Wheels And Tyres - MG Midget 1979 Driver's Handbook Manual

WHEELS AND TYRES
Jacking up The jack is designed to lift one side of the car at a time. Apply the hand brake,
Fig . 1 and block the wheels on the opposite side to that being jacked; use a wood block
ja mmed tight against the tyre tread.
Remove the plug (1) from the socket in the sill panel and insert the arm of the
jack into the socket. Make certain that the lifting arm is pushed fully into the
socket and that the base of the jack is on firm ground. The jack should lean slightly
outwards at the top to allow for the radial movement of the car as it is raised.
WARNING. Do not work beneath the vehicle with the lifting jack as the sole
means of support. Place suitable supports under the front side-members or rear
axle to give adequate support and safety while working.
Jack If the jack is neglected it may be difficult to use in a roadside emergency. Examine
maintenance it occasionally, clean off accumulated dust, and lightly oil the thread to prevent
the formation of rust.
WHEELS
Preventive Owners are recommended to check the wheel nuts on pressed-type wheels for
maintenance tightness each week. Take care not to overtighten (torque wrench setting 45lbf ft
(6·22 kgf m).
Spare wheel The spa re wheel is stowed in the well of the Iuggage compartment.
Fig . 2
Unscrew the clamp plat e (1) to release the spare wheel.
When refitting, pos ition the wheel face down in 'the well of the luggage compart-
ment and retain in position with the clamp plate.
The spare wheel tyre on new cars is inflated above the recommended running
pressure. The pressure must be checked and adjusted before use.
Pressed type Slacken the four nuts securing the road wheel to the hub; turn anti-clockwise to
Removing and loosen and clockwise to tighten. Raise the car with the jack to lift the wheel
refitting clear of the ground and remove the nuts. Withdraw the road wheel from the hub.
Fig. 3
When refitting the road wheel locate the wheel on the hub, lightly tighten the
nuts (1) with the wheel nut spanner, and lower the jack. Fully tighten th e wheel
nuts, tightening them diagonally and progressively to the correct to rque wrench
setting.
If the spare wheel is to be fitted, remove the centre trim (2) from the original
wheel and fit it to the wheel in use.
Replace the wheel disc and jack socket plug.
Wire type Use the spanner and hammer to slacken and tighten the octagonal hub nut.
(When fitted)
Removing and Always jack up a wheel before using the tools and always tighten the hub nuts
refitting fully.
Fig. 4
Hub nuts are marked 'LEFT' or 'RIGHT' to show to which side of the car they
must be fitted, and also with the word 'UNDO' and an arrow.
Before replacing a wheel wipe all serr ations, threads, and cones of the wheel and
hub and then lightly coat them with grease. If a forced change is made on the
road, remove, clean, and grease as soon as conv nient.
Maintenance When the car is new, after the first long run or aft r 50 miles (80 km) of short
runs, jack up the wheels and use th hamm r and spanner to make sure they
are tight.
Fig. 1
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Fig. 3
II
Fig. 4
Fig. 2