Cracked Steering Wheel

[mrs.smith2012]

Afternoon all!
I decided to remove Nellie’s steering wheel cover today in order to clean it up and replace the cord and have discovered that there are a couple of cracks in her her steering wheel that I’m not sure if I should be concerned about, one is fairly deep… steering wheel still feels quite solid though, hasn’t got any give in it.

Before I put the cover back on I’m wondering if I need to do anything about these cracks? Can they be repaired, or are they okay to leave?

I don’t mind how they look as the cover will be going back on but I do want them to be safe!

I should say that this cover was put on her way back, maybe as early as the 70s, and has never been removed, so no idea how long these cracks have been here

Advice welcomed, thank you

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[mrs.smith2012]

That said, the first ‘crack’ looks very neat… is it a join?? Or should it be one solid piece, I have no idea

[mike1864]

I believe the wheel comprises a substantial steel ring, with the bakelite (?) part formed over the top. You can probably see the ring.
My outer opened up a little at the joint, and I just filled it with grey two part filler; mostly for cosmetic reasons, as it neatly matched the bakelite outer.
Similarly filling yours will add a little strength, but probably not worth worrying about.

[mrs.smith2012]

I believe the wheel comprises a substantial steel ring, with the bakelite (?) part formed over the top. You can probably see the ring.
My outer opened up a little at the joint, and I just filled it with grey two part filler; mostly for cosmetic reasons, as it neatly matched the bakelite outer.
Similarly filling yours will add a little strength, but probably not worth worrying about.

Thanks that’s really reassuring to know!

[Bill_qaz]

Try milliput, available in different colours including black. Very easy to use mixing two to form a putty thats easy to apply and shape while still soft. Sets rock hard and can then be smoothed with emery if needed.

[Biggles1957]

I second Milliput for that job.

[mrs.smith2012]

Okay thank you both. As I plan to put the cover back on I’m not worried about the crack unless it’s unsafe, the look of it doesn’t bother me, but will keep this in mind if I decide it’s worth a fix

[svenedin]

These cracks are common, not just on Minors, in cars of the era. There are specialists who can repair these wheels. It's only dangerous if the wheel is actually falling apart.

Stephen

[geoberni]

That's nothing to worry about.
If you use the search, you'll find some posts about doing successful repairs.
You've got the latter type of Banjo I think perhaps the original ones, with the plain horn button in the centre, are more prone to cracking (unless it's just they they are older... ).
See this one currently listed on Fleabay; I have a feeling this is what Basil's will be like when I remove all the cord covering his wheel .
.

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[mrs.smith2012]

Thank you for the reassurance all, I did not realise the wheel had a steel inner, I had visions of the whole thing snapping in half while I was driving

I think we’ll be okay, but good to know if I ever decided to remove the cover completely I can improve the look of the wheel

[myoldjalopy]

I suspect there are many steering wheels with cracks in them, after all these years. Were it not for the inner ring, they would break easily!

[jagnut66]

Hi,
As said, they all crack, moisture gets in, steel rusts and expands, the cracks get worse.
Personally I'd fix it before you cover it back up, however, as others have said it's still perfectly safe, so it's up to you.
Best wishes,
Mike.

[jagnut66]

See this one currently listed on Fleabay; I have a feeling this is what Basil's will be like when I remove all the cord covering his wheel

Perfectly restorable, so don't be disheartened Berni.
Regarding the one for sale however, with that much to repair, it would have to be cheap before I'd go for it.
The one unfortunate thing is that it's split on the part facing the driver, which means I'd drive a hard bargain if they wanted my cash.
Good to see they thought to keep the woodruff key with it though.
Best wishes,
Mike.

POSTSCRIPT: I just found the steering wheel Berni pictured on eBay, they want £199 for it!!
Some people are dreamers.............

[mike1864]

Incidentally I found a source for that all important "Woodruff" key (not exactly the right word).
But they'd only supply in large numbers, albeit at ~25p each.
So I got ESM to place a large £20(?) order.
So they should now be in their catalogue.
I got forwarded a handful as a finder's fee.
None of this is relevant to later, splined, Minor steering wheels.

[59Elva]

Mike,
You’re correct. A Woodruff key is semicircular. What’s pictured looks like a radiused end square key. Usually fitted/trapped in a milled pocket in a shaft.

[mike1864]

I think these non-curved ones are called Parallel Keys, or Feather Keys

[Mervin]

"I think these non-curved ones are called Parallel Keys, or Feather Keys"
Yes, I have only known them as feather keys.
There's also tapered Gib head keys. If I remember correctly the taper is 1/8" per foot of length. Or is that a Morse taper?