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Vehicular weight has increased in the last few years, and wheel material must be thicker to maintain adequate wheel performance. But as gage increases, processing problems arise in welding and forming. This means that higher strength materials must be used for fabricating wheels so that material thickness can be held to a minimum. The approach Kersey-Hayes Co. took is the topic of this paper. Automotive wheel spiders were press formed and fatigue tested, using various grades of high strength low alloy (HSLA) steels. Press performance of noninclusion shaped steels was poor, but that of inclusion shaped grades was good. Fatigue properties ranged from slightly higher to three times higher than SAE 1012 commercial quality mechanical capped steel.

The history, system philosophy, design evolution, and performance of the Sure-Track anti-lock automotive braking system are presented and discussed. Considerations of performance, driver skill, reliability, and commercial acceptance resulted in the choice of a vacuum-electronic rear wheel anti-lock system that incorporates individual wheel speed sensing and control of braking as a pair. The system provides superior directional stability under “panic” braking conditions while maintaining stopping distance equal to or shorter than those for locked wheels under most road conditions.

Brake drum configurations and drum mass distribution vary widely. Drum design is controlled by desired brake performance, and also by space limitations. Drum mass is most critical under the fade and recovery performance conditions, since the most important function of a brake drum is to dissipate heat. In tests, brake drum flare had a negative effect, retarding heat dissipation. Finned drums give as much as 15% more heat ejection per inch of moving the wheel outboard.

This paper describes the application of hyifraulically powered wheels to a logging trailer which is pulled by a 225-HP tractor. It discusses the advantages of the hydrostatic transmission as a means empowering the trailer. The hydraulic circuitry and its operation is examined. A cutaway view of the wheel is used to explain the operating features. Performance figures are displayed and component arrangement on the tractor are shown. Other applications of the same hydraulic wheel are presented.