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Wire Wheels and Hubs..... Hmmmmmm.

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10musketeer

10musketeer

Jedi Trainee
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When I start from a stop or get on the brakes I get a 'click' from the front left and sometimes the rear wheels. I think my hubs and wheels are worn and I'm curious if there is any way to repair the splines, or am I looking at total replacement? I know if I replace I need to do both (hubs and wheels) at the same time, but was curious if anyone knows of a fix that might buy some time. I was thinking smearing some JB Weld on the hub and then sliding the wheel on and off for about 12 hours? :smile: (I'm just kidding, take it easy!)

I'm not really excited about 'pushing' such an important part of the car past it's useful life, but if there was a safe way to extend it another 2-5 years, then I might be able to use my Pelosi/Bush stimulus money for something else. Any ideas?
 
I don't know of a way to repair them. If the splines feel sharp, they are done. And unfortunately, if hubs are worn, probably so are the wheels. If you put a old wheel on a new hub it will prematurely wear it out. There just isn't anything cheap about it! I sucked that up about two years ago on my MGB. Then again, if you get new wire wheels, it will feel like a totally different car! If you go that route, consider Daytons!
 
John,

Your wheels and hubs are worn out, Replace both. You health and that of you car is in danger.

Jerry Anderson
Hendrix Wire Wheel
 
Way back in the early sixties a limey who ran a Shell gas station showed a couple of us dollar challenged British car owners how to use thin sheet lead to take up the worn splines. A temporary fix but it stopped the 'clicking' when starting and stopping. He had some sheet lead that was about 1/8" thick which he cut to just fit the spline area. He would start the lead into the outer spline valleys and then force (hammer) the wheel on. The lead would be forced into the area worn away and would last for about a month.
 
Biff said:
Way back in the early sixties a limey who ran a Shell gas station showed a couple of us dollar challenged British car owners how to use thin sheet lead to take up the worn splines. A temporary fix but it stopped the 'clicking' when starting and stopping. He had some sheet lead that was about 1/8" thick which he cut to just fit the spline area. He would start the lead into the outer spline valleys and then force (hammer) the wheel on. The lead would be forced into the area worn away and would last for about a month.
Click to expand...
But I'll bet he never put his life on the line & hopped behind the wheel of one of his DFPM (Dumb Fu..ing Previous Mechanic) 'fixes'....park it until you can afford at least a good set of used splines or your widow will be receiving a check from the insurance company!

Usually either the hub or wheel will wear out first - you might bet lucky & only have to replace one of them.....measure both.
 
Thanks for the info guys. I know I need to get new ones soon. I think it's interesting that I just received my check from the IRS and I found something to buy within 100 bucks of it. Interesting how that always works that way. :smile: Oh well, what's $1,633 anyway. It's just money. My dad always said if money can fix your problems, then it's really not a real problem at all. And he never did have much money or problems.
 
I'm not even positive I can get them for a Midget, but is there any cons to the tubless wire wheels that are out there?
 
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