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MG MGA - Steering wheel

On inspecting my steering wheel I find that there are two spokes that have sheared right at the junction with the hub. Any ideas how this could have happened, or how best to repair it? It seems pretty firm on the remaining 10 spokes. Could I cut back the hub, weld the broken spoke then fill the hub with JB? Note I have never driven this car, but nothing surprises me any more.
The DPO has also cross-threaded the steering wheel retaining nut and thread on the extension.. If I can't get a machine shop to clean it up I am thinking of inserting a threaded bush into the centre of the tube, welded in at the tip, and using a centre bolt to retain the wheel. Maybe I can tap the inside, no bush?

Art Pearse

Art,

I had a similar problem with the DPO buggering the threads on the steering column on my '59. Fortunately mine was the adjustable column and I was able to find the short splined section for about $50. Steering like braking is kinda important...

Good luck with repairing the steering wheel, sounds like major surgery.

John
jbackman

AP, is this the central aluminium hub you wish to operate on and not the plastic outer rim where the spoke break normally occurs? Others may know what the connection is here but there is a risk of weakening the central hub that JB making good would not restore.
J H Cole

Art
I used an expansion bolt. I can't remember what type, but it allows me to remove the bolt with the shield remaining in the shaft.
John DeWolf

JH, this is the centre part of the wheel, not the rim. I have no idea how the spokes could have been stressed so as to break as they have, clean and square!
John, where did you find your expansion bolt? Is it the concrete anchor type?

Art Pearse

I think the PO must have hammered on the spokes to free the wheel. The two broken spokes are adjacent, so of the four fingers of the hub, 3 are intact and one has 1 of 3 spokes. I think it is not repairable and would fail the safety inspection if noticed.
Art Pearse

Art

My mistake. I looked at using an expansion bolt, but in the end I just tapped the inside for a 1/2" bolt. You might have to run a tap drill down it first. It's much easier to remove than the original nut.


John DeWolf

John, I just made a bush and tapped it for 1/4 NF, filed it to fit inside the extension and welded it at the tip. I suppose tapping for 1/2' would have made more sense. Just have to make the stand-off bush and washer. There is a whole 1" of thread so I'm sure it is strong enough.
Now for the steering wheel.....
Art Pearse

You can also buy my 'Twin Cam' steering wheel. ;-)




Willem van der Veer

Very nice Willem. I will arrempt a repair of mine.
Art Pearse

Well, cut back the alloy with a dremel and welded the spokes back. Now for the JB weld to replace the metal I ground out.
What sort of paint will go over the wheel Rim?
Art Pearse

Willem, if you are really selling that steering wheel, I should like to know the price. How much?

Frank
F Camilleri

Frank,

I will sell the steering wheel for EUR 250,-

If you are really interested please mail me at my gmail address: vdveery5888
Willem van der Veer

Willem, thanks for reply and sorry I did not reply earlier. Re the steering wheel, I will send you an email shortly.

Rgds
Frank
F Camilleri

This thread was discussed between 09/04/2013 and 13/04/2013

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