The Protection of Mechanical Joints
Page 65
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
pERHAPS one of the most important minor developments in chassis design that have taken place during recent years has been the attention given to the lubrication of joints of various control levers or rods and other inconspicuous bearings which, not long ago, were liable to be sadly neglected. Furthermore, it is gradually being realized that, to simplify the proper care and maintenance of such parts, it is desirable to provide some method of retaining the lubricant and of ex cluding dirt. In some cases suitable leather covers are used but an interesting alternative is the moulded
rubber casing of which the Desmo FlexiLubri-cover is the chief example.
As is well known, oil or grease has a deleterious effect on most rubber articles, but as the result of extensive research Desmo, Ltd., of Stafford Street, Birmingham, has evolved a "mix" which is not adversely affected. We understand that these covers are standardized on Armstrong Siddeley acre engines and have emerged successfully from the Air Ministry's 100-hour test. Possibly even more convincing to the corumercial-vehicle user is the fact that Frexi-Lubri-covers have been fitted regularly for the past 33. years to Ley
land chassis ; as they are still part Cif the standard equipment, it may be assumed that they perform their duties satisfactorily.
Although these covers were first available only in rather small sizes, manufacturing methods have been developed so that covers are being made for a wide variety of purposes, including even universal joints of large size. Amongst the various purposes for which they have been successfully used are the following :—The protection of steering joints, the waterproofing of starter and dynamo terminals, as well as of sparking plugs in aero.and motorcycle engines; the protection of pushrod and valve-rocker bearings on similar engines; the protection of front-wheelbrake camshaft joints, shackle and spring ends, universal joints, etc.; also as draught covers for brake and gear levers. Even for large universal joints, where centrifugal force acting on the grease imposes a heavy load on the cover, these Desmo products are now performing satisfactorily.