The universal joints of the propeller shaft become very noisy when the bearings are worn. In modern construction these bearings are in the form of bushings which may be replaced at small expense. The brake linkage has many bearings, which are clevis and pin. These are non-adjustable, and unfortunately are not often lubricated. When wear occurs the holes may be drilled larger and larger pins be inserted, or the parts may be replaced entirely.
Of course there are scores of other bearings in other parts of the chassis, that with ordinary care last the life of the car. The lubrication and adjustment are usually given in detail in the manufacturer’s book of instructions and need no special caution other than to advise following what is there printed.
CHAPTER XXV
DRIVING THE CAR
It takes more than a knowledge of certain small levers and pedals and a deftness in manipulating clutch and brakes and gear shifts and steering wheel, to make an automobile driver. Because of this fact the Automobile School of the West Side Young Men’s Christian Association, in New York City, has formulated a set of instructions to its students for the road lessons, which are about the most complete, yet concise, so far published. They are copyrighted and published by permission. It may emphasize the foregoing chapter to first quote the introductory paragraph which otherwise would have been omitted.
The following applies particularly to the cars used in the school. Slight variations may be found on other machines, so it is well to get an instruction book from the manufacturers of the car you expect to operate and follow their instructions closely.
Before Leaving the Garage—See that there is sufficient gasoline and oil in the tanks to carry you the distance you wish to go. Examine the radiator or tank to see that it is full of water. Have sufficient air in the tires. All grease cups should be filled and turned down properly. If batteries only are used, two should be carried, and one of them fully charged. If you are carrying only one battery, be sure that it is sufficiently charged to make the desired run. Have on the car at least one extra shoe and three extra tubes, with the ordinary equipment of tire pump, jack, oil gun, tire tools, tire patches and cement, and the regular kit of other tools. A set of non-skid chains will be found very useful on wet days; in fact it is not safe to run without them on wet asphalt. They should not be used however any more than is necessary, as they wear the tires excessively. A couple of extra spark plugs should be carried to save the trouble of cleaning a short circuited one on the road.
Starting Crank—In a gasoline automobile, it is found that the motor must draw a supply of gas into the cylinder and compress it before this charge can be ignited to expand and give power. It is therefore necessary to have some means of turning the engine over to accomplish this. The starting crank placed usually on the front of the machine, just in front of the radiator and between the front spring horns, is for this purpose. It is operated, as a rule, with the right hand, and is rotated clockwise (the direction the hands of a clock travel). When there is a self-starter provided, the starting crank is carried in the tool box, and is used only when the starter will not operate.
Starting Pedal—The starting pedal or button may generally be found somewhere on the floor board. Pressing on it connects an electric motor to the crank shaft of the engine and closes a switch that allows current from the storage battery to flow to the motor and crank the engine. This takes the place of the hand-starting crank.
Clutch Pedal—It is quite often desirable to run the engine without moving the car, and it will also be found necessary at times to bring into mesh different gears so that more power or speed may be obtained. A clutch is, therefore, placed between the engine and the rear wheels. It is controlled by means of a pedal placed just back of the dash. The clutch is released by pressing on this pedal with the left foot, and when released the engine will continue to run, but will not deliver power to the driving wheels. When the pressure of the left foot is released from the pedal, the clutch will become engaged automatically by means of a stiff spring and the car will move forward or backward, according to which gears are in mesh. If the gears are in the neutral position, however, power will not be applied to the car when the clutch is engaged. The clutch must be released every time the gear-shifting lever is moved and whenever the brake is applied.
Remember, it is depressing or pushing this pedal that overcomes the tension of the spring and releases the clutch, and when no pressure is applied to the pedal, the clutch is engaged.