FUNDAMENTAL PROBLEM To non-engineers it seems that there must be
Page 31
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
some fundamental problem with CV wheels because they demand daily monitoring to safeguard wheel security, while cars do not need this level of care. Some hauliers are asking why the Government doesn't make the British Standard Recommendations obligatory.
The Department of Transport produced a leaflet entitled Careless Torque Costs Lives. In that leaflet it states: "There has been a lot of research into the problem of wheel loss which is why it is not a mystery." Major findings were: "Use of lowquality replacement parts, early relaxation of tension. ..to correct this relaxation the wheel fixing should be re-tightened to recommended torque after 30 minutes if the vehicle is stationary, or within 40-80km if the
vehicle is used. This relaxation will take place regardless of whether the thread of the fixing is right hand or left hand. Regular checking for looseness will still be necessary." The leaflet gives guidance on the care of wheels and stresses the importance of wheel nut checking and proper wheel security procedures within the maintenance schedule. These need to be strictly followed. This is a worldwide problem. Is it really impossible to design a wheel that remains on the vehicle once it is properly secured? Why do operators Feel it necessary to buy yellow indicators to fix to the wheel nuts and securing rings, even when they follow a strict maintenance schedule? Why do wheel nuts have to be checked daily? It has been said that if CVs were aircraft, the aviation authority would ground them. If this is so, we don't need statistics—we need action.