To make this hopefully productive I will try to re-frame the question.
I don't dispute that under the correct circumstances the rudge knock of
patented wire wheel as used on Healeys, MGs, Triumphs, Jaguars, etc. self
tightens.
What we really need to know, and I don't know the answer, is what is the
best and most relaible way to achieve optimal torque with the
knock-off/wheel/hub assembly.
By optimal I think we can agree we want
1. Safety--least chance of knock of coming off or something in the assembly
breaking (due to being too loose, too tight, or having been exposed to undue
stress)
2. Minimal Wear to the splines over a lifetime of use.
As I have read how the self tightening works I believe the wheel works in
sort of a spiral pattern in relation to the hub and acts against the knock
off to tighten it, if moving it is moving in relation to the splines too,
which it should be, I assume this causes wear. Does this action go on
indefinitely, or does it eventually self tighten to a point or relative
stability? ( I don't know)
To refine the question as I see it is does the presumably higher torque
achieved by whacking the hub on hard get you to a better point of
stability/safety than the self tightening.
I guess I subscribe to the big nut, big torque tight good theory, don't have
proof of it, but maybe with the question better defined we can work towards
a better answer.
Rich, you bring up a good point about lubrication, I would bet a lot of
spline wear on former daily drivers results from improper lubrication and or
corrosion in the splines acting as an abrasive and causing wear over time.
Has anyone ever put a mark on the knock off and wheel when they have
tightened down "good and hard" to see if the self tightening still occurs?
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