Owners Manual
AUSTIN
A40
SERVICE
MANUAL
N/1
TYRES
.AND
JACI{ING
A
MOST
important
factor
in
the
road-worthiness
of
the car
is
systematic
and
correct tyre maintenance. The tyres
must be able
to
sustain the weight
of
a loaded car
and
be able
to
withstand satisfactorily the vagaries
of
road
conditions. Tyre pressures should, therefore, be checked
at
least once a week. According to whether right
or
left-hand
rule
of
the road prevails,
both
front
and
rear
tyres nearer the kerb should be inflated with a pressure two to three
lbs.jsq. inch ( .141-. 211-kg.Jcm.
2
)
above the pressure in the tyres on the opposite side.
The benefit
of
this differential pressure will
be
felt
in
easier handling
and
less tyre wear, particularly
in
countries
where roads are winding,
and
are heavily
or
even moderately cambered.
RECOMMENDED
TYRE
PRESSURES
Pressures in lbs. per square inch and kgjcm
2
•
Model
Rim
Size Tyre Size
2 passengers Full Load
Front
Rear
Front
Rear
Saloon
16-3.00
5.25-16
22
(1.547) 24 (1. 687)
24
(I.
687)
26
(I.
828)
Canada
and
U.S.A.
16-3.50
5.50-16
24 (1. 687)
26
(I.
828)
24 (1.687)
26
(1. 828)
Sports
16-3.00
5.25-16
21
(1.406)
24 (1. 687)
23
(1. 617)
26
(1. 828)
Commercials
17-3.50
5.00-17
24
(1. 687)
36
(2.531) 24 (1. 687)
36
(2. 531)
General
Easy-clean pressed steel disc wheels with large
chromium centre plates are employed.
The
four wheel
studs are accessible after the chromium-plated wheel disc
has been removed by using a screwdriver
or
thin
coin as
a lever
at
the rim.
Much
harm
can
be done to a car
and
its tyres by failure to inspect the tyres regularly
for correct inflation.
See
that
all valves are fitted with valve caps
and
periodically
jack
up the
car
and
examine
the
tyres for
cuts, bruises, wall damage
and
general wear.
At
the
same time remove grit
and
stones
that
may be embedded
in
the
tread.
It
is also
important
that
any tyre which
appears to lose an appreciable
amount
of
air
in
short
intervals should be examined
at
the earliest possible
moment for leaks,
and
if
found, these should be repaired
immediately.
It
is essential to keep oil (particularly paraffin)
and
grease off the garage :floor where the
car
stands, as their
presence
on
the tyres is injurious
to
the rubber. Removal
must be effected immediately by a light application
of
petrol, which must be thoroughly wiped away.
The treads
must
be
periodically examined for uneven
or
excessive wear.
Flat
spots, feathering
or
unexpected
rapid wear
on
the
tyres will indicate incorrect wheel
alignment
or
brake adjustment
and
a check
should
be
made immediately.
Misalignment plays havoc with the front tyres
and
a periodical check with
an
alignment gauge, as detailed
in
Section J,
is
highly recommended.
Wheel nuts should
be
tightened frequently, particu-
larly when the vehicle is new
or
the wheels have been
removed
and
refitted. Lightly grease
the
stud
threads
while the nuts
are
removed.
Cuts found
in
the tyres should receive
attention-
major ones by vulcanisation,
and
minor
by
the
applica-
tion
of
special compound.
If
this
is
done
promptly
an
extension
of
the
injury will
be
prevented.
It
is
important
that
tyres which have sustained damage should be
changed immediately.
Repairing Tubes
Have punctures
or
lllJUnes vulcanised. Ordinary
patches should only be used for emergencies.
Uneven Wear
Because the front wheels are slightly
"cambered"
or
lean
outwards, the
outer
side
of
the tyre
tread
wears
more
than
the inner.
To
minimise the effect
of
such wear
change the tyres
round
periodically so
that
the
worn
sides are next to the car.
It
is also a
sound
policy
to
interchange tyres
on
the left
and
right-hand side
of
the
car
at
intervals so
that
unequal weight distribution
and
consequent wear caused by
road
camber
are
shared.
The spare tyre should
be
used
in
turn
with the others.