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MG MGB Technical - Wire wheel problem

I hope someone out there may be able to help me with this problem:
Starting at 50 mph I experience vibrations in the steering wheel, so went to garage to have my wire wheels (4,5 J x 14", 60 spokes, chrome) balanced (ON the car!). It appeared that they were perfectly balanced (no vibrations when run at appr. 80 mph), but 2 of them showed both a wobble (sideways) and a slight up-and-down movement, so the hub was slightly off-centre with the rim.(no parking dents or accidents)
Is it possible to reset the rim by re-adjusting the torque on the spokes? And how much torque would they need?

Much obliged for any help in this vibrating matter!

Henk, NL
Henk

It's possible that the wheels are not true, but just as likely the tires are slightly out of round. You need to make up some type of pointer affixed to a sturdy stand and place it where it points to either the edge of the rim or as I prefer the inner lip of the bead area just outside the spokes. Then slowly rotate the wheel and see if the clearance changes. If it doesn't then the problem is with the tires, if it does then the wheels will need to be trued. Usually a job for a specalist.
Bill Young

Henk

Wired really do not need a lot of torque. One of the biggest mistakes made is by folks trying to "fix" a loose spoke is to overtighten it.

If your rear bearings are in good shape, the rear axle is a good place to check the rim as Bill suggested.

Here is a picture of the jig I use. It is made with a magnet I bought at a hardware store (Metal case with magnet on the bottom and a hole in the center). I then just bent some rod,threaded it and attached through the hole in the center. The magnet will stick well to the inside of the fender.

http://community.webshots.com/album/352945366wJDJVu

If this opens my main page, click on Wire Wheel Jig
Bruce Cunha

Thanks Bruce and Bill, for your helpfull comments!
I have conjured up an old hub and nut and with two fitting roller bearings inside the hub and an axle in a vice plus your jig to point out the wobble we'll try and sort out the spokes with the help of a lady bicycle maker who's a miracle on this subject!
I'll report back asap!
Thanks again.
Henk

This thread was discussed between 13/04/2006 and 14/04/2006

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