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The photos above and below show the quick release steering hub installed on an E30 M3. Note that the stalks on the steering column are a long way from the steering wheel. This may seem awkward but it really works out quite nicely. It is actually a benefit during a hectic auto-x run as there is less likelihood of accidentally turning you wipers or turn signals on 8) And when the wipers or turn signals are required, they are still at the tips of your fingers. |
Note that with the standard length coupler you will not be able to install the horn button
in the center of the steering wheel, even for esthetics. The three bolts which attach the
coupler to the Q/R mechanism interfere with the horn button. With the longer steering
wheel coupler it is possible to install the horn button if you prefer the look - however it will
not be functional. You can rig up a button on the spokes of the steering wheel or something to
that effect, if you really wish to retain horn functionality.
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This is how the steering column looks with the steering wheel removed. One obvious implication of
this photo is that the Q/R hub can act as a very good theft deterrent! There are 19 splines on the quick release
mechanism. This is quite a few less than the number of splines on the end of the factory steering
shaft. But this is not a problem. The fine splines on the steering shaft are intended to allow
the steering wheel to be centered, and they still serve this function. The lower number of splines
on the quick release just means that if you put the wheel on "a spline off" then it will be quite
obvious (it will be 19° off-center).
The number of splines has no bearing on the amount of play (or lash) that remains in the quick release mechanism once the steering wheel is installed. There will always be some small amount of play with a quick-release hub using a splined coupler. To eliminate the play completely would imply an interference fit, and that would make it very difficult to get the steering wheel on and off. But with proper machining the amount of play can be held to a minimum. On the Terazoom hub there is a very small amount of play, but it also takes quite a bit of care to line up the steering wheel in order to mount it. If there were any less play it would be impossible to get the steering wheel back on. To reiterate, the number of splines has nothing to do with the amount of play. If you need 0.002" (for example) of clearance to allow the steering wheel to come on and off (in all types of temperatures), then you will have app. 0.002" radial arc of play, regardless of the number of splines. The only way to reduce this play would be to increase the diameter of the splined section. That is not feasible within the scope of the Momo steering wheel bolt pattern.
There are some new types of quick release steering hubs coming onto the
market which are designed to work without a splined interface and can yield essentially zero
play when connected. Porsche markets one such device (for the GT-3). It uses a very strange
looking interface but reportedly works quite well, however it is very expensive (close to $1000).
There is also a unique product offered by
Snap Off.
which is TUV approved and quite inexpensive.
This quick release mechanism also offers no play when connected by virtue of its design.
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