Evening star., 1938-03-20

ern car winter does more damaae to
chassis than to the engine. There was
a time when engines struggled to pull
cars through snow and when spring
would arrive with bearings burned
and cylinders scored from cold start
ing difhculties. Today the extremely
powerful engine, safeguarded with
various efficiency devices, an auto
matte choke and suitable lubricant in
the crankcase is likely to come through
tne cold weather period with only
collection Of carbon and gummy de-
posits as the penalty for its winter
service. But the chassis Is another
story. 1t is more complicated and thus
subject to greater abuse. It is also
much nearer the ground where 1t is
constantly endangered.
Today's springtime check-up will
concentrate on such comparatively new
matters as front-end alignment. This
is more than merely matter Of see
ing that the front wheels have proper
toe-ln, Gambler and caster. There are.
IN addition, such matters as toe-out on
curves. king pin inclination and align
ment with respect to the tracking of
rear wheels. There is a good possible
ity that after blowing through snow
and mud the front end will not be so
easy to lubricate The shock absorb
erS may be in need of attention and
the wheels may not be running true.
In the springtime survey of conditions
1t Is not infrequent to find that the
anti-sWay bar has snapped off. This
Is an expensive replacement, but one
winch does not have to be made as
an emergency.
Automatic tranSmissions should be
given a check-up, especially where
they are partly operated bv clutch
action. This attention would be neces-
sary II only because the normal wear
on clutch facings will tend to change
the position at which the transmission
control operates. Since the clutch
should be checked up, the transmits
sion situation represents no extra pen
atty. The gears themselves should he
given pressure flushing the same as
the engine and rear end. Where the
nnal drive is OF the hypoid type. b.
very careful not to take any chance Of
adding lubricant that is not of the
same type as that already in the hous-
ing. High-pressure lubricants fire.
quently DO not mix, due to differences
in chemical ingredients. Removing all
the old lubricant and replacing it with
new of known brand will also serve
to eliminate dirt and abrasive.
Some things about the springtime
picture have not changed and should
not be scrapped with notions that are
no longer timely. There is the matter
of repacking the front-wheel bearings.
The carburetor should be removed and
cleaned. Resetting leaf springs is
always wise step and one that will
produce surprising effects in terms of
improved riding comfort and steering
stability. The steering gear should be
cleaned and fabricated All steer
ing connections should be carefully
checked over. Dust should be blown
out Of the brake drums, and II the
Innings are all right the shoes should
be given correct clearance from the
drums.
If lines Of the hydraulic brakes are
drained off to remove air, new fluid
should be used. The fuel pump should
be checked for pressure and its dia-
phragm replaced if there are am
evidences of split 1t is good time
to replace the spark plugs and the
breaker points The work should b.
spread out over a two-week period.
with plenty of time for observation.
Don't hurry the springtime tune-up
You may have all summer to regret it.