Hudson 1938 Terraplane, Owner'S Manual

Page: 62 / 82

60 H U D S O N T E R R A P L A N E
FRONT AXLE AND SPRING SUSPENSION
The front axle design used on the Hudson Terraplane car is of the Radial
Safety Control type, whereby the axle is attached to the chassis frame by two
large drop-forged steel torque arms (A), Figure 51, which insure accurate
positioning of the axle and relieve the front springs of all loads other than that of
supporting the weight of the car.
The front ends of the two torque arms are attached rigidly to the front axle
by means of two large bolts which pass through the ends of the torque arms and
axle center. The rear ends of the torque arms are attached to the chassis frame
with large pivot bolts which pass through rubber grommets to absorb road shock.
The axle center is of the Elliott type, made of a heavy drop-forging of high
quality carbon steel. The steering spindles, which are drop-forged molybdenum
alloy steel, are attached to the axle center with alloy steel pivot pins mounted in
hardened steel bushings with ball bearings to carry the thrust on the end of the
pins.
The spindle pivot pins are drilled centrally, full length and are equipped
with a single 90° metered pressure type reservoir grease fitting located above
each pivot pin.
The reservoir fittings are of special design and provide sufficient lubricant
under pressure for 1,000 miles of driving. Pivot pin bushings are sealed to retain
lubricant and exclude dirt and water. Two pressure relief valves are fitted in
the expansion plugs below the pivot pins to prevent leakage around the expan-
sion plugs.
Each wheel is mounted on two taper roller bearings.
The tie rod ends are of the plain
bearing type, fully sealed against dirt
and water, and are provided with
lubrication fittings.
The front springs are mounted on
bearings (B) which permit free turn-
ing on the axle center. Self-adjusting
shackles (C) attach both ends of the
springs to the chassis frame and per-
mit unrestricted spring action for a
smooth ride over all types of roads.
Front Wheel Bearing
Adjustment
After jacking up the front axle and re-
moving the hub cap, withdraw cotter key
holding nut (A), Figure 52. Turn nut to the
right until a slight drag is felt when turning
the wheel slightly by hand. Then loosen
the nut just sufficiently to permit the
wheel to turn freely. Insert cotter key.
Figure 52