BRAKE trouble is often only faulty brake-rod location. In the Hotchkiss drive unless the rear brake-rod center is located on the transverse axis, about which all rear-axle torque takes place, and the front brake-rod center lies on the axis which most closely approximates the center of the curve along which the torque axis moves relative to the frame, faulty brake action will result. The most effective way to locate a brake-rod is by a gage, two applications of which are shown in the figures, one to correct front center height and the other to correct the length of rod. The gage consists of graduated rods which, together with a dial indicator, are put in the place of the brake-rod and held by special clamps.
The axle and springs are put through approximately normal action independently, and any tendency of the rod to elongate or shorten is indicated on the dial. The figures show how, for various points, such changes in length might take place. Successive readings are taken, changing the front or rear center as the springs or axle are moved respectively, until no movement of the indicator is shown. Due to features of chassis construction, it is often not possible to locate the centers accurately. Then, a close approximation usually reduces the trouble to a minimum and to a point at which trouble ceases to be noticeable.