DfT to investigate non-circumferential hubs 24 May 2012

The Department for Transport is to run independent tests to check research that suggests commercial vehicles operating on non-circumferential hubs are prematurely damaging industry-approved wheels.

During a meeting between Transport Minister Mike Penning, John Ellis, managing director of Motor Wheel Service (which revealed the research), and Paul Goggins, Labour MP for Wythenshawe and Sale East, it was also confirmed that VOSA will review the number of vehicles operating on non-standard hubs, such as spider and star hubs.

The initial investigation, carried out on an LBF machine by commercial vehicle wheel specialist Dr Sundararajan, of Wheels India, found that non-circumferential hubs, which give only partial contact between axle and wheel. That, it is claimed, is causing untested load stresses, which can cause cracks and half the life expectancy of truck wheels.

At present, all quality wheels are tried and tested to European Tyre and Rim Technical Organisation (ETRTO) standards on a circumferential hub with a continuous contact diameter – universally acknowledged as the main criterion by the Association of European Wheel Manufacturers (EUWA).

"The Minister listened astutely to our findings and stated that the DfT will undertake published, independent research and instruct VOSA to ascertain the scale of the issue," asserts Ellis.

"No timescale has yet been set, but we will continue to liaise with government and assist wherever possible," he adds.

"This is a very positive outcome to the dialogue we have been having with the Minister," says Paul Goggins MP.

"I commend John Ellis for his determination to get to the bottom of this issue. Road safety is an absolute priority," he adds.

Author
Brian Tinham

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