Motoring With Robbie

Sometimes brakes will squeal without any signs of mechanical trouble. If this happens, have the car raised on a hoist at a service station and aim the air nozzle of the station's compressed air hose into the brake adjustment slot on the backing plate, first towards the front of the car and then towards the rear. Keep the wheels turning while 2 or 3-sec blasts of air force the dust out of the drums. Carry out this operation on all four wheels and they should run freely and quietly. Of course this can only be done on cars (mostly American) having the adjustment slots in the backing plates.

Handy Hint

By giving the surrounding area of the petrol filler cap an extra heavy coating of wax polish you'll help save the duco from stains caused by careless service station attendants.

The floats in battery hydrometers are often broken if banged against the side of the tube. To prevent this, keep the instrument filled with water when not in use. Water cushions shock and your hydrometer will be more safely stored.

A Foot switch for electric windscreen wipers is easy to make. Install a dipswitch on the floor and connect it to the wiper motor. This will enable you to keep your eyes on the road after a sudden splash instead of looking for a wiper knob.

A Makeshift repair for a broken main spring leaf needs only a six inch length of four by two, four 6" × ⅜" eyebolts and nuts, four flat washers, and four lock washers. Jack up the car to ease the spring, fit the block of wood and tighten the bolts as shown.

Removing tail lamp bulbs from recessed sockets can sometimes be difficult because of lack of room. Make a loop with a piece of thread and place it around the bulb. When the loop is tight on the neck of the bulb, twist the bulb free and pull it out with the thread.

To avoid damage to the carpet around the accelerator pedal, use a small clear plastic guard. Make a cardboard pattern, cut the plastic and sand the edges. Heat the plastic in the oven until it is pliable, then form and install it. You could also extend the guard under the carpet where the heel rests.