Why does this wheel keep coming off ?

[Peter N.]

Re: Why does this wheel keep coming off ?

Howdy everyone

I bet u all thought I just was sitt'n on me ass, drinking brewskis & watching all the girls walk by...

Actually I was.....in addition, I also discovered something......while not providing an answer, does eliminate some variables from this whole equation.

I switched the RF wheel w/ the RR. This was the 1st time I, instead of the dealer, tightened them. Using a 6lb. lead hammer, I followed the most prevalent procedure recommended here. I KNEW these wheels were secure. I marked the spinners position.

After driving 100 ml., the spinners were in the same position as before I started driving.

I then switched the wheels back to the original position, ie, the "Quick Falloff Wheel" was back on the RF, but again, I tightened it, not the dealer, & I knew that spinner was tight.

Picking Door #1, disclosed the following....after driving less than 50 ml. the spinner was loose. Not a hell of a lot, but I could tighten the spinner maybe an inch w/ the hammer.

Please....someone tell me what's going on here

[Jim L.]

Re: Why does this wheel keep coming off ?

I then switched the wheels back to the original position, ie, the "Quick Falloff Wheel" was back on the RF, but again, I tightened it, not the dealer, & I knew that spinner was tight.

Picking Door #1, disclosed the following....after driving less than 50 ml. the spinner was loose. Not a hell of a lot, but I could tighten the spinner maybe an inch w/ the hammer.

When you switched RF and RR wheels, did the RF spinner stay at the RF corner or did it move to the RR with the wheel?

Jim

[Robert M.]

Re: Why does this wheel keep coming off ?

Just my .02, but I had original KH knockoffs on my 65 and pin or no pin, if memory serves me right the spinners are marked left and right. If put on incorrectly the wheel will actually loosen as you drive.

[Peter N.]

Re: Why does this wheel keep coming off ?

Here r pics taken when I first switched the RF & RR wheels. Note the half-circle on the inside of the RF (the one that keeps coming off). This is a scrape. At the beginning & end of the half-circle all it does is remove some of the dirt from the wheel. At the middle of the scrape, a ridge is formed that has a significant amount of metal removed.

The only part on the axle where a corresponding counter-scrape could be seen is a very slight abrasion on the calipers. I imagine that's because the brake is steel, while the wheel is aluminum.

After removing the original RR wheel from it's temporary placement on the RF, no similar scrape was visable.

When you switched RF and RR wheels, did the RF spinner stay at the RF corner or did it move to the RR with the wheel?
Jim

Jim
The spinners stayed in their original position, ie, they were not switched with the wheels.

Just my .02, but I had original KH knockoffs on my 65 and pin or no pin, if memory serves me right the spinners are marked left and right. If put on incorrectly the wheel will actually loosen as you drive.

Robert...the spinners & adapters r in their correct orientation.

[Timothy B.]

Re: Why does this wheel keep coming off ?

Peter,

That would bother me, I don't know too much about knock off wheels but could the wheel be sitting to far in and the spinner bottoming out when tightened.

Does the other right side wheel have any tele tale of rubbing the brake caliper.

[Jim L.]

Re: Why does this wheel keep coming off ?

Here r pics taken when I first switched the RF & RR wheels. Note the half-circle on the inside of the RF (the one that keeps coming off). This is a scrape. At the beginning & end of the half-circle all it does is remove some of the dirt from the wheel. At the middle of the scrape, a ridge is formed that has a significant amount of metal removed.

Hmmmm.... this brings me back to my earlier question about whether or not the RF wheel is actually tight on the adapter when the spinner is tight.

If the spinner is bottoming out on the adapter threads, the wheel won't be properly clamped in place. If the wheel isn't clamped, it's free to wobble somewhat and contact the caliper.

I'd really like to know if the wheel is, in fact, being tightly clamped down. I'd also like to know what happens when you spin the wheel (with it elevated).... does it rub the caliper? Does it wobble?

Jim

[Peter N.]

Re: Why does this wheel keep coming off ?

Peter,
That would bother me, I don't know too much about knock off wheels but could the wheel be sitting to far in and the spinner bottoming out when tightened.

Does the other right side wheel have any tele tale of rubbing the brake caliper.

Good question for both left side wheels ....I'll be checking that w/in a couple of weeks....gotta give the arms & back a rest first.

Hmmmm.... this brings me back to my earlier question about whether or not the RF wheel is actually tight on the adapter when the spinner is tight.

If the spinner is bottoming out on the adapter threads, the wheel won't be properly clamped in place. If the wheel isn't clamped, it's free to wobble somewhat and contact the caliper.

I'd really like to know if the wheel is, in fact, being tightly clamped down. I'd also like to know what happens when you spin the wheel (with it elevated).... does it rub the caliper? Does it wobble?

Jim

Jim...I don't see any sign that the spinner is being stopped by something other then when the wheel is flush against the adapter.

Seems to me that I have 2 options here.....

1. Switch the RF wheel & the RR, in this position they didn't loosen after 100 ml. of driving. If things stay OK for an extended time, I can stay w/ the wheels perhaps till I need new tires, then dump them & use the originals....which could be another can of worms...I have no proof that they would be free of problems.

2. Get the $ back from the dealer...."Dear R____, regarding that car I purchased from u, the wheels don't stay on...." that I spent on these used wheels & use the originals.

What would u folks do?....thanks to all who've stayed w/ this thread.

[Tom H.]

Re: Why does this wheel keep coming off ?

What would u folks do?....thanks to all who've stayed w/ this thread.

If you like the knock off look and don't want to suffer from "Loose Spinner Anxiety", I'd buy a set of direct bolt on knock offs. You will be a few dollars lighter, but the problem will be solved once and for all.

[Peter N.]

Re: Why does this wheel keep coming off ?

If you like the knock off look and don't want to suffer from "Loose Spinner Anxiety", I'd buy a set of direct bolt on knock offs. You will be a few dollars lighter, but the problem will be solved once and for all.

Thanks Tom...that's exactly what my Florida vette friends have told me (they were present when the first fly off occurred)....but...I now know how to put these @(!(*(&%$ wheels on correctly ......after all this work & learning, I feel that using the bolt-ons would be cheating.

btw...don't look for logic in that statement.

[Jim L.]

Re: Why does this wheel keep coming off ?

Jim...I don't see any sign that the spinner is being stopped by something other then when the wheel is flush against the adapter.

How did you check for this?

I've suggested two very specific tests that would reveal much. Have you done either test?

Jim

[Peter N.]

Re: Why does this wheel keep coming off ?

How did you check for this?
I've suggested two very specific tests that would reveal much. Have you done either test?
Jim

I remember where I knew u from....didn't u teach shop in the 11th grade at my school?..I got into trouble that time also because I hadn't done my homework.

"Easy to test: Ka-whang the spinner on as tight as you can get it. Then lift that corner of the car and see if the wheel is loose on the adapter."

The wheel was flush/tight against the adapter & not loose on the RF. Somewhat related, when I did the above per u'r suggestion on the RR (w/ either wheel), I observed that, yes the wheel seemed loose, but actually, the entire wheel, brake & hub had a slight movement to it...ie, when garbing the tire/wheel at 9 & 3, & at 12 & 6 o'clock, there was slight movement & a knock noise when at the end of the movement.....I have been hearing a "thunk" noise coming from the rear during hard cornering.

[Terry M.]

Re: Why does this wheel keep coming off ?

The wheel was flush/tight against the adapter & not loose on the RF. Somewhat related, when I did the above per u'r suggestion on the RR (w/ either wheel), I observed that, yes the wheel seemed loose, but actually, the entire wheel, brake & hub had a slight movement to it...ie, when garbing the tire/wheel at 9 & 3, & at 12 & 6 o'clock, there was slight movement & a knock noise when at the end of the movement.....I have been hearing a "thunk" noise coming from the rear during hard cornering.

Pete, That is a test of the bearing and differential clearances, and it sounds like one or the other, or both, are excessive. That issue is not related to your quick fall off wheels, but you are likely to have rear wheel fall off in your future if you don't check further and get the faulty part(s) repaired properly. That issue is a whole other thread, and I do not wish to hi-jack this one. This one is entirely too interesting as it is.

And yes I DO

[Peter N.]

Re: Why does this wheel keep coming off ?

Pete, That is a test of the bearing and differential clearances, and it sounds like one or the other, or both, are excessive. That issue is not related to your quick fall off wheels, but you are likely to have rear wheel fall off in your future if you don't check further and get the faulty part(s) repaired properly. That issue is a whole other thread, and I do not wish to hi-jack this one. This one is entirely too interesting as it is.

And yes I DO

Thanks Terry, that's very helpful. I'm OK w/ minor mechanical probs, but have no experience w/ suspension issues. I'll have to find a shop out here & have that looked at. Would I pick up some more info on that by starting a new thread...ie, something I could adjust/fix w/o taking it to a shop?

I sure wish u taught out here...I'd take u'r class in a heartbeat. When I cruised & lived on a twin Diesel boat (sold), I enjoyed & learned a lot taking a Marine Diesel class at a Community College.

[Terry M.]

Re: Why does this wheel keep coming off ?

Thanks Terry, that's very helpful. I'm OK w/ minor mechanical probs, but have no experience w/ suspension issues. I'll have to find a shop out here & have that looked at. Would I pick up some more info on that by starting a new thread...ie, something I could adjust/fix w/o taking it to a shop?

I sure wish u taught out here...I'd take u'r class in a heartbeat. When I cruised & lived on a twin Diesel boat (sold), I enjoyed & learned a lot taking a Marine Diesel class at a Community College.

Yes, you will pick up more information by starting another thread -- although there are lots of threads in the archives on the subject of mid year rear end bearings or differential side play. Don’t ignore C3 posts on the subject – until something like 1980 the rear suspension was essentially the same for both C2 & C3s. A search using those subjects may yield you some results. There was a thread about a 1964 IIRC within the last couple of months, but that involved a broken pinion gear -- not your problem, but some interesting pictures of the differential insides – or as my daughter says: “YUCH! Dirty greasy car parts.”

Only one of my students has a Corvette -- a 1978 or 1979, I lose track of those things -- but making it a reliable and presentable driver is his goal. And a worthy goal that is -- this judging stuff is not for everyone. The rest of our work is oil changes and maintenance on daily drivers. Nothing too dramitic at all.

[Peter N.]

Re: Why does this wheel keep coming off ?

Thanks to u Terry, I've got an appointment to have the car checked this Fri. A member who has been helping me via phone/email has given me a recommendation of a reliable shop.

I did the search per u'r recommendation...it looks kinda scary if it's more than wheel bearings. However, the car was body off restored so I'm hoping that the bearings weren't done & the problem didn't surface when it was driven on & off it's trailer....there were only 60 ml. put on it after restoration. I've driven 450 ml. in 4 weeks.