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MG TD TF 1500 - Tire pressure

On an earlier thread, I was asking about the rear leaf springs, and the rough ride/ bottoming out I was experiencing. Reducing tire pressure was mentioned as one means to get a more pliable ride as I was running tire pressure at 32+ PSI. The suggestion from Ray Lee was to run them at ~28 PSI.

I happened to look at the workshop manual today, and the pressure recommendation is 18 PSI. Unlikely radials for car tires were a thing back in the early to mid 50's, but even for bias-ply that seems way too low. I lowered the pressure to 25 PSI, and the ride is much better. (they are radials). Too low, then wear, handling, and fuel consumption may be compromised. Am I OK at 25...or raise it to 28?

Jim
Jim Rice

I had a talk to the Michelin rep when I fitted 165SR15 XZX and he recommended 24psi all round. So far, after 10 years be about right.
B W Wood

When I got my TD I asked and was told 28PSI, I have experimented with a few pounds lower.

On my TF I run 26/28PSI. Rides nicely.

Peter
P G Gilvarry

I run my 1952 TD at 23 all round and that seems to work for me, it is on radials and also wire wheels (don’t know if that’s makes a difference?)

I’ve tried 28 and 26 and the cars was really bouncy and harsh 23 seems right
Graham Humphreys

Thanks guys...looks like 23-28 will give a good ride. I'm running Michelin ZX 175R15's.
Jim Rice

Radials are more forgiving of low pressure than bias ply tires.
I would try going with the manufacturers recommendation and see if you like it.

(You can take a tire "crayon" and mark a heavy line across the tire tread then drive it straight ahead for a hundred feet or so and note the wear pattern and adjust the pressure accordingly. Wear in the center is too much pressure)
J Stone

This thread was discussed between 31/05/2022 and 01/06/2022

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