Hudson 1948 - 1952 User manual

HUDSON
SHOP
SERVICE
MANUAL
1948 - 1952

This manual courtesy of
Hudson-Essex-Terraplane Club member
Drew Meyer

FORWARD
The information contained herein is to be used as a
guide and reference for servicing Hudson Motor Cars.
A group index and an alphabetical index is placed in
the front of the manual for easy reference and each
section is self-contained.
The procedures outlined herein are derived from the
procedures established in preparing flat rate time
schedules.
A thorough study of the operations necessary tools
and equipment will enable the Hudson Service dealer
to perform reliable service at reasonable cost.
Special tools that have been developed are shown in
their respective positions.
New Tools are developed only when it is found to be
essential to good workmanship and the time saving is
sufficient to warrant the cost of manufacturing.
Tools are developed in conjunction with the Kent
Moore Organization and are sold by them direct to
Hudson Distributors and Dealers.
GROUP INDEX
SECTION SECTION
1. LUBRICATION
2. ENGINE TUNE-UP
3. ENGINE
4. FUEL
5. COOLING
6. ELECTRICAL
7. CLUTCH
8. TRANSMISSION
9. OVER-DRIVE
10. PROPELLER SHAFT
11.REARAXLE
12. FRONT SUSPENSION
13.STEERINGGEAR
14. SPRINGS , SHOCK ABSORBERS, AND
STABILIZERS
15.BRAKES
16.WHEELSANDTIRES
I

II
ALPHABETICAL INDEX
Group Page Group Page
15 BRAKES
Bleeding Lines
Brake Disassembly
Front
Rear
Brake Fluid
Brake Pedal
Adjustment
Installation
Push Rod Adjustment
Removal
Cable Adjustment
Rear Brake Cable - Removal
Description and Construction
Hand Brake
Adjustment
Lubrication
Major Brake Adjustment
Trouble Shooting
Master Cylinder
Removal
Repair
Mechanical Brakes
Minor Brake Adjustment
Specifications
Wheel Cylinders:
Front
Rear
7 CLUTCH
Bell Housing
Clutch Removal from Car
Double Lever Type Transmission
Single Lever Type Transmission
Construction
Cover
Disassembly - Clutch
Draining Clutch
Engaging Spring
Flushing
Inspection - Clutch
Installation
Pedal Adjustment
Pedal Lever - Removal
Pilot Bearing
Pressure Plate
Rear Support Plate
Reassembly
Refilling Clutch
Retainers and Washers
Specifications
Throwout Bearing and Seals
Throwout Fingers
Trouble Shooting
5 COOLING SYSTEM
Anti-Freeze Chart
Anti-Freeze Solution
15-7
15-6
15-6
15-7
15-8
15-8
15-8
15-9
15-10
15-9
15-10
15-10
15-1
15-1
15-8
15-10
15-11
15-14
15-1
15-3
15-4
15-1
15-10
15-1
15-5
15-5
7-8
7-3
7-4
7-3
7-1
7-7
7-5
7-3
7-7
7-3
7-5
7-9
7-1
7-10
7-8
7-6
7-8
7-8
7-3
7-7
7-1
7-7
7-7
7-10
5-1
5-3
5 COOLING SYSTEM - Continued
Cooling System Diagnosis
Description and Operation
Diagnosis
Draining System
Fan Belt Adjustment
Flushing
Inhibitor
Operation
Radiator Removal
Reverse Flushing
Rust and Scale Deposits
Specifications
Temperature Gauge
Thermostats
Water Pump (6-Cylinder)
Assembly
Disassembly
Inspection
Installation
Water Pump (8-Cylinder)
Assembly
Disassembly
Inspection
Water Temperature Gauge
6 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Battery
Battery Cable Check
Battery Test
Bendix Drive
Circuit Breakers and Fuses
Coil
Condenser
Dimmer Switch
Direction Indicator Flasher
Direction Indicator Switch
Electrical Check
Installation
Mechanical Check
Removal
Distributor
Assembly, 6 and 8 Cylinder
Breaker Point Adjustment
Breaker Point Renewal
Distributor Removal
Disassembly
Installation
Electrical System
Generator
Armature Commutator Repair
Armature Ground Test
Armature Shaft End Play
Armature Short Circuit Test
Brush Holders
Brush Replacement
Disassembly
Field Coil
5-10
5-2
5-2
5-2
5-8
5-2
5-3
5-2
5-10
5-2
5-2
5-1
5-9
5-8
5-4
5-6
5-4
5-6
5-8
5-8
5-8
5-8
5-6
5-9
6-4
6-5
6-4
6-8
6-29
6-26
6-25
6-28
6-31
6-30
6-30
6-31
6-30
6-31
6-20
6-22
6-20
6-21
6-21
6-21
6-23
6-4
6-8
6-14
6-14
6-15
6-14
6-14
6-15
6-11

III
ALPHABETICAL INDEX - CONTINUED
Group Page Group Page
6 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - Continued
Generator - Continued
Ground Tests
Open Circuit Test
Removal
Replacement
Short Circuit Test
Generator Assembly
Generator Circuit Resistance
Generator Motorizing Draw
Generator Regulator
Circuit Breaker Adjustment
Circuit Breaker Check
Current Regulator Adjustment
Current Regulator Check
Voltage Regulator Adjustment.
Voltage Regulator Check
Generator Total Output Check
Wiring Check
Headlamps
Headlamp Aiming
Sealed Beam Unit
Horns
Ignition Timing
Sealed Beam Unit
Replacement
Spark Plugs
Specifications
Starting Motor
Amperage Draw Test
Cranking Voltage Test
Disassembly
Starter Removal
Starter Solenoid Test
Starter Overhaul
Armature
Assembly
Brushes
Disassembly
Field Coils
Installation
Timing
Wiring Diagram
3 ENGINE
Camshaft (8 Cylinder)
Camshaft (6 Cylinder)
Camshaft Bearings (6 & 8 Cylinder).
Connecting Rod Bushings
(6 & 8 Cylinder)
Connecting Rods (6 Cylinder)
Connecting Rods (8 Cylinder)
Connecting Rod Alignment
Crankshaft
Removal
Cylinder-Head (6 & 8 Cylinder)
Installation
Removal
6-11
6-11
6-11
6-14
6-11
6-15
6-17
6-17
6-17
6-18
6-18
6-19
6-19
6-19
6-18
6-9
6-9
6-26
6-28
6-27
6-29
6-23
6-27
6-27
6-24
6-1
6-5
6-6
6-5
6-7
6-6
6-6
6-7
6-7
6-8
6-8
6-7
6-7
6-8
6-23
6-12
3-35
3-37
3-35
3-24
3-25
3-25
3-26
3-27
3-27
3-12
3-12
3-12
6 ENGINE - Continued
Cylinder Honing
Engine Removal (8 Cylinder)
Engine Removal (6 Cylinder)
Engine Support Plate (Front)
Lubrication (8 Cylinder)
Lubrication (6 Cylinder)
Main Bearings (6 Cylinder)
Installation
Removal
Main Bearing Cap (Rear)
Installation
Main Bearings (8 Cylinder)
Installation
Removal
Main Bearing Size Code
Oil Check Valve (8 Cylinder)
Removal
Oil Check Valve (6 Cylinder)
Oil Pan (8 Cylinder)
Installation
Inspection
Removal
Oil Pan (6 Cylinder)
Installation
Inspection
Removal
Oil Pump (8 Cylinder)
Disassembly
Installation
Reassembly
Removal
Oil Pump (6 Cylinder)
Assembly
Disassembly
Inspection
Installation
Removal
Pistons, Pins and Rings
Removal
Piston Fitting
Piston Size Code (8 Cylinder)
Piston Size Code (6 Cylinder)
Piston Pins 3-19,
Piston Rings
Rod and Piston Installation
Rod and Piston Removal
Specifications
Tappets and Guides
Timing Gears
Installation
Removal
Timing Chain
Timing Cover Oil Seal Replacement
Timing Gear Cover Removal
Installation
Valve Guides
Valve Systems (6 & 8 Cylinder)
3-44
3-17
3-17
3-33
3-5
3-5
3-13
3-13
3-13
3-14
3-14
3-17
3-16
3-15
3-16
3-5
3-6
3-6
3-9
3-11
3-11
3-9
3-11
3-12
3-11
3-11
3-6
3-6
3-7
3-7
3-6
3-7
3-8
3-7
3-8
3-8
3-7
3-19
3-19
3-22
3-20
3-21
3-20
3-27
3-19
3-1
3-38
3-31
3-33
3-32
3-31
3-31
3-32
3-40
3-38
3-19, 3-23
3-32, 3-37

IV
ALPHABETICAL INDEX - CONTINUED
Group Page Group Page
3 ENGINE - Continued
Valves and Seats
Valve Springs
Valve Timing
Valve Timing Check
Valve Maintenance
Vibration Dampener
2 ENGINE TUNE-UP
Air Cleaner
Amperage Draw
Anti-Percolator Adjustment
Automatic Advance
Battery
Cell Test
Load Test
Specific Gravity
Battery Cables
Breaker Arm Spring Tension
Carburetor:
Anti-PercolatorAdjustment
Climatic Control Adjustment
Fast Idle Adjustment
Float Level Adjustment
Idle Adjustment
Inlet Strainers
Metering Rod Adjustment
Pump Travel Adjustment
Unloader Adjustment
Carburetor Float Check
Carburetor Strainer Check
Coil Secondary Test
Coil Test
Climatic Control
Compression
Combustion Analysis
Condenser Test
Current Regulator Check
Cylinder Balance Test
Distributor
Adjustment
Automatic Advance
CamAngle
Condenser Test
Contact Points
Dwell Test
Point Resistance
Timing
Vacuum Advance
Fan Belt Adjustment
Fast Idle Adjustment
Fuel Pump Test
Generator:
Circuit Resistance
Fan Belt Adjustment
Output Check
IdleAdjustment
3-38
3-41
3-42
3-42
3-30
2 -21
2 -4
2 -19
2 -11
2 -2
2 -3
2 -2
2 -2
2 -4
2 -8
2 -19
2 -18
2 -20
2 -18
2 -21
2 -18
2 -19
2 -18
2 -21
2 -18
2 -18
2 -12
2 -12
2 -18
2 -5
2 -21
2 -10
2 -16
2 -5
2 -8
2 -8
2 -11
2 -9
2 -10
2 -8
2 -9
2 -9
2 -14
2 -11
2 -14
2 -20
2 -17
2 -15
2 -14
2 -14
2 -21
2 ENGINE TUNE-UP - Continued
Ignition Timing
Manifold Heat Control
Metering Rod Setting
Milliampere Test
Point Resistance
Pump Travel
Spark Plugs
Spark Plug Test
Specifications
Starter Motor
Amperage Draw Test
Battery Cables Check
Cranking Voltage
Solenoid Test
Starter Solenoid
Tappet Adjustment
Tune-Up
Unloader Adjustment
Vacuum Advance
Vacuum Booster Check
Vacuum Test
Valves and Tappets
Voltage Regulator
Circuit Breaker Check
Current Regulator Check
Voltage Regulator Check
12 FRONT SUSPENSION
Center Steering Arm
Center Steering Arm Alignment
Coil Spring Sag
Construction
Diagnosis Guide
Eccentric Bushing
Front Suspension
Installation
Removal
Front Wheel Alignment
Camber
Caster
Curb Height
Pivot Pin Inclination
Toe-In
General Inspection
Lower Support Arm Pivot and Bushing .
Lubrication
Pitman Arm Angle
Pivot Pin
Relief Valve
Riding Height and Coil Spring Sag
Specifications
Steering Arm
Steering Pivot Pin Wear
Steering Spindle 12 -1,
Steering Spindle Lower Pivot
andBushing
2 -13
2 -17
2 -19
2 -13
2 -8
2 -18
2 -6
2 -13
2 -1
2 -3
2 -4
2 -4
2 -3
2 -4
2 -4
2 -7
2 -2
2 -21
2 -11
2 -17
2 -6
2 -7
2 -15
2 -15
2 -16
2 -16
12 -10
12 -17
12 -4
12 -1
12 -2
12 -7
12 -2
12 -3
12 -2
12 -15
12 -15
12 -15
12 -16
12 -16
12 -16
12 -15
12 -5
12 -1
12 -17
12 -8
12 -8
12 -4
12 -1
12 -10
12 -8
12 -5
3-17, 3-42
12 -1, 12 -9

V
ALPHABETICAL INDEX - CONTINUED
Group Page Group Page
12 FRONT SUSPENSION - Continued
Steering Spindle Pivot Bolt Expansion
Plug & Relief Valve
Steering Spindle Support and Thrust
Ball Cup
Steering Spindle Support
Straighten Bent Parts of Front
Suspension
Tie Rod
Tie Rod Ends
Turning Pull
Upper Steering Spindle Support Pivot
and Bushing
Upper Support Arm Pivot
4 FUEL SYSTEM
Air Cleaner, Dry
Air Cleaner, Oil Bath
Carburetor - WA1:
Accelerating Pump
Adjustments
Anti-Percolator Adjustment
Anti-Percolator Valve
Assembly
Climatic Control
Disassembly
Fast Idle
Fast Idle Adjustment
Idle Adjustment
Installation
Metering Rod Setting
Pump Travel
Removal
Specifications
Unloader Adjustment
Carburetor - WGD:
Adjustments
Assembly
Disassembly
Fast Idle Adjustment
Float Adjustment
Idle Adjustment
Installation
Metering Rod Adjustment
Pump Travel Adjustment
Removal
Specifications
Unloader Adjustment
Carburetor - Twin:
Adjustments
Installation
Exhaust Manifold (8 Cylinder)
Front Exhaust Pipe (6 Cylinder)
Front Exhaust Pipe (8 Cylinder)
Fuel Level Gauge
Fuel Level Indicator
Gasket Tank Unit
Gauge Testing Equipment
12 -8
12 -9
12 -10
12 -11
12 -11
12 -11
12 -11
12 -6
12 -5
4-31
4-31
4-5
4-5
4-6
4-4
4-10
4-4
4-8
4-5
4-7
4-7
4-6
4-5
4-7
4-7
4-16
4-20
4-18
4-17
4-16
4-17
4-26
4-16
4-16
4-17
4-15
4-17
4-30
4-27
4-40
4-42
4-42
4-38
4-38
4-39
4-39
4 FUEL SYSTEM - Continued
Fuel Level Gauge - Continued
Gauge Trouble Diagnosis
Method of Checking
Panel Indicator Check
Voltage Regulator
Fuel Pump
Pump Assembly (AC)
Pump Assembly (Carter)
Pump Disassembly (AC)
Pump Disassembly (Carter)
Pump Overhaul
Pump Test
Inspection
Removal (8 Cylinder)
Removal (6 Cylinder)
Vacuum Booster Test
Gasoline Tank
Heat Control Valve
Intake Manifold (8 Cylinder)
Twin Carburetor:
Adjustment
Installation
1 LUBRICATION
Break-In Oil
Capacities
Checking Engine Oil Level
Crankcase Ventilator
Dilution
Engine Oil
Engine Oil Capacities
Engine Oil Level
Engine Oiling Circuit
Lubrication Schedules
Oil Dilution
Oil Change
Oiling Circuit (6 Cylinder)
Oil Filters
Oil Level
Proper Engine Oil To Use
Types of Oil
Heavy-Duty Motor Oil
Premium Motor Oil
Regular Motor Oil
Ventilator
Water Resistant Lubricant
When to Change Engine Oil
9 OVERDRIVE
Control Switch
Governor Switch and Pinion
Oil Seal (OD Control Shaft)
Oil Seal (OD Mainshaft)
Operation, Electrical
Lockout
Driver Control
Speed Control
4-39
4-39
4-39
4-38
4-31
4-36
4-34
4-34
4-32
4-32
4-32
4-36
4-32
4-32
4-32
4-39
4-41
4-40
4-30
4-27
1 - 6
1 - 10
1 - 8
1 - 10
1 - 10
1 - 5, 1 -9
1 - 8
1 - 8
1 - 7
1 - 1
1 - 10
1 - 9
1 - 7
1 - 6
1 - 8
1 - 9
1 - 9
1 - 9
1 - 9
1 - 9
1 - 10
1 - 5
1 - 9
9-9
9-9
9-9
9-9
9-6
9-8
9-8
9-6
4-10, 4-26
4-1, 4-15

VI
ALPHABETICAL INDEX - CONTINUED
Group Page Group Page
9OVERDRIVE - Continued
Operation, Electrical - Continued
Wiring Diagram
Operation, Mechanical
City Traffic
Downshift - Kick Down
Free Wheeling
Highway Driving
Overdrive Adapter
Disassembly
Assembly
Overdrive Housing
Installation
Removal
Removal of Parts from Rear of Adapter.
Disassembly
Interlock Plunger
Overdrive Mainshaft
Pinion Cage Assembly
Sun Gear
Shift Rail
Solenoid
Assembly
Cleaning and Inspection
Servicing External Units
Servicing Units Requiring Removal of
Overdrive Housing Only
Servicing Units that Require Removal
of Complete Assembly
Single Lever Type
Assembly
Disassembly
Inspection
Installation
Removal
Double Lever Type
Assembly
Disassembly
Inspection
Installation
Removal
Shift Rail (Single Lever Type)
Shift Rail (Double Lever Type)
Trouble Shooting, Electrical
Trouble Shooting, Mechanical
Unit Checks:
Governor Check
Connector Plug Check
Control Switch Check
kickdown Switch Check
Harness Check
Relay Check
Solenoid Check
Wiring Diagram
10 PROPELLER SHAFT
Center Bearing Replacement
Center Bearing Support Cushions
9-17
9-14
9-13
9-15
9-14
9-13
9-17
9-19
9-15
9-9
9-10
9-10
9-10
9-10
9-11
9-11
9-11
9-13
9-12
9-8
9-9
9-15
9-15
9-19
9-17
9-12
9-22
9-15
9-16
9-22
9-17
9-12
9-22
9-16
9-12
9-13
9-124
9-27
9-23
9-24
9-24
9-24
9-24
9-23
9-23
9-7
10-4
10 PROPELLER SHAFT - Continued
Construction
Removal and Installation
Specifications
Support Cushions Identification
Trouble Shooting
Universal joints
Axle Installation
Axle Shaft:
Removal
Installation
Description
Differential Assembly:
Assembly
Back-lash Checking
Disassembly
Installation
Removal
Runout Checking
Drive Pinion:
Installation
Pinion Checking Gauge
Removal
Inspection
Lubrication
Removal of Axle
Shims
Specifications
11 REAR AXLE (WELDED COVER TYPE)
Assembly
Axle Noise
Axle Shaft
Installation
Removal
Axle Shaft Thrust Button
Construction
Differential .
Differential Carrier
Disassembly
Assembly
Inspection
Differential Gears
Disassembly
Drive Pinion
Installation
Removal
Drive Pinion Oil Seal
Inspection
Installation
Removal
Lubrications
Maintenance
Oil Seals:
Axle Shaft
Pinion Shaft
Wheel Bearing
10-2
10-2
10-1
10-4
10-4
10-3
11-26
11-20
11-26
11-17
11-23
11-26
11-21
11-23
11-20
11-20
11-24
11-23
11-22
11-22
11-17
11-20
11-17
11-17
11-4
11-16
11-14
11-5
11-7
11-1
11-12
11-7
11-7
11-12
11-10
11-8
11-5
11-9
11-10
11-9
11-8
11-10
11-11
11-8
11-15
11-16
11-7
9,11, 9-12
9,11, 9-12
11 REAR AXLE (REMOVABLE COVER TYPE)
11-5, 11-14
11-7, 11-15
11-8, 11-9

VII
ALPHABETICAL INDEX - CONTINUED
Group Page Group Page
11 REAR AXLE (WELDED COVER TYPE) - Cont'd.
Ratios
Installation
Removal
Specifications
14 SPRINGS, SHOCK ABSORBERS & STABILIZERS
Front Coil Springs
Installation
Removal
Front Lateral Stabilizer
Removal
Lubrication
Rear Lateral Stabilizer
Riding Height and Coil Spring Sag
Rear Springs
Assembly
Installation
Rear Spring Shackle Identification .
Shock Absorbers
Specifications
13 STEERING GEAR
Adjustments
Steering Gear
Worm Bearing
Center Steering Arm
Installation
Removal
Construction
Drag Link
Adjustment
Installation
Removal
Gear Shaft
Horn Ring:
Installation
Removal
Jacket Tube and Bearing
Lubrication
Pitman Arm:
Installation
Removal
Specifications
Steering Gear:
Adjustments
Disassembly
Inspection
Installation
Removal
Steering Gear Alignment
Steering Wheel
Installation
Removal
Trouble Diagnosis
8 TRANSMISSION (MANUAL TYPE-SINGLE
SHIFT LEVER)
Cover Baffle
Disassembly
Gear Shift
Gear Shift Control Lever Push Rod
11-1
11-15
11-4
11-1
14-2
14-2
14-2
14-6
14-6
14-5
14-7
14-2
14-3
14-3
14-4
14-4
14-5
14-1
13-9
13-9
13-10
13-11
13-11
13-11
13-1
13-8
13-9
13-8
13-8
13-8
13-2
13-2
13-5
13-2
13-8
13-7
13-1
13-9
13-6
13-9
13-7
13-6
13-10
13-2
13-2
13-2
12 -12
8-9
8-17
8-18
8 TRANSMISSION (MANUAL TYPE-SINGLE
SHIFT LEVER) - Continued
Inspection and Repair
Installing Transmission
Lubrication
Reassembly
Assembly of Synchronizer
Countershaft
Countershaft Gear Cluster
Main Drive Gear
Main Shaft Assembly
Reverse Idler Gear and Gear
Cluster
Selector and Shift Shaft Levers
Shifter Rails and Forks
Reverse Idler Gear
Selector and Shift Shafts
Specifications
Speedometer Gear Housing Seal
Transmission Ball Bearings
Transmission Case Breather
Transmission Removal from Car
Trouble Shooting, Servicing the
Transmission
Construction
Countershaft Gear Cluster
Countershaft Installation
Disassembly
Drive Gear Bearing Retainer
Inspection
Mainshaft Assembly
Mainshaft Drive Gear Assembly
Mainshaft Rear Bearing Retainer
Removal & Installation of Handy-Shift
Control Tube & Fulcrum Bracket
Assembly and Adjustment
Reverse Idler Gear
Shift Shafts & Interlock
Specifications
Transmission Installation
Transmission Reassembly
Transmission Removal
16 WHEELS AND TIRES
Balancing the Wheel and Tire
Brakes
Decimal Equivalents
Dismounting Tires
Front Wheel Bearing Adjustment
Minimizing Tire Wear
Mounting Tires
Specifications
Tightening Wheel Hub Bolts
Tire Inflation
Tire Wear
Wheel Bearings
Wheel and Tire Balance
Wheel and Tire Run-Out
8-8
8-13
8-4
8-10
8-11
8-12
8-9
8-11
8-11
8-10
8-10
8-12
8-10
8-10
8-1
8-10
8-9
8-8
8-4
8-14
8-19
8-25
8-26
8-22
8-27
8-24
8-26
8-26
8-27
8-29
8-26
8-25
8-19
8-27
8-25
8-22
16-1
16-4
16-6
16-4
16-4
16-3
16-5
10-1
16-5
16-3
16-3
16-4
16-1
16-4
8-4, 8-8
8 TRANSMISSION (MANUAL TYPE-DOUBLE
SHIFT LEVER)

VIII