Cars - http://maxpages.com/carsinhistory/B

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BA: An abbreviation for "British Association" which is a term used to describe a series of fine, small diameter threads for electrical and precision equipment

babbitt: An alloy of tin, copper, and antimony having good antifriction properties. Used as a facing for bearings.

babbitt metal: See babbitt

baby seat: A specially designed seating device (which is not generally standard equipment) to hold safely very young children (usually under the weight of 10 kilograms).

BAC: Acronym for "Blood Alchohol Content"

back axle: The rear axle

back axle ratio: See final drive ratio

backbone: See backbone frame.

backbone chassis: See backbone frame

backbone frame: A frame, having the cross-section of a rectangular box, that runs along the center of the vehicle and occupies the space between the seats. This box generally divides at the front, running along each side of the gearbox and engine up to a crossmember to which the front suspension pieces are attached. At the rear a similar triangular frame encloses the final-drive housing and provides attaching points for the rear suspension. Lightness combined with high torsional rigidity are features of this frame design, made famous by Colin Chapman with the Lotus Elan.

backfire: Passage of unburned fuel mixture into the exhaust system where it is ignited and causes an explosion (backfire) prematurely. [2] Sometimes ignition takes place in the intake manifold by a flame from a cylinder because the intake valve leaks. Burning of the fuel mixture in the intake manifold may be caused by faulty timing, crossed plug wires, leaky intake valve, etc.

backfiring: Repeated backfires in the exhaust or the cylinders

backflow scavengine: see loop scavenging

backflushing: See flushing the cooling system.

backing pad: A rubber disc which is secured to a spindle which in turn is attached to a drill or other tool which rotates the spindle. An abrasive disc or polishing disc is secured to the backing pad.

backing plate: See brake backing plate.

backlash: The amount of "play" or clearance between two parts. In the case of gears, it refers to how much one gear can be moved back and forth without moving the gear into which it is meshed.

backlight: The rear window of a vehicle.

backlight heater: Heated rear window

backlight defogging system: Heated rear window

back panel: See rear panel

backplate: British term for brake backing plate

back pressure: The resistance to the flow of exhaust gases through the exhaust system. By rerouting the exhaust gases for noise suppression, a muffler causes back pressure, but a straight pipe alone causes only minimal back pressure. Some engines require back pressure, so that removing the exhaust system will cause internal damage.

backrest: The back (upright) part of the seat against which your back reclines

back up: To go in reverse

back up alarm: An anoying loud beeping which is repeatedly sounded when a vehicle (usually a large truck) is placed in reverse. It is designed to warn pedestrians behind the vehicle. The British term is "reversing warning signal"

back up light: A light which is located at the rear of the vehicle and is illuminated when the transmission is placed in reverse. The British term is "reversing light"

back-voltage: Voltage which opposes the current when the current in an inductive circuit changes and the magnetic field cuts the conductors. Also see self-induction back-voltage

BAC level: Blood Alcohol level

badge: An emblem with a manufacturer's name and/or logo on a plate to identify a model or component

badge engineering: When a manufacturer sells two identical vehicles but the model names are different, he is badge engineering. For example, General Motors may sell a vehicle as a Chevrolet or a Pontiac where the only difference is the model name, logo, and more or less chrome or other minor alterations.

badging: The tendency of a manufacturer to engage in badge engineering

baffle: An obstruction used to slow down or divert the flow of gases, liquids, sound, etc. They are found in the fuel tank, crankcase, muffler, and radiator.

baffle plate: A metal plate that acts as a baffle.

bake: A process of drying or curing paint by using heat

Bakelite: The trademark for a synthetic thermosetting plastic resin used in electrical parts because it is a good insulator. The name comes from its inventor, L. H. Baekeland, 1863-1944.

baking finish: Paint that requires baking in order to dry

baking temperature: The temperature at which a varnish or paint must be baked to develop desired final properties of strength and hardness

balance: [1] The state in which weight is evenly distributed. [2] The action of applying weights or drilling holes in something to establish even weight distribution so that vibration is reduced. See balance shaft, counter balance, crankshaft counter-balance, dynamic balance, harmonic balancer, spool balance valve, spring balance, static balance, tire balance, and wheel balancer.

balance control: A switching device on a stereo radio which adjusts the amount of sound coming from the left and right speakers or from the front and rear speakers

balanced crankshaft: A crankshaft with extended reinforcements to form counterbalancing or act as a vibration damper

balance disc: A disc-shaped device in a centrifugal pump which is attached to the pump shaft. The disc lifts when a force is applied to the underside of the disc allowing pressure to leak past until the axial forces are balanced

balanced engine: An engine in which all the reciprocating parts such as pistons and connecting rods are adjusted to exactly the same weight

balance patch: A factory installed patch used to bring a new tire within quality control balance tolerances before distribution and sale. It is placed inside the tire casing and looks much like a nail hole repair patch.

balance pipe: A tube which joins two or more carburetors to even out the flow difference.

balancer: See harmonic balancer and wheel balancer.

balance shaft: An engine will normally vibrate because of the up-and-down motion of the pistons which turn a crankshaft in one direction. A balance shaft rotates (often in the opposite direction) so that its vibration cancels some of the vibration of the engine. Sometimes an engine will have two balance shafts turning in opposite directions located on either side of the crankshaft.

balance weight: A lead weight attached to the rim of a wheel. See wheel weight.

balancing: [1] Dismantling engine and reassembling it to exact specifications and tolerances. This process may help to improve engine performance, smoothness, and reliability. Sometimes called "blueprinting." See balanced engine. [2] Keeping wheels in balance. See wheel balancing.

balancing weight: See wheel weight

bald tire: A tire on which the tread is all worn away. A slick also has no tread, but this is done deliberately for racing purposes

balk ring: A friction-regulated pawl or plunger used to make the engagement of gears easier. British spelling is "baulk ring"

ball: A sphere usually made of metal when used in automotive applications. See ball and spring, ball bearing, ball joint, and ball joint rocker arm, hitch ball.

ball-and-nut steering: See recirculating ball steering

ball and socket: See ball joint

ball and socket joint: See ball joint

ball and spring: See detent ball and spring.

ballast ignition system: An ignition system which uses a ballast resistor connected in series with the coil primary winding and which is bypassed when the starter is engaged so that the spark is more efficient under cold weather starting

ballasting: The addition of liquid or dry weight inside the tire to act as a counterbalance, to increase traction, reduce wheel spin, and dampen out bounce.

ballast resistor: (BAL RES)A resistor constructed of a special type wire, the properties of which tend to increase or decrease the voltage in direct proportion to the heat of the wire.

ball bearing: An antifriction bearing consisting of an inner and outer hardened steel race (or cage) separated by a series of hardened steel balls.

ball bearing puller: A tool for removing a ball bearing from a shaft or from a housing

ball cage: A circular frame which holds the balls in place in a ball bearing

ball end hexagon screwdriver: A tool that looks like an Allen wrench except it has a small ball at the very end. This arrangment allows it to work at various angles.

ball joint: A flexible joint using a ball and socket type of construction, used in steering linkage setups, steering knuckle pivot supports, etc. Their flexibility helps to compensate for the changes in the wheel and steering when turning or hitting a bump on the road. There are usually upper and lower ball joints attached to the upper and lower A-arms.

ball joint rocker arm: A rocker arm that instead of being mounted on a shaft, is mounted upon a ball-shaped device on the end of a stud.

ball joint separator: A tool for forcing out ball or tapered joints. One style is shaped like a two-prong fork with a wedge-shaped jaw which is struck with a hammer to separate the joint. Another style uses direct pressure from a screw or screw-activated lever action to split the joint.

ball joint steering knuckle: A steering knuckle that pivots on ball joints instead of on a kingpin.

balloon tire: A type of low pressure tire which was first introduced in the 1920s. Its width and height were the same which gave it a rounded shape. This style was used on bicycles as well as automobiles.

Ballot: The 1925-1948 model automobiles with required application are classic cars.

ball peen hammer: A hammer with two ends on the head. One is round and the other is flat. They are best used for hammering and shaping metal

ball socket: A recessed spherical well for receiving the ball in a ball joint

ball valve: A check valve in which a ball in a tube is used to control the flow of liquid.

BAL RES: Abbreviation for ballast resistor

band: Bands are like a metal belt which is in the shape of a circle where the two ends are close, but do not meet. They wrap around parts inside the transmission called "drums." The drums house the gears and clutches and freewheel until a certain gear needs to be applied. When first gear needs to be applied, the drum for first gear is locked up by the application of the band. By locking up the drum, the gears now drive the wheels rather than freewheel inside the drum. Also see brake band and power band.

band brake: See brake band

bands: See band.

bandwidth: The range of audio frequencies that an audio component (radio) can handle

B & S: bore and stroke.

B & S gage: Abbreviation for "Brown and Sharpe." A standard measure of wire diameter.

B & S gauge: Abbreviation for "Brown and Sharpe." A standard measure of wire diameter.

banger: [1] A colloquial term used to express the cylinders in an engine. Often used with a number such as "six banger." Also see four banger. [2] A British colloquial term for beater (an older, cheaper, well-worn car which is still usable).

banger racing: A competion of speed on small racing tracks where older cars are driven as fast as they can go and where bumping other racing cars is permitted (encouraged??)

banjo: [1] Besides being a musical instrument, this is a fitting which is shaped like a banjo. It has round end that is doughnut shaped with a tube coming out from one side. It is usually used to transfer fluid from the center hole of the round end and out the lateral tube. [2] A drum-shaped central part of an axle casing containing the differential. See rear axle housing, banjo type.

banking: The slope of a track from the wall to the apron, generally measured in the corners.

bar: [1] A unit of pressure. One bar equals 100 kilopascals or 14.5 psi. [2] A rod. See anti-roll bar, boring bar, stabilizer bar, torsion bar, traction bar, and wheelie bars.

bar clamp: A tool with a stationary head and a sliding foot for clamping purposes

bare shell: The shell of a car body in which all parts have been removed including doors, hood, and trunk lid

BARO: Abbreviation for barometric pressure sensor

barometric pressure sensor: A sensor found in the engine management system which detects the ambient barometric pressure so that precise fuel mixture can be maintained at different altitudes

barrel: [1] The air horn in the carburetor. In particular, it is that part where the throttle valve is located. If a carburetor has four openings with a throttle valve in each, it is called a "four-barrel carburetor." Also see carburetor barrel. [2] Another name for the cylinder.

barrel tappet: A hollow rocker arm shaped like a barrel

barrier cream: A special cream which is applied to your hands before working on a greasy engine. When the job is over, you can wash your hands and easily remove the grease stains. Also called "invisible glove" or "silicon glove"

barrier effect: The effect produced by coating metal to shield it from corrosion

barrier paint: A primer which is used on bare metal to prevent corrosion.

base: [1] The lowest supporting part of an upright member. [2] The bottom layer or coating in a series of paint coats

base and clear system: Paint finish which is made up of a colored base coat (usually a metallic finish) and clear lacquer coat

base coat: The first coat in a paint system. It is either the undercoat or primer or a colored coat which is covered by clear lacquer

base circle: As applied to the camshaft lowest spot on the cam, the area of the cam directly opposite the lobe. Also called cam heel

base gasket: The gasket directly below the cylinder and between the cylinder and crankcase. Also called "cylinder gasket."

base material: Any material (metal or plastic) which needs to be coated

base metal: Metal that is under a coating or that needs to be coated

base model: The least expensive vehicle with the least amount of features as standard equipment. It has the smallest engine and often manual transmission as well as few power equipment. Base models constitute only a small percentage of the cars sold. Sometimes called a "stripper" or "stripped down" unit.

baseplate: A strong metal plate which is the main support for something

basic ignition setting: The ignition setting on a non-running engine according to the specifications. After the engine is running, the timing can be set more accurately

basic ignition timing: The ignition timing on a non-running engine according to the specifications. After the engine is running, the timing can be set more accurately

basic price: The price of a vehicle without including any optional accessories, taxes, delivery charges, etc.

basic timing: The ignition timing on a non-running engine according to the specifications. After the engine is running, the timing can be set more accurately

basket case: An old car which probably does not run. Often many engine and transmission parts have been removed and are either missing or stored in the trunk or a "basket"

bastard: A file (a tool) which has a coarse cut

bastard file: A file with a coarse cut

bat: A lump or collection of something. Also see fibreglass.

batch: [1] A number of things which are produced as a group. [2] A mixture of natural and sythetic rubber with other material such as fillers, chemicals, and vulcanizing agents in the production of tires

batch number: A number which may be added to a serial number to identify when the product was manufactured. In this way, when a problem occurs to some products of the same batch, action can be taken to correct or replace others from the same batch.

bath: A tub into which something is immersed

battery: An electrochemical device for producing electricity by converting chemical energy. The typical automotive lead-acid battery supplies the source of power for cranking the engine and also provides the necessary electrical energy for the ignition system. In addition, it can (for a limited time) furnish current when the electrical demands of the vehicle exceed the alternator or generator output. Also called the "storage battery."

battery acid: Electrolyte (usually sulphuric acid) in each of the battery cells

battery cap: Small caps which seal each battery cell

battery capacity: The amp-hour capacity

battery cell: Individual compartments in a battery which is filled with electrolyte. Six-volt batteries have three cells, 12-volt batteries have six cells

battery case: The box made of polypropylene holding several chambers (cells) which have lead plates and filled with electrolyte.

battery charge: The condition or state of the amount of electricity in a battery

battery charge indicator: An instrument which shows the state of charge in a battery

battery charger: An electric device which is plugged into an electrical outlet (e.g., 110 volt AC) and connected to the two terminals of the battery to restore the state of charge in the battery. One of leads coming from the charger is red and the other is black. The red lead is clamped on the positive post of the battery while the other is clamped on the frame of the vehicle.

battery charging: The process of renewing the battery by passing an electric current through the battery in a reverse direction.

battery charging station: With the advent of electric cars, there needs to be places where their batteries can be recharged periodically -- thus is born the battery charging station

battery clamp: A hold down device which secures the battery from moving around

battery compartment: A place in the vehicle where the battery is located. In cars and trucks it may be found under the hood (usually toward the front), under one of the seats, or in the trunk. In motorcycles it is found in the middle of the bike, under the seat

battery condition: See battery charge

battery connector: A plug on battery-powered vehicles to connect the batteries to the charging station

Battery Council International: A group which makes decisions related to battery composition and disposal.

battery cover: The top of the battery case. It has several holes (covered with caps) for access to the battery cells.

battery discharge controller: A device on a vehicle which is driven by an electrical motor. It triggers a warning indicator when the battery power drops below a certain level.

battery discharge indicator: An instrument on a vehicle which is driven by an electrical motor which indicates the percentage of the maximum charge of the battery

battery earth: British term for battery strap or ground strap

battery filler: A device with a long hollow tube with a rubber bulb at one end. It is used for inserting into a container of battery acid and sucking up the acid, then inserting into the battery cell to fill it. However, motorcycle batteries arrive from the manufacturer with no electrolyte (battery acid). Battery acid comes in a large plastic container with a rubber hose to which a metering clamp is attached. The container is usually placed on a higher shelf so that it is fed into the battery by gravity and regulated by the metering clamp

battery fill line: A horizontal line on the side of a translucent battery case which indicates the level to which you fill it with electrolyte. Usually there are two lines indicating a minimum level and maximum level.

battery fluid: See batteryacid

battery hold down clamp: See battery clamp

battery ignition: Any system where the battery supplies the initial voltage to power the starter motor and fire the spark plugs

battery ignition system: See battery ignition

battery is flat: The battery does not have enough electrical power to start the car

battery is flat: The battery does not have enough electrical power to start the car

battery master switch: A control which disconnects the battery power from all the electrical components

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Page Updated Sun May 20, 2001 8:08pm EDT