The Coconino sun., 1919-08-22
AUT0M0B BILE NEWS
SPRINGS OF MANY TYPES
 ALL SEEM TO DO THE WORK

A few years ago there was the greatest diversity of opinion as to the correct type of spring suspension, and motorists, even those of experience, were comparing easy riding by com pairing the spring design. It has been proved by many engineers that any of the ten to fifteen different spring sus- pensions in use will give the desired the particular car on which it is em- ployed. In other words, it doesn't matter so much whether the springs are semi-elliptic, so long as the spring length is correct, the number of leaves accurately proportioned to the work to be done and so on.
 A New Type
 There will shortly be announced new model of car of very popular make with a brand new spring sus- pension which is claimed to give easy riding in light car such as can not be duplicated in any car of whatever weight with conventional springs. The maker attributes the easy riding to the spring suspension, though most of those who have seen the car believe it is just as much matter apart from the mere springs.
 To name a few of the many spring suspensions now in use, there are: Cantilever, as on the King (proper- ly semi-elliptic cantilever); quarter elliptic cantilever, as on the small Chevrolet; semi-elliptic transverse, as on the Ford; double semi-elliptic transverse, as on the Marmon; the semi-elliptic design is used for front springs on every car but the Ford ana Chevrolet, and on the majority for rears also; platform, as used on the Cadillac; three-quarters elliptic, as used on the Austin, and the new sus- pension mentioned previously.
 Quite Natural
 That there is such a diversity of opinion among engineers is but nat ural. All of the designs were pro- duced in order that the best results be had for all-around conditions, but to say that because platform spring, for example, gives good results on one design of car it will do the same on a totally different car is not.
 For this reason many engineers now make the error of supplying springs of a certain design with the result that the owner of the car soon needs !. shock absorbers. It is quite possible to get along without shock absorbers on many cars, but so many have at least one bad feature that shock ab- sorbers are a welcome addition. There are certain cars that show fine re- suits over ordinary macadam roads but as soon as really rough road is encountered the passengers can not keep their seats.
 To Be Expected
 Springs no matter of what type may give the owner trouble. In many cars with Hotchkiss drive, where the proper provision is not made to take the additional stresses, spring break age may be common. If your car gives persistent spring trouble buy the best main leaf possible, keep the spring clips always tight and the shackles free and with a minimum of side play.
 Springs require fabrication just as any other parts. While the car is in motion the spring leaves rub over each other and therefore they should be fabricated. Whenever spring is removed and the. leaves separated spread graphite over the surfaces.
 Many Kinds
 There are on the market some spe- cial constant lubricators for springs and the majority of these are good.