The G. V. 9—Steering.
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NOT all drivers have a natural instinct for mechanical matters or faults. Quite a number of otherwise reliable chaps can drive a machine week in and week out, and yet miss the significance of increasing free play on the steering wheel, fore-and-aft movement of the steering column, or various thuds and knocks whennunning over the rougher roads. They will accept without question that their vehicle is beginning to wear a little, but will adjust themselves to the change almost automatically. Others, of course, a little more gifted, will complain at the slightest odd noise and at times could even be considered a bit of a nuisance.
And whilst the first mentioned would be very much surprised on receiving a G.V.9, he is, unfortunately, the person most likely to receive one unless a rigid, short-period vehicle inspection is being operated. The M.o.T. examiner has a very real interest in steering, and knows only too well where to look. Excess free play at the steering wheel can spring from wear in the steering box itself, but it is far more likely to be caused by play or slack at steering ball-joints, which can happen at any time in the event of a broken coil-spring.
Neglecting this slack can cause other troubles, too. In the space of one journey the steady knock and thump on undamped bail cups can loosen them in their housings, or even cause them to fracture. In time this freedom can attack other joints and even the box itself. Similarly, fore-and-aft movement of the column indicates loose bolts and worn holes at steering box or chassis, and this in turn breeds trouble. Once this movement is in evidence, rarely will a nip-up cure the fault; the answer is to drill out, true again, and fit oversize bolts, interference fit if possible.
It is fair comment that the M.o.T. examiner would not be unduly harsh on finding one broken ball-joint spring on a vehicle otherwise sound, but a really. loose steering box would be viewed much more seriously, and out would come his fine tooth comb, The only answer to the Ministry man and his G.V.9 is to know the worst—and not the best—about your vehicle at all times, via the shortperiod full inspection.
This Week's Winner WINNER of our three-guinea prize VV this week is Mr. D. V. Brown, of Tottenham, London, N.17. He says that on B.M.C. diesels it can be a difficult job to lock up the bolts which hold the flywheel onto the crankshaft. One answer, employed by Mr. Brown, is to cut a segment from an old starter ring, weld two plates to it, drill -On. clearance holes in the plates and bolt on in place of the starter. This will lock the engine solid and the fitter can pull against it—which is very useful if he is working on his own.
Comments Handyman: Another good idea from Mr. Brown. In my view this is a sound answer.