1928 Cadillac - GM Heritage Center

GENERAL INFORMATION 101
CHAPTER VII
Front Axle
axle. Then measure the distance between the two chalk marks again. The
difference between the two measurements should be not less than Yi inch
nor more than J4 inch.
Description
THE Cadillac front axle is of the reverse-Elliot type, in which the spindles
are yoked or forked to receive the ends of the center member of the axle.
The thrust is taken by a tapered roller bearing in the upper fork of the
spindle.
Stop Screws
It is desirable to have the smallest turning radius possible without the
front wheels scraping at any point on the
chassis. The tires should clear the chassis
by at least Yi inch.
To prevent any interference, stop screws
(Fig. 54) are provided on the ends of the
axle. The stop screw at the right-hand end
of the axle limits the angle to which the
wheels can be turned to the right. The stop
screw at the left-hand end of the axle limits
the angle at which the wheels can be turned
to the left.
Alignment of Front Wheels
The correct amount of toe-in for the front
wheels is not less than H inch nor more than
Figure 54. The stop screws at
the ends of the front axle should
l A, inch. Every reliable garage has a gauge
be adjusted so as to prevent the for measuring this distance. In the absence
tires from scraping on the chassis.
of such a gauge, it may be measured in the
following manner:
Pull the car forward one or two feet. Then spread the wheels as far apart
as possible by pushing on both tires at the same time. This will duplicate
in the steering connections the conditions that exist on the road.
Locate on the side of each tire a point approximately 9 inches above the
floor, and at the widest part of the tire, marking this point with chalk (Fig.
55). Measure the distance between these two points, using a tape measure
or two yard-sticks placed so they overlap.
Pull the car forward until the two chalk marks pass under the axle and are
again 9 inches above the ground, but to the rear instead of in front of the
Figure 55. Alignment of the front wheels is important to give proper steering and prevent
excessive tire wear.
Adjustment of the front wheel alignment is made by loosening the clamp
screws at the ends of the parallel rod and turning the rod, which has righthand
threads at one end and left-hand threads at the other.
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