Loose spokes on wire wheels

[rustbucket]

I am working on a friend's 70 MGB w/ wire wheels. He has been complaining that the front end seemed a little loose, especially over bumps.

I had already replaced the shocks, and replaced all the suspension bushings with urethane pieces. The kingpins seem to be in decent shape.

With the front wheels in the air, I grabbed one of the front wheels and moved it to check for play in the wheel bearings. I felt a lot of play in the wheel. On closer inspection, I noticed that the spokes seem loose and the movement is the rim moving in relation to the hub.

Can the spokes be tightened? Should this be attempted? On some of the spokes, that are loose, the nipple appears to be run all the way in, so no thread shows on the spoke.

Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[Shinsen774]

They can be made tighter. I forget the size wrench needed.

 

[PAUL161]

Yes they can be tightened, as long as their not rusted fast in the threads. Take them to a motorcycle shop and let them true them up, if they can be adjusted. Hendrix wire wheel in Greensboro SC can make them perfect also for a few $$$. PJ

PS, Moss sells the spoke wrenches if needed.

 

[bob67bgt]

I would replace the wheel. New or good used. If used be sure to check the splines for wear. Most wires I have checked (new and used)do have a bit of runout. Also used original wires from a 77 and later MGB will have a different offset by about 1/4 inch. I have a few extra used wires I would sell reasonable but would not be able to check them until Monday. Bob

 

[MGTF1250Dave]

Aloha,

I would tend to agree with Bob. A replacement wheel may be a lower cost option in the long run.

A 1/4 wrench will fit the spoke nipple and Moss offeres a nipple wrench but I'm sure other sources also have them for sale. If you can tighten the loose ones, here is a link describing all you'll ever need to know about wire wheel construction:

https://mg-tabc.org/techn-up/wires.htm

As previously suggested, examine the splines on the wheel. Here is a link to explain what to look for:

www.mgaguru.com/mgtech/wheels/wl104.htm

If the splines are bad a new wheel is needed and probably a hub since bad splines on one quickly ruin the splines on the other.

If the splines are OK, them remove the tire to inspect the inside of the wheel rim. Often you will find some rust from water leaking around the spoke nipples. This may result in the niples being rusted and fused to the rim. I have found from experience that replacing one broken spoke often becomes replacing several. To lace in a new spoke often several others need to be loosened or removed. Invariably I will break a few more spokes and nipples in the process so it becomes six or seven to replace.

So, IMHO if the splines are bad or the nipples are rusted to the rim, a replacement wheel is in order.

 

[DrEntropy]

"All in favor of a new/good used wheel say: 'aye'."

AYE!


"All opposed?"

<crickets>


Tuning a wheel is okay IF the nipples haven't rusted... not likely.

 

[PAUL161]

I do agree that new wheels are really nice, but be prepared to dig deep, as you won't like the price!

<span style="font-size: 10pt"><span style="font-weight: bold">Hey, Now how poetic is that!</span></span> :laugh:

 

[glemon]

I suppose it varies on where you live and the life the wheels have led, but I have never been able to turn a nipple on an old wire wheel, tried penetrating oil, heat, more oil, more heat, just twisted the spoke.

I Have taken the tire off and cut the spokes off and put on new ones, my limted skills turned this into a better wheel, but not a real good one, by the time the spoke are that loose, the splines are likely worn as well, I would vote new as well, or maybe some nice tight used ones if you can find them.

 

[rustbucket]

Thank you all for your input. Looks like it's time for new wheels.