[Healeys] Splines and Wheels

[J. Armour]

Blokes
I firmly believe that only the splines do the transmission of acceleration
and braking torque. The knock-off clamps the wheel in place and the two
cones within the wheel hub/splines centralises the wheel. I once had a
knock-off come off and the wheel still turned with the hub and slowed under
braking.
Splines require the minimum of clearance to eliminate the fretting caused
when the wheel rocks back and forward on the hub. You can purchase an
anti-fretting grease.
I agree that it is almost impossible to eliminate clearance within the the
spline to spline fit otherwise we would not be able to remove them easily.
A loose knock-off allows the wheel to become off centre and then with each
rotation the wheel will 'walk' or rotate on a different centre to the
hub/axle centre. The splines with their clearance will not keep the wheel
centralised due to the built in clearance. This will create excessive wear
on both sets of splines.
I also agree that the Left and Right hand thread system is to counter-act
wheels coming loose but I find it hard to accept that this system will
tighten an already loose knock-off. It is also important to tighten wheels
with NO weight on them that is with the wheel raised off the ground. This
allows the wheel to easily centralise on the cones/tapers before final
hammer tightening. Remember if you do not have a flat spot on the top of the
splines you have worn or badly made splines. Also it is unwise to expect a
long life from the splines when new are fitted to old (worn)
The manufacturing process of the axle hub ­ machined, and the softer wheel
centre hub splines maybe made with a broaching process raises the question
of which component will be manufactured more accurately. Their fit and
clearance is critical to their life. Material hardness is also important and
lubrication adds value.
Over the years I have seen some radical home-made fixes for worn splines
down to no splines.
Your comments


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