Steering wheels

[Norman AndersonParticipant]

Madness. Ordered a new two spoke steering wheel 604.099 from Franssen. Whilst it looks identical to the badly cracked original, it doesn’t quite fit! the holes don’t quite line up.

Anybody else had this issue? Or does anyone know of a solution I can use before I send it back? thanks.

[David FaulknerParticipant]

Norman mine only fits on the flange with 3 bolts, the rest of the holes then don’t fully align which is why you can see the white maker so I know where to refit it 🙂

BTW I have an un cracked spare 2 spoke wheel (painted brown though) hanging in the garage which I took off to fit a Quillery one on my 11BL

• This reply was modified 5 years, 2 months ago by David Faulkner. Reason: Typo fix

[Norman AndersonParticipant]

David, thanks for your prompt, and useful response. I greatly appreciate the help on this forum.

My elation was short lived. I thought ‘how stupid of me, the solution is so simple’!

Not so fast. The distance between the holes on the steering wheel (centre to centre) is about 58mm. The distance on the steel steering shaft ‘boss’ is about 55mm. There’s no way I’ll get a match.

Could you maybe measure your brown steering wheel, and let me know?

Please excuse the bad pic – it was difficult holding phone with one hand!

[Roger GrixParticipant]

Hi Norman,

You look to have a post ’53 Light 15.

The L15 2 spoke steering wheel is different from the French one. I don’t know if the mounting is the same. Mine (’55 Light 15) was fitted with an older 3 spoke wheel by the previous owner and there is no mounting plate. The steering wheel has a tapered bore in the hub which fits directly on the shaft. I suspect he took the 2 spoke UK wheel together with the 11D engine for his older car but I am not sure whether his older one was French or English. It was probably English though as it was in South Africa.

[David FaulknerParticipant]

Interesting Norman. Measured my spare wheel and it’s near enough 59mm hole centres and my car is a December 52 11BL

I also found that it’s not crack free after all, there are a couple on the rear at the boss which you can’t see from the front so looks like it’s been repaired in the past.

Did you not consider getting yours rebuilt rather than replacing it?

[Norman AndersonParticipant]

Thanks Roger and David. Looks like I’ll have to send it back to Franssen.

John Gillard says a Brooklands steering wheel was an option, but they are expensive and may present the same problem.

My steering wheel has been with the repairer for over a year. I’ll have to get it back from him and attempt the repair myself.

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