Wire Wheel Splines

[prutland]

I have a query regarding the size of wire wheel splines.

The PO installed new splined hubs and 5.5" wire wheel rims on my 100/6, but retained a 4" wire wheel rim as the spare. I have just mounted a new tyre on the spare rim and was intent on trying it on the car to ensure it fitted correctly. However, the old wire wheel does not seem to fit the new hubs; it goes close and seem to have the same pitch on the splines, but is too tight to fit (noting also that the old wheel is unlikely to have been fitted in many years). I had thought that the size / pitch of the splines would not have changed over the years, but possibly not?

Any thoughts out there as to why the old rim will not fit onto the new splines? There seems to be very little information available on the actual dimensions of the splines so that I can check dimensions. I measured the OD of the hub splines at about 2.45" (+/-).

Thank in anticipation.

Paul R
Victoria, Australia

 

[Healey Nut]

The splines are all the same, no changes. The only thing that did change was the TPI for the spinners.
The hub of the wheel you're trying to fit is probably corroded inside. Clean out the inside splines with a wire brush and try again.

 

[roscoe]

I agree, but also look for any small burrs on the internal splines and dress with a file if needed. It takes only a little to jam things up.

 

[prutland]

Thanks both

A closer Iook at the internal splines of the wheel showed a few nicks and burrs, particularly at the inner ends. After dressing these with a file, the wheel now fits snugly onto the hub. Hopefully I will not need to use the spare wheel, but at least I now know it will fit should the need arise!

 

[Legal Bill]

Paul, be on the look-out for a better wheel. An old wheel with badly worn splines can reduce the life of your new hubs.

 

[Rob Glasgow]

Paul, since the old wheel is just your spare, I wouldn’t worry about the condition of the splines as long as it can be mounted. In 58 years of Healey ownership, I have yet to need to mount the spare tire.

 

[Michael Oritt]

A wheel--spare or otherwise--with badly worn splines can not only reduce the life of your hubs but your life as well!
I think the spare's condition is just as important as that of the four mounted tires unless you want to drive at 30 mph when (not if) you eventually need to use it. Check its pressure just as you do the mounted wheels unless you carry an air pump.

 

[PAUL161]

It's a good habit since the spare can set on it's mount for many months, to coat the splines with a light anti seize compound. PJ

 

[LarryK]

I second Paul161 advice. Just sitting the rust can return.

 

[BobHaskell]

Saw what really worn splines can do on a MGB once. A fellow had a flat and put on his spare. Started driving and when he stepped on the brakes, the hub stopped rotating, the wheel didn't, the knockoff unscrewed, and the wheel left the hub. Thankfully, he wasn't going that fast. Someone in the group lent him a better spare.

 

[LarryK]

When I was in high school Dad brought home a well used Jag 140, the right front wheel always seemed to get loose and come off when you were going someplace special. New hubs and wheels corrected it.