Are new hubs needed when replacing wheels?

[timbn2]

I've been told that it's a "good idea" to buy wheels and hubs as a set? This doesn't seem practical to me when buying "used" wheels, or new for that matter.
Any truth to this?

Thanks
tim

 

[Keoke]

If you are refering to wire wheels. New hubs and wheels are recommended for normal old car replacements. Used wheels should prolly be locked up in one of em Crypts.---Keoke- /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/grin.gif

Seriously ; your safety and the reliability of the car dictates that the wheels and hubs be in excellent condition and well mainted at all times.

 

[Cutlass]

Splines on hubs and wheels do wear with age and use. Before just buying new hubs, though, it may be wise to check the old ones. They may have been replaced recently enough to still be in good shape. If they are 40+ years old, though, with 100,000 miles, they are probably worse than useless. There are lots of simple tech articles on the subject. Old wheels are problematic for more than just spline reasons. Old spokes are often frozen, and wheels out of round. Replacing spokes and re-truing wheels can cost as much as new wheels, or more. The point is that these are wear components, and if not in good shape, are dangerous.

 

[Dave Russell]

Hi Tim,
Go here to see what your hub splines should look like. They should be flat on the top of the splines, not V shaped. As it says, worn hubs will damage new wheels & worn wheels will damage new hubs.

If a spline strips when you are braking, the wheel will not stop & worse yet, it will unscrew the knock off hub & you may lose the wheel.
https://www.hendrixwirewheel.com/ThingsToDo.jpg
D