Split rim wheel lug tightening
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Topic author - Posts: 251
- Joined: Sat Jan 12, 2019 6:16 pm
- First Name: Rod
- Last Name: Letcher
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Split rim wheel lug tightening
Here's the issue:
Went to remove the wheels/tires on the 13, this car has wood spoke split rims on it.
First thing I noticed was all the lug nuts were not very tight (probably finger tight with a 1/2 turn on the nut added) every tite/wheel the same.
Then I noticed that there was about 3/16" space between the lug on the rim and the fellow, again the same on all wheels .
The split rims have a ring around the rim (see photo 1) that the fellow runs up against, preventing the lug from seating against the fellow.
What is wrong here, if anything. Do I need to add a spacer between the lug and the fellow?
Went to remove the wheels/tires on the 13, this car has wood spoke split rims on it.
First thing I noticed was all the lug nuts were not very tight (probably finger tight with a 1/2 turn on the nut added) every tite/wheel the same.
Then I noticed that there was about 3/16" space between the lug on the rim and the fellow, again the same on all wheels .
The split rims have a ring around the rim (see photo 1) that the fellow runs up against, preventing the lug from seating against the fellow.
What is wrong here, if anything. Do I need to add a spacer between the lug and the fellow?

1965 Shelby Cobra (Factory Five repo)
1957 Ford Thunderbird
1941 Ford PU
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Re: Split rim wheel lug tightening
First you need to identify if the wheels are compatible with the rims.
Take one off and get some more pics...
Take one off and get some more pics...

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Re: Split rim wheel lug tightening
The space between the lug and rim is normal, do not graunch down on the lugnut to close the gap!
Mark Strange
Hillsboro, MO
1924 Cut-off Touring (now a pickup)
Hillsboro, MO
1924 Cut-off Touring (now a pickup)
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- First Name: Mark
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Re: Split rim wheel lug tightening
Ok, I tried three times to edit my last post and got a "temporarily unavailable" message each time!
The text I was trying to add: Just tighten the lug nuts to 40 foot pounds or so with a normal combination wrench and re-check them every few weeks until you are sure they will stay tight.
The text I was trying to add: Just tighten the lug nuts to 40 foot pounds or so with a normal combination wrench and re-check them every few weeks until you are sure they will stay tight.

Mark Strange
Hillsboro, MO
1924 Cut-off Touring (now a pickup)
Hillsboro, MO
1924 Cut-off Touring (now a pickup)
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Topic author - Posts: 251
- Joined: Sat Jan 12, 2019 6:16 pm
- First Name: Rod
- Last Name: Letcher
- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1915 Speedster
- Location: Eugene OR
- Contact:
Re: Split rim wheel lug tightening
Thanks Mark, 40 ft lbs, That's good to know. When I removed them they maybe had 10ft lbs, good thing I haven't been speedstering!!!
rod

rod

1965 Shelby Cobra (Factory Five repo)
1957 Ford Thunderbird
1941 Ford PU
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Re: Split rim wheel lug tightening
Rod, as others indicate, the lugs do not impinge on the felloe. The rims are designed to wedge against the angled flange on the felloe, in your case on the inside of the felloe. If the rims are loose and wear occurs on the rim/felloe, then the rim may go far enough onto the felloe for the lugs to meet the felloe. This is an indication that the rims/felloes are worn.
The wheel bolts are primarily there to keep the rim wedged tightly against the flange on the felloe. On lugged rims they have a secondary action to keep the rim from spinning on the felloe. This will not happen if the nuts are kept tight.
Hope this helps.
Allan from down under.
The wheel bolts are primarily there to keep the rim wedged tightly against the flange on the felloe. On lugged rims they have a secondary action to keep the rim from spinning on the felloe. This will not happen if the nuts are kept tight.
Hope this helps.
Allan from down under.
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Re: Split rim wheel lug tightening
Would 40 ft-lbs be a good number for tightening lug nuts on a regular demountable rim?
1917 Touring
1946 Aeronca Champ
1952 Willys M38a1 Jeep (sold 2023)
1953 Ford Jubilee Tractor
1946 Aeronca Champ
1952 Willys M38a1 Jeep (sold 2023)
1953 Ford Jubilee Tractor
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- First Name: Mark
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Re: Split rim wheel lug tightening
Seems to work for me. 

Mark Strange
Hillsboro, MO
1924 Cut-off Touring (now a pickup)
Hillsboro, MO
1924 Cut-off Touring (now a pickup)