Anyone have any experience with cheap, 6-bolt (70 mm pcd) steering quick releases? I need one for the Challenge car if I'm to get in or out of this thing in less than 10 minutes and without injuring myself. The steering wheel is your typical 6 bolt affair, so I can't use one of those 3 bolt releases from Speedway without fabricating an adapter to bolt to the release and the hub already on the column. I'm thinking something like this (Universal Sports Steering Wheel Quick Release Snap Off Boss Kit Hub Adapter Red | eBay) but I worry about just how sketchy one would be.........and I'm already asking myself how much value I place on my sorry old butt, so no need to ask that.
I have one similar to that and its been fine for general use (mine has a twist lock solution to it). I know some of the LeMons/Chump, etc. teams used some with not so good results just due to the added cycles of endurance racing.
Biggest issues seem to be around the hardware loosening up over time, so nut/bolt on a routine basis on top of proper amounts of loctite/safety wire is critical. The other issue is around the adapters themselves loosening up and adding some slop in the steering. That can't really be resolved without replacement.
For a Challenge car, you should be fine as long as you take proper precautions.
There is very little that scares me on track more than the thought of loosing control of the wheels in charge of steering..... Also junk can be a pain.
In reply to Olemiss540 :
I had the welded-on hex on my Specmiata break off during qualifying at turn #5 Waterford Hills. I have never pushed soooo hard on a steering wheel ! Someone pointed me in the direction of a local professional welder to repair it. He asked "What idiot welded this ?!?!"....at that point I had to put my hand up.
I found that the cheap ones are not machined that well and have a certain degree of "slop" is there from the beginning or it develops in short order. You get what you pay for IMO.
I have a splined type with a ring you pull toward you to release in my sevens type car. I don't race it but the ease of use makes it very easy getting in and out of car. I also like the spline as it makes it easy to align the wheel both for initial installation and everyday use. There is also less slop/play then the hex type. Downside is they are more expensive. I have installed a couple now and install the splined adapter to steering shaft with a spring roll pin and then also weld it in place. I like the assurance of doing both.
In reply to pirate :
I like the roll pin idea.
In reply to DeadSkunk (Warren) :
Budget limited as you are the savings may be worth it for the short length of the challenge.
If it's an absolute requirement. Perhaps a smaller steering wheel or maybe even removing a section of the steering wheel?
Remember a smaller steering wheel will give you a faster ratio( at the cost of more muscle required to turn it , which should only be an issue in parking)
Along those lines I used a Vega GT steering wheel on my 74 Corvette because it fit. Junk yard shopping might offer you a smaller diameter wheel or a steering shaft that works to fit the smaller wheel.
I made a bushing out of JB Weld by coating the shaft with oil and stuffing it into a tube. It lasted a whole season of wheel to wheel racing until I had the time to make a proper aluminum bushing.
In reply to frenchyd :
Well, the car currently has no power steering and a V8 in it, so a smaller wheel isn't in the cards, it's only about 330mm as it is. I'll likely just go buy an Ebay Chinesium special for a weekend of use. If I keep the car afterwards and want to put proper parts on it, I can.
In reply to pirate :
Is your quick release a cheapo or a good one?
This is relevant to me. Following.
I have had a ball lock style NRG in my Exocet that has had five years (or more?) of use on it, without issue, and still is tight.
Legit NRG are good. It's what I use. Watch for knockoffs, if the price is too good to be true it's too good to be true.
Used to have a welded spline. It worked pretty well (no slip) but did not self-index so getting the wheel on straight was a bit hit or miss.
It was a good one. Aluminum ring assembly with steel female spline and all steel steering shaft adapter. Don't recall brand off top of head nor cost but over $100.00 at time. I've been looking for another for dune buggy project and found quite a few splined types on Speedway, Summit and Amazon
We use an NRG quick release in the Elantra and its been great. As Keith said there are knock offs out there for around 1/2 of what NRG actually charges. Just make sure to order directly off their website versus ebay. We went with an SFI rated version and it is very easy to use. They also have a great selection of wheels available on top of it all.
So far, Stefan is the only one who has input on cheap releases. Remember this is for a Challenge build, there won't be a hundred dollar unit on it, or at least not until after the Challenge. Thanks for your inputs none the less.
Okay, I went ahead and ordered the cheapest EBay release I could find in a 70mm size ($17) and it arrived today. I had to chuckle when the paper came out of the box.....Keith's "favorite" coilover supplier also does steering wheel releases......LOL
I removed the chintzy electrical bits as they won't be needed. The unit seems pretty solid,but I'll reserve judgement until it's installed and I can beat on it a bit.......
The cap screws will all be replaced......there are no alignment markings, so I'll have to paint a line or something......
I never had a complaint about MaxPeeDingrod's machining. It was their design and QC and specification that was the problem. But as long as this passes initial inspection, I would be pretty confident in it.
When I was using my splined QR, I had a line painted on the column to increase my odds of getting the wheel on straight.
Of course, you've just wasted $17 of your budget ;) Simply remove the cap screws to remove the wheel. Sure, takes a little longer but what's the rush? You can include a $0.50 allen wrench in the budget.
In reply to Keith Tanner :
LOL, at my age I can kinda drop into the seat, it's getting out that's the bigger issue. Carrying an Allen wrench down the strip for emergency use doesn't sound effective, despite the appeal of not spending the $17.
