, 1921-01-27
VITAL STEERING
SYSTEM OF auto
Proper fabrication at All Times
One of Most Important
Cares of Owner.
INSPECT GEARS FREQUENTLY
Faults That Lead to All Kinds Of
Troubles Explained and Means
Outlined for Preventing Them
Gears Always Working.

The vital steering system of the
automobile is about as popular with
the motorist as the traffic cop. A sys-
tenn so important as the steering
should be well understood and well
cared for. The fundamentals are
easy to understand. In practically all
cars there is the same fundamental
design, consisting of a steering wheel,
which operates " post at the bottom
of which are reduction gears. One
OF the gears is turned directly by the
wheel, the other, being in mesh with
the post gear, also turns. This second
gear operates a so-called steering arm
to which the drag link is fastened.
The drag link connects with one
front wheel through a knuckle arm
and to the other front wheel through
the tie rod and another steering arm.
1t is clear to see that in this system
there are numerous joints and other
rubbing or moving surfaces, and every
one of them must be constantly lubri-
cnted.
Gears Always In Action.
To the driver the steering system
appears to be at rest except when the
car is turned around, but actually the
joints and gears are always doing some
work, always rubbing, ever though It
be a little. The gears must always
be covered with grease or graphite.
Usually there Is a case which
houses these gears, but sometimes
they are exposed. Once every three
months these gears should be inspect
ed and the housing replaced.
The same applies to the ball Joints
at the drag link ends and to the tie
rod Joints.
II this is not done parts will get
dry and rust and steering begins to
be difficult. You must turn the front
wheels by first overcoming the friction
of the rusty parts.
In time those rusty parts break.
One of the commonest causes Of hard
steering is due to a stiff steering
knuckle. The steering knuckle is part
OF the front axle that moves and per-
mits the wheels to be turned.
There are two knuckles and they
must move very freely.
1t is necessary to iubricate the
knuckle or so-called kingpins every
day. Grease is effective II sufficient
pressure is used to force It to the
rubbing surface, otherwise oil should
be employed. II you have ordinary
grease cups and wish to make sure the
pins will get fabrication, substitute
large oil cups.
All Show Play in System.
Every car shows a certain amount
of play in the steering system, that is
the steering wheel can be turned a
little before the front wheels move.
There should be some play but not as
much as the average car has.
Play develops naturally, due to
wear of all parts, but 1t also develops
more rapidly because owners have a
habit of turning the wheel when the
car Is standing. This puts an added
strain on the rubbing parts of the
steering system, and wear is more
rapid.
When wear does occur 1t should be
compensated for by adjustment at the
right place. Sometimes the ball Joints
are badly worn, again 1t may be the
knuckle pins or the tie-rod connec-
lions. or the gears in the post. Do moi
adjust the gears in the post when the
ball Joints or other parts are at fault.
Find ont where the play exists by
feeling the various parts separately
and pulling and pushing them. A lit
tie play In all is likely TO develop
quite a bit of play at the wheel he
cause Of the gearing.