Items related to THE AUTOMOBILE INSTRUCTOR
Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1917 Excerpt: ...108, and sometimes there is a turnbuckle in the brake rod that connects to the external brake lever, E, which is shown in Figs. 107 and 108. Always be sure that the brakes are adjusted so that the wheels turn perfectly free when the brakes arc off, and they should begin to bind as soon as the brake pedal or lever is moved a very little. If the brake bands become covered with oil they will not hold. Wash them well with gasoline, and if this does not seem to help enough try a little Fuller,s earth on the surfaces. Brake drums are always made of metal, while the bands and shoes are sometimes metal covered, but usually they are covered with a special brake lining which will stand a great deal of heat without burning out. This heat resisting quality is very necessary because the brakes get very hot when used on a long, steep hill. If two sets of brakes are on the car it is well to use both sets at the same time on long hills, and thus divide the work between them. If the ignition is cut out and the clutch left in the car will have to turn the engine. This will have a slight braking effect on the car with the gears in high speed. If the gears were in second speed the braking effect would be considerable and the brakes would have to be used but little unless the hill was very steep. If you are not sure about the brakes and you have to go down an exceptionally steep hill, stop the car at the top and put the gears in the first or "low speed,', then after starting down throw off the switch, and the engine will hold the car to a very slow speed with but little help from the brakes. Then throw on the switch again before the engine stops turning at the bottom of the hill. Remember your life depends upon the action of the brakes. Always keep them in good condition. ...
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