Arizona republican., 1917-09-30

take pains at least twice a season to see that his wheels are properly aligned. There are certain methods of making this test, which is simple enough if the operator knows how, but if he is not familiar with the proper procedure, he should take the car to his service station and have the test made, the cost being nominal. Inci- dentally, if the owner makes the test himself he should ascertain from the service station what Is the proper amount of camber and toe-in for the wheels of his vehicle. Any. time that the car is involved in a collision of any kind, even if it is with the curb, the wheel alignment should be checked up. Improper alignment results not only in hindering the steering of the car but in excessive tire wear.
 If the alignment of the wheels is found to be incorrect, it may be al- tered by manipulating the tie rod This latter is the rod which runs from one steering knuckle to the other and which has movable portion at either end Hard steering is often caused by misalignment of the front wheels through an error in the toe-in or gath CT and a correction of this fault will bring a marked improvement in the guidance of the vehicle.
 In addition to the toe-in and tilt given to the wheels, many manufac- turers of motor vehicles tilt the front axle or the ends of the axle known as the knuckles. This not only makes for easier steering, but also puts the greatest part of the load on the strong est part of the axle. It is frequently q ho Sto of which is deficient in that respect, to improve the steering to a marked de- gree by tilting the knuckles back ward This may be accomplished in a rough and ready fashion by setting the front springs on specially made wooden or metal tapered seats instead of the seats that are made integrally with the front axle This tilting back 1 ward of the knuckles not only makes for easier steerings, but it will be mo- i ticeable that after turn has been made, the wheels will return to the ! straight position almost of it's own ac- { cord.
 i Though the ordinary owner does not realize it. practically every part of the steering system is in motion whenever the car is running. Even roads that i appear to be as smooth as billiard table, in reality are full in more or less accentuated inequalities, which inn part Q jOunce to the car. Every such jolt causes movement and consequent wear in the flexible parts of the steer ing system. For this reason all steer ing systems are provided with some method of taking up slack that inevit- ably develops through use. Of course, this wear means abrasion, which is aggravated unless the various joints are kept properly fabricated.
 In most steering systems the slack which develops may be taken up in two or three different places. The car owner should find out to begin with where the wear is greatest, whether in the gears at the bottom of the post, in the ball joints or in other parts. A good beginning may be made by grip ping the tie rod and moving it back and forth, thereby detecting play in this part if it exists. Perform the same operation with the drag link or rod connecting the steering arm with the front axle. The ball joints may be adjusted by means of a nut, which is located in back of the spring. To do this remove the cotter pin, turn down the nut, insert the pin again and the job is done. If the play is in the gears there is usually provided an adjust ment, placed just above the case in which the gears are housed. As a gen. eral thing it takes the form of a ser rated nut, which is held in place by a slotted pin. The pin must be re- moved with a screw driver. the nut be- ing turned slightly, after which the pin is replaced. Each time the nut is turned, it is well to try the steering, to see that the adjustment is having the desired effect.
 Steering knuckles are held in place by pin, on which the knuckle turns If fabrication of this pin is neglected excessive wear will result. There are a number of different types of steer- ing knuckles in common use. All of these have bearings and most of them employ bearing bushings, though 8 minority uses ball bearings. Replace ment of these bearings is frequently necessary, when excess play develops in this part. It is not too much to say that daily fabrication is essential tC the continued life of the bearing.
 From all this it will be seen that the