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SHOCK
ABSORBERS
Careful Adjustment to Promote
Easy Riding
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F
RICTION shock absorbers are fitted and the front shock absorber
can be adjusted to promote easy ndmg.
The front shock absorber is set to a certain initial tension before
it leaves the factory, and no change in this adjustment should be necessary
for a very considerable time. .
Re-adjustment may only become necessary after several thousand
miles of car travel, and should be made only when the spring movement
seems too free. It should be' noted that, nonnally, the full benefit of the
shock absorbers will not be felt when the car is travelling at low speeds,
as under these conditions the spring movement is very limited, but, as the
speed increases their effect becomes more pronounced, especially over bad
roads when the spring action is most severe. Testing should, therefore,
be carried out at comparatively high average touring speeds and adjustment
made to suit these conditions.
The frictional resistance required to effectively control the action
of the springs is comparatively small, and care should be taken not to alter
the pressure, when adjusting, more than is absolutely necessary in order to
obtain the desired results.
When adjustment does become necessary, carefully note the riding
qualities of the car, and if the spring action seems too retarded or stiff,
reduce the frictional resistance of the shock absorbers by turning the
centre adjusting nut to the left, or counter-clockwise, after slackening
the lock-nut. If the spring action seems too free, increase the frictional
resistance by turning the adjusting nut to the right, or clockwise. After
adjusting, tighten the lock-nut.
Careful adjustment in this manner will produce an ideal condition.
The springs wHl have the required amount of flexibility for easy.riding,
but spring vibration will be reduced to a minimum and violent rebound
effectively eliminated.
The rear shqck absorbers do not require adjustment.
Cleaning the Shock Absorbers.
Periodically--especially in wet weather when much mud is thrown
on to them-the large end of the shock absorbers should be taken apart,
bv withdrawing the centre bolt, and thoroughly cleansed. The centre
pm and washers should then be slightly smeared with grease.
If thi~ precaution is not adopted, the shock absorbers are liable to
become tight-when an excessive load is thrown on the pins and bushes
at the end of the arms, which will cause rapid wear. In addition, great
.train is imposed on the bracket holding the shock absorber to the frame.
64
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THE CLUTCH
How to Avoid Misuse and to Adjust
the Operating Pedal
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S
OME drivers are inclined to use the clutch instead of changing down
to a lower gear, particularly when they are almost at the top of a hill
and it is only necessary to change down for a few yards. Foot pressure
is applied to the clutch to create a certain amount of slip (see page 12).
This is a bad habit. It highly polishes the frictional surfaces and will
eventually be the cause of persistent slip, finally, in addition to burning out
the fabric rings, probably also distorting the centre plate and making
renewal of this essential.
Removing OiL
Sometimes clutch slip is due to oil penetrating to the clutch.
In such circumstances it will probably be necessary to renew the
friction rings, but, as a temporary measure to enable the car to be driven,
washing out with petrol may be resorted to.
When injecting the petrol have the engine turned so that the plate
is properly washed and the petrol and oil are given an opportunity to
drain away. Also push the clutch out and let it in by the pedal so that the
petrol is given a washing action. Do not replace the inspection plate
until the petrol has had sufficient time to evaporate, or be drawn off
through a hole in the casing under the flywheel. See that this hole is clear.
After this opcration it is advisable to lubricate the clutch operating
ring (see page 39) as the lubricant in this member may have been removed
by the petrol.
Clutch Wear Take-up.
After the clutch has been in use for .ome time the wear of the friction
.urfaces will give rise to a need for adjustment in order to ensure the
continued full engagement of the clutch.
The adjustment should be such as to allow at least.lino free movement
of the clutch pedal with one finger. After depressing the pedal to this
extent the stronger resistance of the clutch springs will be obvious, so that
it is easy to ascertain that the amount of free movement is correct. Lack
of this free movement is serious, and does not pennit the clutc~, to engage
fully. It is of the utmost importance to maintain this free movement of
the clutch pedal, and it should be inspected from time to time. Otherwise
damage may be done to the clutch owing to the slipping of the plates.
. The adjustment is obtained by slightly slackening the clamping
screw at the bottom of the clutch pedal lever and depressing' the pedal
sufficiently to give the required free movement. The clamping screw
must now be securely tightened and the adjustment checked.
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