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Thread: Steering wheel quick release - Which type and how they work?

  1. #1
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    Steering wheel quick release - Which type and how they work?

    I've had no success with google search trying to understand which type of quick release is used in what situation and how they differ in design. I'm hoping experienced drivers can reply here and explain what are the advantages and disadvantages of Type A and Type B quick release / snap off as I want to make a wise decision before I purchase one. Currently I'm using Hub adapter with 60mm Spacer and flat steering wheel.

    Type A
    http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/oncirr...-swhl-boss.jpg
    http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e3...e/IMG_0552.jpg
    This seems to be called a spline quick release and I often see it inside hardcore race cars, but I have feeling that is mainly because every weld on QR uses this design. Fortunately you can buy a bolt on that goes onto your hub and it looks exactly the same. It's often advertised as the quickest way to remove the steering wheel, using splined master locking system, a much better sturdy mechanism compared to the rest with zero play, horn button will be impossible with them, and they extend the steering wheel almost the same as my Sparco 60mm spacer.

    Type B
    http://www.hidlightsusa.com/images/p...QR-RD_full.jpg
    http://media.fastcar.co.uk/wp-conten...-Recaros15.jpg
    This is the most common one I see for sale and fitted on almost performance car. It's using ball bearings locking mechanism which is spring loaded, so even if the metal balls wear out after some use they are still being pushed to provide solid lock. Unforunately I hear that non branded units from Ebay have some play in them or sometimes even a ball bearing falls off and needs to be seated again. They come in normal version which looks about the same as Sparco 60mm spacer and a slim version that is probably 25-30mm. It can be used with a horn and it's strictly a bolt on unit to your existing hub.

    So any thoughts on which one would you choose and why? With a spline QR can you not just slip a OEM wheel, while your aftermarket one is off? I'd really appreciate some feedback and I feel it maybe useful to many others. Thanks

  2. #2
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    I like and use the NRG quick release. Relatively inexpensive but really well made and attractive. Easy, bolt-in install, and no slop whatsoever. Comes in several colors/

    http://www.racinglab.com/nrg-quick-release-g2.html

  3. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by RingoZabel View Post
    I like and use the NRG quick release. Relatively inexpensive but really well made and attractive. Easy, bolt-in install, and no slop whatsoever. Comes in several colors/

    http://www.racinglab.com/nrg-quick-release-g2.html
    +1 cant be beat for the price and the only none I know that retains the Horn. It is marketed as many brands (Rogue etc.) but they are easy to spot. You will need the Carbon Horn pin from TCK racing and some mods to the wiring depending on the car. Oh and no airbag anymore that's your call, that's what the Hans Device is for.

  4. #4
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    This one is certainly not cheap, but is the nicest QR hub I have ever seen. It is a copy of a Porsche Motorsport part. Very slick. If I ever quit blowing up motors, I'll pick one up.

    http://www.stableenergies.com/Rothsp...uctinfo/RS-QR/
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    I read a list of the 100 things you MUST do before you die. Funny, "Yelling 'HELP'" didn't make the list!

  5. #5
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    Buy this, and you will be happiest ever.

    http://www.rogueengineering.com/mm5/..._Code=RE_QRHUB

  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by Evice View Post
    Buy this, and you will be happiest ever.

    http://www.rogueengineering.com/mm5/..._Code=RE_QRHUB
    +1 love mine - zero slop, self-centering so always goes on straight, able to do one-handed and doesn't cost an arm and a leg. Can retain the horn too if you still have it.
    '21 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon (blk/blk), '17 M3 (Tanzanite / Golden Brown)
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  7. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by roundelm5 View Post
    +1 love mine - zero slop, self-centering so always goes on straight, able to do one-handed and doesn't cost an arm and a leg. Can retain the horn too if you still have it.
    I can't agree more.. PLUS, it brings the wheel closer to you and further up from your legs (as an added benefit, for me)

    It was the best $120 I spent on this car!
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  8. #8
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    I like the Snap-Off QR. I think it is easier to get on an off and there is never any slop in the steering wheel.
    The car makes it possible, but the driver makes it happen.
    Jim Levie, Huntsville, AL

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by thejlevie View Post
    I like the Snap-Off QR. I think it is easier to get on an off and there is never any slop in the steering wheel.
    Yep, none of the above are even close.

    http://store.vacmotorsports.com/snap...ion-p1389.aspx

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by albrazzi View Post
    +1 cant be beat for the price and the only none I know that retains the Horn. It is marketed as many brands (Rogue etc.) but they are easy to spot.
    +2. I've had this on my car for 5yrs. It's nice and tight, and relatively inexpensive.

  11. #11
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    Quote Originally Posted by evice View Post
    buy this, and you will be happiest ever.

    http://www.rogueengineering.com/mm5/..._code=re_qrhub

    +100000000000

  12. #12
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    I'd say nrg. That's what I run on every car I've modded. Never had a problem. Short hub or regular whichever suits you. Mainly depends on dish of the steering wheel applied. Also retains horn. Seems like a personal opinion battle here though, but hey you have a good start. Now time for some trial and error. Good luck


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  13. #13
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    1 love mine - zero slop[IMG]http://www.**********.info/7.jpg[/IMG]
    Last edited by Lucas99; 05-31-2012 at 05:38 AM.

  14. #14
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    +1 Snap-Off

    It depends. I now use a SPA weld-on release because I have a custom rod and bearing for a steering column.

    But when I had the factory column, I was really happy with the Snap-Off release. I liked it so much that I kept it in case I ever need it in the future.

    It really depends where you want the wheel. With an OEM steering column, I found the seating position to be ideal and I didn't want to mess that up.

    The Snap-Off is low profile so it does not extend the wheel more than say an inch. Might even be less. So my seating position was still where I wanted it.

    The other hubs bring the wheel much closer to you - which I didn't like - for me...

    Correction... I don't think it is SPA that I am using after all. But it is of that type except it has a cam-profile shape instead of splines. i.e. you con't put it on wrong. Either way... Not applicable to this thread.
    Last edited by PCarroll; 05-31-2012 at 09:13 AM.
    Peter Carroll - http://www.driversmeeting.com/pcarroll
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  15. #15
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    I have a sparco splined QD and there is play. Ive also tried a friend's sparco and unknown brand splined QD and also has play. It seems to be the issue with that hub design. The plus is that it is very very light. It requires an external horn, which I purchased from sparco and attached at the base of the hub, and there is no safety button to prevent accidental detachment.

    I also had an nrg QD and it was great. The ball bearing design promotes no play and was very easy to re attach. Only con is the weight of the thing.

    I may eventually give snap off a try or the porche gt3 cup release

    https://www.dassport.com/store/produ...-Quick-Release
    Last edited by OppLock1; 05-31-2012 at 12:53 PM.

    Living Life Turn After Turn!

  16. #16
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    FWIW, I was trying to buy a part for my Snap Off unit, and I was told they are out of business by a vendor.
    I then called the numbers on their corporate website and got a Voicemail box.

    Anyone else heard that?
    jimmy p.


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  17. #17
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    I chose the Snap-off because of it's relatively thin profile. It uses "alignment" pins set at odd angles and spring loaded tapered pins. A simple design that actually works. In addition it's cheap.

    I've also played with whatever "Rothsport" or "Rennline" sells and it actually seems play free. Best way to describe it is the locking is similar to Krontec but the shape of the male and female portions is different. Again another design where the wheel can't be installed at the wrong angle. I think it's about 2" thick.
    2000 M Coupe
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  18. #18
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    Nrg

    I know the thread is kinda old but...

    If anyone is interested i can get a full NRG set up for cheapo. Quick release, hub and steering wheel.

    PM me if your interested.

    Order must be placed by thursday 10/04/12

  19. #19
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  20. #20
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mwlkns
    I know the thread is kinda old but...

    If anyone is interested i can get a full NRG set up for cheapo. Quick release, hub and steering wheel.

    PM me if your interested.

    Order must be placed by thursday 10/04/12
    Couldn't send PM:

    "What kind of deal can you get? I was looking recently and couldn't find a hub for an 83 Porche 944. Let me know what you can do, I'm definitely about to pull the trigger on a wheel since the car came with a Pepboys wheel. :/"

  21. #21
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    Quote Originally Posted by Evice View Post
    Buy this, and you will be happiest ever.

    http://www.rogueengineering.com/mm5/..._Code=RE_QRHUB
    Running this one with a Sparco hub adapter and NRG flat bottom wheel. Absolutely love this setup!

  22. #22
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mwlkns View Post
    I know the thread is kinda old but...

    If anyone is interested i can get a full NRG set up for cheapo. Quick release, hub and steering wheel.

    PM me if your interested.

    Order must be placed by thursday 10/04/12
    I need two! Is it too late? Price?

    I've been researching this for an hour---my google-fu is weak today, but all I want is part numbers/links for a complete, slop-free, inexpensive quick release setup. Everybody raves about this release adapter or that, but nobody talks about what else is needed. Even the OP already had a hub. I've got two E36 race cars for the 24 Hours of LeMons, and I want to add inexpensive quick release wheels for the larger guys. I don't need a horn. I can weld it or bolt it. The NRG kit seems to be the best deal, but for an extra $20, I'd probably go with the Rogue kit.
    I'd still need a wheel. I'm assuming one like this would do:
    ebay item #221033046064 (sorry, can't post links here yet, too new)

    What about the hub? What do I need?

  23. #23
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    http://i.imgur.com/0pvqi.jpg

    A friend gave me one of these. I haven't got around to test fit it but quality wise on his track car feels great and solid. Uses spline + bearing design. I will give a thorough review once I get it all sorted. Also LMAO at the guy selling quick releases that is even more expensive than LifeLine QR. 300$ Are you serious bro? Might as well buy a cheapola 60mm steering spacer and never mention the word quick release ever again.

  24. #24
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    I ran a LTB Autosports one in my Neon, loved it:



    Moved the wheel closer too.



    http://ltbautosports.com/ltbquicrelsp.html
    Vroom Vroom
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  25. #25
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    For those running the Rogue, do you know if it works with Nardi/Personal bolt patterns?


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