Quick Release Hubs

[phunky_monkey]

Hey all,

Just wondering who has experience with quick release steering wheel hubs?

I've used two types now and am not 100% happy with them. Thinking of grabbing a Works Bell unit (not 100% sure on the ball locking arrangement due to poor past experience), or a spline-type Sparco group N unit. I've played around with the Sparco unit before and am leaning that way.

Any thoughts?

Cheers,

Dane

[FineLine]

What issues did you have with the detent ball number Phunk? I've been using one for a couple of years and its been fool proof.

[Marlin]

I've had the Sparco spline type unit but found although good due to very little slop, it was also often a pain to re-attach the wheel in a hurry due to they run a neccesary master spline (especially if you've not left the steering dead straight), as you sometimes need to when running from the little girl's room to the start. They're also too expensive.

For 18 months I've been using the D1 Spec from JJR, http://justjap.com/store/product.php?produ...at=0&page=1, and to be honest, can't really fault it, no slop, quick to release and engage, easy to line up when engaging, and cheap as chips.

Edited February 8, 2010 by Marlin

[blackrex]

Dane, The ball bearing units tend to get sloppy really quickly, where as the splined units tend to stay tight for much longer. Also make sure that they are keyed so that the wheel can only go on in the one direction.

[phunky_monkey]

What issues did you have with the detent ball number Phunk? I've been using one for a couple of years and its been fool proof.

It had a bit of play in it which I wasn't very happy with, but it was a good 4 or 5 years ago now so others may have improved.

Ben: Thanks for the JJR tip, hell of a lot cheaper than the Works Bell units. I've not really considered using them due to my past experience, but may do now if you're happy with yours. Was it as tight as the Sparco unit, or relatively close to?

Stephen: That's what I'm wary of mate, but perhaps they've improved over time? This is my current unit. It has no locator but it pretty easy to line up. But since the grease has gone from it it has a little play.

[FineLine]

It had a bit of play in it which I wasn't very happy with, but it was a good 4 or 5 years ago now so others may have improved.

Ben: Thanks for the JJR tip, hell of a lot cheaper than the Works Bell units. I've not really considered using them due to my past experience, but may do now if you're happy with yours. Was it as tight as the Sparco unit, or relatively close to?

Stephen: That's what I'm wary of mate, but perhaps they've improved over time? This is my current unit. It has no locator but it pretty easy to line up. But since the grease has gone from it it has a little play.

Its the JJR version that I have been using too Phunk and its been sweet as. No play and easy to use.

[Marlin]

Dane, note that I'm using the D1 Spec version, not the virtually identical but slightly cheaper JJR branded one. We DO have a JJR version on one of our cars but it hasn't done enough time for me to say if it's as good. I don't really see any reason why it won't be though.

I actually find the D1 better with less play than the Sparco unit, although the Sparco had been in use for three years as opposed to 18 months or so. Regardless, the enormous price difference will more than make up for any possible shortcoming in it's longevity in my opinion.

[badhairdave]

how do you guys go for space when using these things? I suppose you have an advantage in a 32 as it has adjustable reach so you can play a bit but in the s13 which doesn't i'd end up with the steering wheel in my face once i add 3 inches of quick release.

[BOZ22N]

Dave i had the same problem in my R33. I had to ditch the expensive jap steering boss and make my own which allowed the nut to recess into the D1 quick release. I will put up photos in my build thread soon. In the end when you sat a std wheel face down and my rpm wheel with the bosses attached the rpm one was only 10 mm higher.

[Marlin]

how do you guys go for space when using these things? I suppose you have an advantage in a 32 as it has adjustable reach so you can play a bit but in the s13 which doesn't i'd end up with the steering wheel in my face once i add 3 inches of quick release.

On the GT4 we ran into this problem, but found it ok once we ditched the dished steering wheel and sourced a more suitable flat wheel.

[FineLine]

On the GT4 we ran into this problem, but found it ok once we ditched the dished steering wheel and sourced a more suitable flat wheel.

It works out well for me. My wheel has a bit of dish too. I have longish legs so I need the seat back a bit to give my knees some clearance. The quick disconnect has the advantage of bringing the wheel closer to me when my legs are comfy.

[Duncan]

I've been running the JJR one for years too without problem (except i lost the double locking pin...but still no chance of it falling off).

I also run a flat wheel to make up for the extra column length and don't mind a steering wheel closer

[phunky_monkey]

Dane, note that I'm using the D1 Spec version, not the virtually identical but slightly cheaper JJR branded one. We DO have a JJR version on one of our cars but it hasn't done enough time for me to say if it's as good. I don't really see any reason why it won't be though.

I actually find the D1 better with less play than the Sparco unit, although the Sparco had been in use for three years as opposed to 18 months or so. Regardless, the enormous price difference will more than make up for any possible shortcoming in it's longevity in my opinion.

Ahhh ok, thanks Ben. Looks like this may be the go then considering how cheap they are. If it gets any play in it I'll bin it and get a fresh one.

Dave: I get away with it as I'm 6'4. I just went to a flat steering wheel instead of a dished wheel and it's sits perfectly.

Thanks for the help all!

[Beer Baron]

have used a sparco one for a few years and it was good but still not fool proof. a mate once didn't connect it properly and had the wheel come off in his hands (not cool in a GT3 cup car!). as the others said it's also a bit tricky to bang the wheel on if it's not straight (this was the problem the mate had).

I've used about 5 of the just jap "D1 spec" branded ones and have no complaints. one of mine I've now used in 2 cars and it's been good for 3 years or more. another one went into a group N touring car (alfa) that gets lots of action and never a problem there either. the little locking pin shits me so I remove that as with the cuff being spring loaded there's little chance of you accidentally pulling the wheel off.

to be honest I can't see how the works bell one would be any better as it's exactly the same design as the imitation ones. it may use better materials but I personally don't think so.

the one you have looks odd? with those big drive surfaces I can see how it would easily have some play in it.

I would try the china one. they are only about $80 or so. if you don't like it flog it for $50 (max of $30 spent in 'testing') and then buy the $300 sparco one.

[Beer Baron]

the other good thing I forgot to add about the ball type ones is that you can put the wheel on any way you like and then spin it into position. it will only lock on once it's in the right orientation which is good. where as the sparco one you have to put it straight on the right way.

[Marlin]

Exactly, even if your wheels aren't straight you just place it on and turn it until it clicks home. Fool proof.

I remember one car I drove had your current hex style fitting, and it was sloppy, no good at all.

[Beer Baron]

Dane I figured out what's wrong with your set-up. your stack dash is interfering with the quick release and making it sloppy. take the dash out and send it to me and I'll evaluate it for a while in my car just to make sure it's ok and that it's compatible with a ball type quick release. I'd hate for you to go out and buy one only to find that it's not compatible with the stack dash as well. it'll probably take me a while though, coupla years. beautiful.

[phunky_monkey]

I've been thinking that all along myself Richard! It's in the mail as we speak. That RZ of yours hasn't rocked up to my place yet though... I think we'll need to speak with the post office and find out what the go is

Ok, I am well sold yeah Very minimal investment to try out the D1 quick release, and if I'm not happy with it I'll grab a Sparco (from all reports I'm sure I will be though). Should have bought it in the first place and saved myself a few hundred. Dang...

[Beer Baron]

if you don't like the D1 spec I'll grab it off you mate. I need another one soon. the sparco is good and sturdy but at triple the price I can't see myself buying one again. it's nice, and the splines look cool and do work, but the design the D1spec copies is sound too.

[phunky_monkey]

Cheers mate, thanks for the help

If you take into consideration the aussie prices for both, it's pretty hard to justify the Sparco if the D1 works well. $700 at Revolution, ouch! Though a lot cheaper out of the 'states.