removing wheel: what to look out for ?

[Erikantwerp]

Hi all,

I would like to remove my wheels (FHC, series I, 4.2, 1966) for cleaning purposes. I know this sounds probably very basic for you all but just to be sure, when I remove the wheel and want put it back on, what do I have to look out for , e.g. what should I grease again, pointers to take into account for safety etc.

Any help much appreciated for a "two-lefthanded" guy who by working on his etype (and gettong lots of advice) hopes to become "normal handed guy"

cheers
Erik

[Heuer]

Erik

Worth taking the wheels off once a year if only to check they actually come off! One of mine had a small piece of flint wedged in the hub - would have been a nightmare if I had a puncture on the road. It is also a great opportunity to clean the wheels and check the tyres for bulges or embedded nails.

You need to clean the grease off the splines and wheel hubs and check the axle splines for wear. They should be upright and sharp. If any are angled or chafed it means the wheel was not on tight enough and they will need replacement. If you don't it will also destroy the wheel hubs so multiplying your costs.


Tap each spoke with a small spanner and see if any are loose. A tight spoke will ring like a bell, a loose one will have a dull sound. Tighten any that are loose but if you have more than six or so the wheel will probably need specialist attention. Rebuilds cost about ?100 a wheel so worth considering new ones. My experience is MWS wheels in particular need regular checking for loose spokes.

Re-grease the splines and replace the wheels. The face of the spinner where it mates with the wheel should not be greased.

If you not already got one buy one of Sarto's spinner tools. Makes removal simple with no worries of hitting the body work with the mallet or destroying the spinners themselves: http://www.knockoffspinnertool.com/home

[Erikantwerp]

David,

as always, many thx for your help !
cheers
Erik