The Efficient Lubrication of Exposed Chassis Joints.
Page 55
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
MHERE can be DO doubt that a large .JL percentage of the wear which ' occurs in the exposed joints of the steering, braking and shock-absorbing systems of motor vehicles is due to the deleterious effect of the road grit which finds its way into the joint bearings. This is particularly the case where lorries and commercial vehicles generally are concerned. Their work in all seasons of the year, and often in dusty and muddy places, such as gravel pits and colliery yards particularly, makes them prone to collect dirt and grit on the exposed parts of their chassis, more especially where grease or oil is present, and even with the most scrupulous attention to cleaning, some of this foreign matter cannot be prevented from working its way into the joints unless efficient coverings be used. Once between the bearing surfaces, the grit, in combination with the grease, forms an unfortunately efficient grinding-paste, and so the trouble commences.
In this connection our attention has been directed to the Desmo Flexi Lubri Covers, which are marketed by Desmo, Ltd., Desmo House, Stafford Street, Birmingham. The manufacturer makes some interesting claims for the efficiency and quality of these protectors, and they undoubtedly appear to constitute an advance on the average device used for this purpose. Destno covers are
made. of a particular composition of rubber, which is especially devised so as to resist the injurious effects which grease usually has on a substance of this type.
It is claimed that once the Desmo covers are fitted into position over the joints they require no further attention during several thousand miles' running of the vehicle. The replenishment of grease is facilitated by the special tongue and groove connection which is embodied in each protector. By this means the time taken in lubricating
the joints is reduced to a.,minimum. There are no straps to be undone—a tiresome job at the best of times. The nozzle of the grease injector is simply inserted into the opening in the cover, and when a sufficient quantity of lubricant has been forced into the joint the tongue is slipped back into its normal position. This special form of connection also gives freedom to the working parts.