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Load Test

1. A starter-motor test in which the current draw is measured under normal cranking load 2. A battery test whereby the battery is loaded for testing.

Load-carrying Ball Joint

The lower ball joint on low-mounted coil springs or torsion bars or the upper ball joint on high-mounted, coil-spring suspensions; compression or tension loaded, supporting the weight of the vehicle.

Load-leveling Shock Absorber

Inflatable shock absorbers, often used with an electronic height-control system, that are pressurized with air to increase their load-carrying capability.

Load-proportioning Valve (LPV)

A device used to distribute hydraulic pressure to the front and rear brakes based on the vehicle load.

Loaded Voltage

The voltage of the charging system in operation at 2500 RPM with all accessories on.

Loading

An enrichment of the air/fuel mixture to the point of rough idling, usually resulting in black smoke from the exhaust.

Lobe

That concentric part of a camshaft that causes the vales to open and close by actuating a valve lifter.

Lobe Centers

The number of degrees of a camshaft between intake and exhaust lobes.

LOC

Light off catalyst.

Local Preheating

The preheating of an isolated or specific portion of a structure.

Location Table

A term used for component location table.

Lock Nut

1. A nut that is designed to lock when tightened or torqued. 2. A second nut that is screwed down tightly against the first nut.

Lock Pin

A pin used in some ball sockets to keep the connecting nuts from working loose, and on some lower pall joints to hold the tapered stud in the steering knuckle.

Lock Washer

A split-type of washer that helps prevent a bolt or nut from working loose.

Lock-to-lock

The number of turns required to turn the from wheels from one extreme to the other.

Locked Rear End

A rear axle without a differential where both rear wheels turn at the same speed on curves as well as on a straightaway.

Locker

A term used for locking rear end.

Locking Hubs

A dog clutch in a wheel that permits it to be disengaged from the axle shaft and made free-wheeling when a driving force is not required, such as when being towed.

Locking Rear End

A final drive differential that acts as a locked rear end on the straightaway, but allows one wheel to be free-wheeling on curves.

Locking Torque Converter

A hydraulic torque converter in an automatic transmission having a mechanical clutch that locks at cruising speeds.