated to take out any internal strain. In forging steel, the structure is disturbed and put under strain, and reheating of heat treatment relieves this strain, giving the steel greater strength.
The men who run these heat-treatment furnaces have been trained for this particular work, and they must move about freely and be able to handle the axles.
From the heat-treatment department the axle goes to the machine shop for the machine-work.
In another section of the axle department steering spindles are drop-forged. These parts are much smaller and are made in many different shapes. In fact, very few automobiles of different makes use the same shaped steering spindles. As this work is lighter, a man with one good leg and one arm can do some of the operations. A forge or blacksmith shop is usually connected with the drop forge department. In the forge shop the steering spindle arms are bent to the proper angle so as to give perfect steering to the automobile. The men must be qualified to do simple forge and bending work, and handicapped men could fit in here very well.
In the forge and spindle departments working conditions are not of the best, as there is noise, smoke, and the smell of hot steel. The light of the fires also is hard on the eyes. Pay is good, however, and the work is steady.
Small parts of the front axle are made and furnished in the machine department. All parts are finally passed to the assembly department.
In the assembly department the front axle and spindles are assembled ready for the automobile. Here we find stands for holding the axle forging, while the spindles are being attached. This operation requires men who can put together these parts. They must be able to handle tools and do the work in a thorough manner. Considerable judgment must be exercised. The bolts and parts must be lubricated before assembling, the proper adjustments made, and all nuts and bolts securely locked in place. The inspector passes upon all this work to see that it is properly done. A man must be able to use hand tools and move about, and should be able to use both hands freely.
In another department hubs for wheels are made. Here are the powerful presses in which the hubs are pressed out, and the punch and drill presses for making holes. Operators of these machines have duties similar to those of men in the spindle department. Hubs require some machine-shop work, which is done in the machine shop. Either ball or roller bearings must be placed in the hubs to reduce the friction.