AXLE DRIVES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20088, 27 October 1928, Page 14 (Supplement)

AXLE DRIVES.

THE TORQUE TUBE. While few peoplo know that their car lias a torque arm or torque tube, and ■whilo still fewer know its purpose, it is, nevcyf'heless, an important member of tho car, and one which is often the causo of hammering and pounding noises. Now, as when tho wheel revolves it must push tho car, thero is a natural resistanco to its revolving. 'lhero is no such natural resistance to tho revolving of the pinion housing (and tho entire rear axlo housing to which it is fastened). For this reason, unless somo device is added which will hold tho housing stationary, instead of tho wheols revolving, when tho clutch is let in, tho entire rear axlo and pinion housing would revolve backward Afew years ago many makes of cars had tho torque arm, which was a tapering bar of pressed steel, fastened at ono end to tho axlo housing by means of a long bolt, and at tho other to a cross inembor of tho frame. Of lato years tho torque tube is used on most cars. In this caso a tube, through which the propeller shaft passes, is bolted to tho axlo or tho pinion housing, tho othor' end being connected to the cross member of tho frame.

Iu addition to taking caro of holding tho rear uxlo housing from revolving, Iho lorquo tube also transmits tho drivo or push ot tho rear wheels to tho body vi tho car, so that tho springs are not required to do anything iu addition to absorbing tho road shocks. Whilo the torquo arm also transmits somo of the tlrivo of the wheels to tho car, tho springs, when thoy are used, arc also required to tako caro of most of this drive.

A number of makes of cars are built ■without either a torquo arm or torquo tube, having what is known as tho Ilotchkiss drive. When so built the springs arc made to prevent tho roar axlo housing from revolving and must transmit tho drtve or push of tho wheels to framo oE the car, in addition to taking caio jf ihe road shocks.

In order to have the springs accomplish the above, they are underslung; that is, they hang beneath tho rear axlo housing, instead of resting upon it, and are rigidly connected thereto, tho housing not being permitted to revolve in the saddlo of tho tpring.

As all threo of the above methods nro used in both high and low-priced cars, it is ii matter of engineering opinion as to which is tho best. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, and all, when properly built, will give absoluto satisfaction.

MOTOR-CYCLISTS' SHORTCOMINGS

Perhaps tho direction in which the motor-cyclist most frequently errs is that ho fails to givo proper road signals. Admittedly, thcro are many occasions on which both hands aro needed on the handle-bars. Nevertheless, more attention should bo paid to this matter, and caro should bo taken to see that the recognised signals aro given in such a ■way that there is no mistaking them, so that anyone following close behind has ample warning of the motor-cyclist's intention. On tho scoro of safety it is, of course, advisable always to ascertain whether thoso following behind have actually seen tho signal. One other point apt to be overlooked is the need for driving quietly near lifrs- • pitals and churches and when in the vicinity of houses at night. MOTOR TRADE ITEMS. A four-speed goar-box will be fitted to the 10 hp. S\vi/t for 1929. There will be no alteration in tho 14 li.p. chassis, A sleeva valve straight-eight, with a „ 3293 cubic centimetre engine, is announced for 1929 by the Arrol-Aster Company. Mr -Leslie Walton, chairman and managing director of Vauxhall Motors, Ltd., Great Britain, concluded his New Zealand tour this week.

The Do Soto Six, the new.Chrysler product, will bo on tho market in Auckland shortly. It is in the popular price class, and is selling from 845 dollars upwards in America.

Mr. F. W. Cave, factory representative for Auckland for Lodge Plugs, Ltd., leaves to-day on a visit lo England, lie will return next March.

Graham-Paige built 31,207 cars in August, more than half the total factory production for tfio entire year of 1927. The output for the first eight months of this year was 53,730 cars.

The Standard programme for 1929 includes tho production of an entirely new 35 h.p, six. It has a fonr-speed goarliox, and a wheelbase of 9ft. 3in. Tho 38 h.p. six, and the 9 h.p. four will lie continued

For 1929 tho Vauxhall company has mado d»t«wl improvements to tho 20-60 Lorsopower model produced last year. The bore of the engine has been increased l>y 2 millimetres, resulting in an increase in capacity from 2762 c.c., to 2910 c.c.

The Hillman Company lias commenced the production of u straight-eight, selling in England at a price lower than that of nny cight-cvlindcr car hitherto on the market. Tho engine has n small bore of about 2|iii., and tho R.A.C. rating is 18 h.p. The four-cylinder 14 h.p, model will be continued for 1929 with a wider track.