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Should the steering gear become loose, that is, so that a slight movement
of the wheel does not produce immediate results, it may be tightened in the following
manner: Disconnect the two halves of the ball sockets which surround the ball
arm at the lower end of the steering post and file off the surface until they
fit snugly around the ball. If the ball is badly worn it is best to replace it
with a new one. Also tighten the ball caps at the other end of the steering gear
connecting rod in the same manner. If the bolts in the steering spindle arms
appear to be loose, the brass bushings should be replaced with new ones (see
Cut No. 16). Excessive play in the front axle may be detected by grasping one
of the front wheels by the spokes and jerking the front axle back and forth.
After the car has been in service two or three years excessive play in the steering
gear may make necessary the renewal of the little pinions, as well as the brass
internal gear just underneath the steering wheel spider.
It is also advisable to inspect the front spring and front spring perches occasionally
'o determine whether or not new bushings are necessary to overcome any excessive
vibration.
What about the Steering
Apparatus? Answer No. 96
It is exceedingly simple and will need little care —except, of course, proper
lubrication. The post gears which are arranged in the "sun and planet" form
are located at the top of the post just below the hub of the wheel (see Cut No.
1). By loosening the set screw and unscrewing the cap— after having removed the
steering wheel —they may readily be inspected and replenished with grease. To
remove the steering wheel, unscrew the nut on top of the post and drive the wheel
off the shaft with a block of wood and hammer.
How is Steering Gear tightened?
What care do
the Springs need? Answer No. 94
The springs should be lubricated frequently with oil or graphite. To do this,
pry the leaves apart near the ends and insert the lubricant between them. When-ever
a car is given a general overhauling, the springs should be disassembled and
the leaves polished with emery cloth, afterwards packing them with graphite when
reassembling. Rust can be prevented from accumulating on the springs by painting
them when necessary with a quick drying black paint. You will find that these
suggestions if carried out will not only improve the riding qualities of the
car but prolong the life of the parts as well.
Yes. If the spring clips are allowed to work loose the entire strain is put on
the tie bolt which extends through the centre of the spring. This may cause the
bolt to be sheared off and allow the frame and body to shift a trifle to one
side. It is a good plan to frequently inspect the clips which hold the springs
to the frame and see that they are kept tight.
Should Spring Clips be kept tight?
Answer No. 97
Answer No. 95
The Ford Lubricating System
How does the Ford Lubricating
System differ from others? Answer No. 98
It is simplified —and there are fewer places to oil. Practically all of the parts
of the engine and transmission are oiled by the Ford splash system, from the
one big oil reservoir in the crank case. Cut No. 18 shows the principal points
of lubrication, and specifies when replenishment should be made, according to
mileage. This chart should be studied carefully and often. It is a good plan
to frequently supply all oil cups with the same oil used in the engine (any good
light grade lubricating oil will answer) and the dope cups with good grease.
Be sure to see that the commutator is kept freely supplied with oil at all times.
Which is the best way
to fill the "Dope" Cups? Answer No. 99
When it is advisable to fill dope cup covers screw them down, refill with grease
and repeat the operation two or three times. Always open oil cups by turning
to right, as this keeps tightening rather than loosening them. Occasionally remove
front wheels and supply dope to wearing surface. A drop of oil now and then in
crank-handle bearing is necessary, also on fan belt pulleys and shaft. The axles,
drive shaft and universal joint are well supplied with lubricant when the car
leaves the factory, but it is well to examine and oil them frequently.
What kind of Oil
should be used? Answer No. 100
We recommend only medium light high-grade gas engine oil for use in the Model
T motor. A medium light grade of oil is preferred as it will naturally reach
the bearings with greater ease and consequently less heat will develop on account
of friction. The oil should, however, have sufficient body so that the pressure
between the two bearing surfaces will not force the oil out and allow the metal
to come in actual contact. Heavy and inferior oils have a tendency to carbonize
quickly, also "gum up" the piston rings, valve stems and bearings.
In cold weather a light grade of oil having a low cold test is absolutely essential
for the proper lubrication of the car. Graphite should not be used as a lubricant
in the engine or the trans-mission as it will have a tendency to short-circuit
the magneto.
How often should Oil be drained
from Crank Case? Answer No. 101
It is advisable to clean out the crank case by draining off the dirty oil when
the new car has been driven three hundred and fifty miles; thereafter it will
only be necessary to repeat this operation about every seven hundred and fifty
miles. Remove the plug underneath the flywheel casing and drain off the oil.
Replace the plug and pour in a gallon of kerosene oil through the breather pipe.
Turn the engine over fifteen or twenty times so that the splash from the kerosene
oil will thoroughly cleanse the engine. Remove crank case plug and drain off
kerosene oil. It is of vital importance that all the kerosene be removed from
the depressions in the crank case. To do this put about a quart of lubricating
oil into the motor and turn the engine over several times; then remove crank
case plug and drain off the flushing oil; then replace plug and refill with fresh
oil. (See Answer No. 3.)
How often should Commutator
be oiled? Answer No. 102
Keeping the commutator well oiled is a matter of far greater importance than
many drivers believe, and is necessary in order to have a smooth operating
engine.
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