Hudson 1948 - 1952, Service Manual

Page: 325 / 333

WHEELS AND TIRES 16 - 3
then another, producing a wobble or shimmy which in-
creases with high speeds.
Weights must be added to (1) and (4), Figure 2 to equal
the weight in sections (2) and (3), and in Figure 2 the weight
is evenly distributed about both the axis of rotation and the
center line of the wheel. This wheel is statically and dynam-
ically balanced.
NOTE: The rear wheels may be balanced by the same
method used for front wheels. Rear wheels which are not
in correct static balance may cause a vibration of the body
and front end of the car when driving at high road speeds.
TIRE INFLATION
Maintaining proper tire pressure is the most important
factor in obtaining maximum tire life, proper car handling,
and best riding qualities.
Tire air pressure increases due to road contact and internal
friction, the air pressure may increase considerably after
hard driving during hot weather. For this reason tire infla-
tion and pressure checking should always be done when the
tires are cold.
Ordinarily tire pressures should be checked at least once
a week. However, if the car is driven extensively, they
should be checked every day.
Tire valve caps should be finger tight to prevent loss of air
which may be escaping from a leaky valve and also pre-
cludes the possibility of dust and dirt getting into the valve.
Replace missing valve caps promptly.
Keep tires inflated to the following pressures:
Size Front Rear
7.10 x 15 (Standard) 26 lbs. 24 lbs.
7.60 x 15 (Optional) 26 lbs. 24 lbs
FIGURE 3
MINIMIZING TIRE WEAR
To obtain maximum tire life, it is important to change tire
positions at intervals of from 2,500 to 3,000 miles, Figure 3.
This involves placing the left front tire and wheel assembly
on the left rear hub, moving the right front assembly to the
spare wheel position , right rear to left front, left rear to right
front and the spare to the right rear hub. Switching the tires
in this manner changes their direction of rotation and equal-
ized the wear over 5 tires instead of 4.
TIRE WEAR
Tire wear, although actually more rapid on rear tires, is
usually more uniform than on front tires. The rear tire treads
are flexed (distorted) in one direction while the engine is
driving the car and in the opposite direction when the brakes
are applied which accounts for their even wear.
The front tire treads are flexed in the same direction when
the car is being driven as when the brakes are applied. This
tends to cause spotty wear, particularly if there are any
crosswise lines in the tread design. When the tread consists
wholly or partially of blocks, this wear is usually first noticed
as a high point or ridge at the back of the block as it rests on
the ground.