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Ball Bearings |
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A ball bearing is an antifriction bearing consisting of a hardened inner and
outer race with a series of hardened steel balls separating the two. "Sealed"
bearings have plastic dust seals and are greased only at the time of
manufacture.
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Battery |
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The battery is the vehicle’s initial source of energy used to start the engine.
The battery is then taken over the alternator to supply the car's electrical
needs and to restore energy to the battery. A 12-volt storage battery consists
of layers of positively and negatively charged lead plates that, together with
their insulated separators, make up each of six two-volt cells. The fluid in
the cells are electricity-conducting liquid (electrolyte) that is usually
two-thirds distilled water and one-third sulfuric acid. Spaces between the
immersed plates provide the most exposure to the electrolyte. The interaction
of the plates and the electrolyte produces chemical energy that becomes
electricity when a circuit is formed between the negative and positive battery
terminals |
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Battery Charging Methods |
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As the battery charging methods vary, take into consideration the following,
(1) electrical capacity of the battery being serviced; (2) temperature of
electrolyte; (3) battery state of charge at start of charging period; and (4)
the age and condition of the battery. Follow step by step instructions on the
manufacturer's battery charger guide, or ideally, use an automatic battery
charger that senses battery voltage and automatically shuts off - or almost
shuts off - when the battery reaches or approaches the fully charged state. |
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Battery Cables |
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These are used to connect the battery to the rest of the starting and charging
circuits. The battery cables must be of sufficient size to carry such heavy
current as a starting motor will draw about 200 amps of current. The cables are
prone to corroding as they are close to the battery and therefore it is
important that the cables make good electrical contact with the cable clamps.
Similarly, clamps must make good electrical contact with the battery posts. Any
looseness or corrosion could result in high resistance and consequent voltage
drop. |
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Battery Terminals |
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The points which connect the wires are called the battery points. The “post”
type terminals are being phased out by the "side-mount" type of terminals which
use a bolt to screw into the side of the battery and clamp on the battery wire.
The vapors from battery acid causes corrosion to form on the lead surfaces,
which makes it necessary to clean these periodically. Be sure to wash your
hands thoroughly as the corrosion on the terminals is acidic! |
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Body |
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The body shell is a fairly complex assortment of large steel sections. These
sections have been stamped into specific shapes that make up the body of your
car. These parts are designed to do many jobs at once; protect the occupants
from the elements and in collisions, provide solid mounts for all other
systems, and to slice through the air with minimal resistance. The body also
has one other job which is usually important to the owner... it has to look
good! Although the zillions of parts that make up a car are all very important,
it is also important that the car's body be able to make riding in a car
bearable for you. The body and the suspension system give us a smooth ride, and
cushion us from the jarring of the road. Improvements in the body of the car
are carried out so that it should go forward with as little up-and-down, and
side-to-side movement as possible. |
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Brake Animation |
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This animation demonstrates the basics of hydraulic disc and drum brakes in
action. As the brake pedal is pressed, the piston in the master cylinder sends
pressure (via the brake lines) to the wheel cylinders within the caliper and
the drum brake. The pad-to-disc and shoe-to-drum friction stops the vehicle,
converting its momentum into heat energy. |
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Brake Cooling Ducts |
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Brakes tend to lose their effectiveness if they get hot. Cool air to be
directed onto the brakes, increasing braking potential and reducing brake fade.
The air dam has a small opening, behind which runs a small tube to the backing
plate. This allows cool air to be directed onto the brakes, increasing braking
potential and reducing brake fade. |
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Brake Fluid |
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Brake fluid is a special liquid used in hydraulic brake systems. It should be
impervious to heat, freezing, thickening, and bubbling. There are different
types of brake fluids made for different types of systems. These should never
mixed. Be sure of what you use in the master cylinder reservoir, because, if
the brake fluid gets contaminated, you’d have to change all of the piston seals
and hoses. It should be noted that brake fluid is highly corrosive to paint,
and care should be used not to get it on your car's finish. |
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Brake Pedal |
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The brake pedal is located on the left side of the accelerator pedal and it
slows down or stops the vehicle. The brake shoes and friction pads are forced
into contact with the brake drums and rotors to slow the rotation of the
wheels. The friction between the tires and the road surface then slows the
speed of the vehicle. The pedal is solidly mounted to the firewall, and works
as a force-multiplying lever. If the power assist fails, the pedal's leverage
allows you to generate pounds of pressure at each wheel cylinder. A brake pedal
should not sink more than an inch or two, no matter how hard it is pressed with
the foot. Warning: Any change in this is a cause for serious concern. |
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