DISTANCE RODS
As the springs are placed between the axles and body and are flexible, it is necessary to provide some method of preventing an obstruction in the road from twisting the axle, as might result if one wheel struck heavy sand or a stone while its mate was on good surface. A twist of this sort would throw the axle out of line with the drive and bind the chain or driving shaft.
Fig. 49.—Distance or Radius Rods.
To prevent this, radius or distance rods are attached to the axle, one on each side, extending to a point well forward on the frame (Fig. 49). These rods are pivoted to the frame, and have a loose joint on the axle, so that the latter is free to move up and down, but prevented from moving forward or back. Distance rods are adjustable, and on chain-driven cars serve to adjust the chains, which are tightened by lengthening the rods and slackened by shortening them.
CHAPTER XI
TROUBLES
Practice and experience are the best instructors in keeping the car running, and the operator quickly acquires the ability to recognize the source of trouble from the action of the engine in failing to deliver power, or from the manner in which it stops. Each part of the mechanism may be counted on to give trouble, and the possibilities are numerous, but in general it may be said that an interference with the proper operation of the engine may be laid to the failure of the ignition system or gasoline supply, a defect of the combustion space in not retaining the pressure, or the overheating of the engine.