Wire Wheel Care
By Michael Beswick
A couple of random thoughts about wire wheels, or more
precisely hubs! Unlike the grease caps on “solid” wheels, which are like little
lids from a cocoa tin, the caps on wire hubs are the tin itself-or at least the
shape (see
Moss parts diagram - Item 45) It should have threaded bolt that sticks
outwards. Provided previous owners have not used mole grips, if you locktite a
nut just on the end of a similar diameter bolt you can use this tool to screw on
to the bolt protruding from the cap to remove it. Or of course you could tap a
hole in a piece of rod, or Araldite a nut to the end of a wooden dowel - take
your pick!
I made a pair of “hooks” from Sketchley coat
hanger wire. About 9-10” long with the hook about 2-3mm, and flattened and
pointed. This helps to get the shims in and out. With this job you are looking
down a tube, it is far easier if you can raise the car or lower yourself for
easier vision. Varifocal glasses are a nightmare! A dial gauge is ideal, though
I’ve never bothered, and I’d guess there are thousands of Bs whose play is worse
than mine. And guess what- mine passes the MOT!
For cleaning, ask your dear wife or partner to
keep old mascara brushes! These are ideal for the tiny gaps. Or blag a couple
from the make-up counter of a department store! You know the ones, where some
girl jumps out and grabs some poor unsuspecting woman to “give her a make-over”.
Aka legalised mugging!
Solvol Autosol is fairly abrasive, so I would try
body work polish first and work “up” to Autosol. My technique is to first wash
the wheels with regular car shampoo, and let them dry before trying Wonder
Wheels and/or Brake cleaner which gets the next lot of muck off. The more
stubborn ones require the polish. Mark 1 digit will be sore after doing a set of
wheels, but there is really no substitute! Polishing cloths (cotton lint) are
useful for getting to that point where 2 spokes “pass” each other, where you
can’t get a brush in.
Whilst cleaning (or more frequently) it's also worthwhile playing a tune on
the spokes as this will identify a loose spoke. Run a soft-faced tool
around teh spokes, they should all sound the same.
I keep the hub and splines greased but try to keep
the “shoulder” of the hub clean. (It never stays clean for long).
Correspondingly I grease the splines on the wheel. Opinions vary as to whether
the outer edge of the wheel hub should be greased (where the spinner tightens
on). I tend to, as the spinner has to rotate over this part to do up. (as
opposed to the shoulder on the hub itself which should be dry to provide
friction). I’m sure you are aware the wheel is secured by tightening the
spinner, the splines are the “braces” to the belt!
Wire wheels are an added source of clunks! With 2
up and a boot of luggage, I reckon to tighten the spinners once in a 2 week
trip, trying to remember which side is anti-clockwise to do up... The spinners
are labelled but I’m usually doing it at dusk..... Plywood spinner protectors-if
yours have ears- are useless.
Punctures - Carry a spare
inner tube and replace it every 5 years or less! Most tyres places can get a
tyre to fit, but not all keep an inner tube. I carry a spare wheel (one of my
old painted and 60 spoke and narrower). Not so much for punctures but in case
you buckle a rim. Nowhere keeps wire wheels for a B....... I also carry a tin of
tyre goo.
Other advice:
Marie from the MGOC has this to say, too:
I have said before on here
(MGOC BBS), that I clean our wires!
After a wash, I spray with Mr Sheen, the one with bees wax,
you can see the water disperse as you spray, :) which is good, and they really
polish up well and sparkle!
Lots of people at shows/runs ask about our wires and Buster
says don't ask me ask the mrs, she does them!
We don't go out in the car unless it's been washed,
polished and i've done the wheels!!! ;0)
Sandra from
the MGOC Jersey also swears by Fairy Power Spray...
...seems like when it comes to cleaning the wire wheels, it's
the women-folk of the MG world who know best!
Other recommendations include the MWS wheel cleaner kit sold
by Moss and others.
