Ball Bearings

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.

Battery

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

Battery Charging Methods

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.

Battery Cables

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.

Battery Terminals

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!

Body

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.

Brake Animation

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.

Brake Cooling Ducts

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.

Brake Fluid

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 reservouir, 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.

Brake Pedal

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.