Automotive

Air Compressor An air compressor is a machine that converts power (using an electric motor, diesel or gasoline engine, etc.) into potential energy stored in pressurized air (i.e., compressed air). By one of several methods, an air compressor forces more and more air into a storage tank, increasing the pressure. When tank pressure reaches its upper limit the air compressor shuts off. The energy contained in the compressed air can be used for a variety of applications, utilizing the kinetic energy of the air as it is released and the tank depressurizes. When tank pressure reaches its lower limit, the air compressor turns on again and re-pressurizes the tank.There are many methods of air compression and can be divided into either positive-displacement or negative- displacement type compressors. Positive Displacement Positive-displacement compressors work by forcing air into a chamber whose volume is decreased  to compress the air. Common types of positive displacement ...

Steering system A steering linkage is the part of an automotive steering system that connects to the front wheels. Steering linkages consist of drag link (pitman arm), tie rod, ball joint, end joint, arm assembly, torsion bar, steering shock absorber, bushes of steering axis, steering arm and stub axle. Regular Inspection of steering linkage is necessity to maintain safety and control of the vehicle. If it is ignored, it may cause fatal accident. Inspection of steering linkages  Lift the front portion of the car/vehicle, Turn the steering from one end to another end, Check for noise and binding in-steer, If the binding is traced, Remove the drag link connection from steering gear box, Now rotate the steering gear box in both the direction and trace for the binding. If the binding is noticed then it probably lies in the steering gear box If the binding is not traced in steering gear box then problem is in steering linkage,  Check the ball joint/bu...

Torque Wrench A torque wrench is a tool used to precisely apply a specific torque to a fastener such as a nut or bolt. It is usually in the form of a socket wrench with special internal mechanisms. It was invented by Conrad Bahr in 1918. It was designed to prevent over tightening nuts and bolts. A torque wrench is used where the tightness of nut and bolts is crucial. It allows the operator to measure the torque applied to the fastener so it can be matched to the specifications for a particular application. Torque wrenches are of various types such as digital wrench, angular wrench etc. Torque wrenches are often considered and used as “tools” rather than true measuring “instruments”. They provide a “visible” measure of torque (dial indicating, flat beam TW). They are used to control torque in assembly and fastening operations. Filler Gauge A filler gauge is a tool used to measure gap widths. Filler gauges are mostly used in engineering to measure the clearance bet...

Use of Dial Gauge,Telescopic Gauge and Bore Gauge Measuring instruments are also used in automobile serviceability. These instruments help in measurement of important dimensions of components. Important measuring instruments used are Dial gauge, Bore Gauge, Vernier caliper, Depth Gauge, Micrometer, Hydrometer. We will try to understand the handling and usage of these measuring equipments. Dial Gauge A dial gauge is like a fine watch. It consists of a graduated dial, pointer, plunger and a clamp. It measures the displacement of its plunger on a circular dial by means of a rotating point.     It is used as a measuring device to measure the accuracies in alignment, eccentricity of the parts/components.   Works It works on the rack and pinion principal. The plunger has gear teeth cut on it and when it reciprocates it actuates a pinion attached to the pointer shaft. Thus any movement of the plunger causes a corresponding movement of the main pointer...

TRANSMISSION SYSTEM Clutch Assembly A  clutch  is a mechanical device which engages and disengages power transmission especially from driving shaft to driven shaft. In the simplest application, clutches  connect and disconnect two rotating shafts (drive shafts or line shafts). Types of clutch Different types of clutches are as follows: 1. Friction Clutch    Single plate clutch     Multiplate clutch      • Wet      • Dry     Cone clutch     • External     • Internal 2. Centrifugal Clutch 3. Semi-centrifugal Clutch 4. Conical Spring Clutch 4.Diaphragm Clutch Tapered finger type Crown spring type.                                   5. Positive Clutch – Dog and spline Clutch 6. Hydraulic Clutch 7. Electro-magnetic Clutch 8. Vacuum Clutc...

COOLING SYSTEM All the heat produced by the combustion of fuel in the engine cylinders is not converted into useful power at the crankshaft. A typical distribution for the fuel energy is given below: Useful work at the crankshaft = 20 percent Loss to the cylinders walls = 35 percent Loss in exhaust gases = 35 percent Loss in friction = 10 percent It is seen that the quantity of heat given to the cylinder walls is considerable and if this heat is not removed from the cylinders it would result in the preignition of the charge. In addition, the lubricant would also burn away, thereby, causing the seizing of piston. Excess heating will also damage the cylinder material.   Keeping the above factors in view, it is observed that suitable means must be provided to dissipate the excess heat from the cylinder walls, so as to maintain the temperature below certain limits. The engine gives best performance at temperature from 70 to 85 degree Celsius, which is calle...