The now-familiar landmark at South Bank is undergoing its first major maintenance works since being installed in 2009.

Executive Director of the Wheel of Brisbane John Elliott said regular checks and cleans on the 60 metre tall structure were performed every day.

"But every six or seven years you need to do a major maintenance program, which is normal for an attraction like this," he said.

"The best way to think of it is like an aircraft that needs a normal overhaul."

Observation test. What's missing? pic.twitter.com/oXCseJk9uk— Spencer Howson (@SpencerHowson) May 14, 2015

Mr Elliott said the carriages have been transported to a cleaning and repair facility around 12km away.

"All of our staff plus four international technicians work on it," he said.

"It's painted, any rust spots are treated, it's cleaned and polished, a few parts are looked at and replaced if required."

He said the works were expected to take around three weeks, with the Wheel predicted to be back in operation from June 10.

May/June is the low season for patronage on the Wheel of Brisbane, and Mr Elliott said questions being asked about what had happened to it was testament to how it had become a part of the South Bank landscape.

"I think that's nice," he said.

"Better to do it now than at Christmas time and have it shut."