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THE PETROL CAR
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tained by taking hold of the shafts and trying what amount of movement both sideways and 'up-and-down' can be felt. The rebushing of the bearings is a matter for an engineer's shop, and not for the amateur's attention. What the latter has to remember is that 'a stitch in time saves nine,' and that neglect of perceptible wear savours of the 'penny wise and pound foolish' policy.

In the above I have but lightly touched on a question the importance of which is second to none in connection with car construction, and I trust I have not only made clear some of the principles employed, but the strong necessity of giving constant care and attention to this very important part if best results are to be attained.


II. FRAMES, SUSPENSION AXLES, WHEELS, STEERING GEAR, AND BRAKES


By W. Worby Beaumont, M.Inst.C.E.


The parts of a car enumerated above are those which are least likely to be detrimentally affected by the want of knowledge on the part of the beginner. Most of them require little or no adjustment, and for the proper fulfilment of their functions the owner can but rely upon the skill of the designer and the honesty of the maker. Their proportions and relations are settled before the owner has anything to do with the car. Upon them, however, depends entirely the safety of the occupant of the car. The motor or engine, the gearing, the carburetter, the electric ignition connections, all may break or cease to play their parts, and the only result will be that the car ceases to be a locomotive. The worst possible accidents are, on the other hand, probable and almost certain if either axles, wheels, or steering gear break, or if pins or nuts are lost from either of them or from the brake gear.

Frames.—Frames are made of so many designs that no general instructions can be given regarding them, and whether