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MG MGA - Wheel nut tab locker

Can anyone help me with this one please? I have just checked out my rear drum brake shoes. On glancing at the exploded diagram of the rear wheel, I see a tab locker is shown for the wheel nuts - part ATB7209 -
two for each side.
I have wire wheels fitted to a bolt on conversion, but no tab locker on the wheel nuts that secure the wire wheel hub.
Is this an important safety issue that I must fit? It doesn't seem, according to the Moss diagram, to be limited to wire wheel conversions.
So is it a "must have" for me, or should I perhaps be using a thread sealant, or do most have nothing like me?

Thanks, Graham
Graham V

If I recall properly, the latest Moss bolt-on WW conversion kits use double beveled nuts that fit in countersunk holes on the rear hubs, so they will not accept the locktabs.
barneymg

Thanks Barney. I dont know the source of my WW conversion as it was fitted before my time, but certainly the nuts are beveled at both ends. So I just do it up nice and tight, as if I was fitting the wheel? Apologies for my ignorance.
Incidentally, why do they bevel them at both ends? Is it so I can reverse them as they wear?

Many thanks, Graham
Graham V

Bevel on both sides of the nuts allows he splined hubs to be positioned closer to centerline of the car. That is significant because the bolt-on hubs make the rear track wider putting the tires closer to the fenders. It may work with standard size tires but wider tires may end up precariously close to rubbing on the fenders. The double bevel nut setup still leaves rear track wider than standard, but not as bad as with flat nuts.
barneymg

Thanks for the explanation. I think I get it.
At least I do understand about the inner conical side, and I assume the external conical side, as per my photo, is less likely to foul on the wheel than a flat end?

Thanks, Graham

Graham V

Exactly. This is how they get the slightly narrower track width. If you used a standard lug nut in this assembly it will foul on the spoke flange to prevent seating of the hub on the cone.
barneymg

Barney - Thanks for you very patient and clear explanations. Slowly I am learning more and more about these delightful cars, but it seems I am a slow learner!
Thanks, Graham
Graham V

This thread was discussed between 11/07/2017 and 12/07/2017

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