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Best Steering Wheel Hub

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#1
OrangeCrush86

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My car has an old spline style hub. The splines are welded to the steering shaft. It works, but it has a ton of slop and I find it really annoying.

 

What is the best option to replace this? I'm looking for as close to zero play as I can get.

 

Also, will I need to cut the welded spline piece off to change to a better hub? I'm guessing it's very difficult to change out the steering wheel shaft...


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#2
Jim Drago

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My car has an old spline style hub. The splines are welded to the steering shaft. It works, but it has a ton of slop and I find it really annoying.

 

What is the best option to replace this? I'm looking for as close to zero play as I can get.

 

Also, will I need to cut the welded spline piece off to change to a better hub? I'm guessing it's very difficult to change out the steering wheel shaft...

 

the best hub is the miata cage hub adapter and quick release.  

The best one on a little less budget IMO is the NRG. there are several versions of the NRG hub adapter and some chinese knockoffs, be careful 

 

It will be much easier to just replace your column. They are cheap, probably even free if you look hard enough


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#3
trimless

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I have used the NRG on my last 3 cars and they work great.

+1 on replacing the steering column also.


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#4
Steve Scheifler

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We use the Miata Cage hub adapter (short, light weight and nicely made) and the NRG 2.8 black diamond quick release (they make several versions). I don’t know about “budget” but find them to be very good.

But overall spacing needs to be considered including wheel depth, so measure what you have.
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#5
OrangeCrush86

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I want a version that is closer to the dash than stock.

 

Anyone have a good condition steering column laying around they are willing to sell? My car is a 1990 if it makes a difference.


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#6
ChaseH

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I use the NRG short hub and 2.5 quick release. No slop and it works great. I removed the silver lock pin from the quick release and the horn components from the hub. 


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#7
Adax

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I've used a generic splined, Works Bell, NRG, Sparco, Krontec, and Miata Cage.

 

I agree with Jim. The one Miata Cage sells is by far the best one I have used, well worth the price of two tires. Zero play, one hand release and connect, simple.

 

http://www.miatacage...uick-disconnect

 

It's better than the Krontec but the Krontec is weld-on which may be an advantage WRT placement.

 

https://www.bimmerwo...ASABEgLfvPD_BwE

 

Works Bell is the original ball-bearing type I think and is a nice piece but more complex.

 

https://www.enjukura...ease-black.html

 

I'm pretty sure all NRG's are from China and are knock-offs of the original Works Bell design but they seem to be well made and work just as well.

 

I've personally witnessed two catastrophic disconnects while racing. Spend the money on a quality piece.

 

AC


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#8
Mark

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Without a doubt the miatacage design is the best IMO. I used to use the NRG's but they had a tendency to jam and refuse to latch when they got some dirt in the balls. This always seemed to happen when we were late to grid. Go figure. NRGs are also a bit heavy. The NRG short hub adapter is really nice though if you need to move the wheel forward. 


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#9
Steve Scheifler

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Some great information here. Having read through it I would add that I was initially skeptical of NRG due to its apparent popularity among “kids”, but ordered one to see. I don’t recall the model but it seemed very well made. What I didn’t like was the “wings” design of the QR mechanism so when building the next cars I went with the 2.8 which I operate easily with one hand. I haven’t had any issues caused by dirt in the bearings even on the older ones but I can see how that might happen if not kept clean and lightly lubricated.
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#10
bones240z

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+1 for the Miata Cage Quick Disconnect and adapter. I used some blue Loctite for all the connections. Positive connection, zero play, no difficulty aligning which happened on occasion with my previous quick disconnect. Near or far is a matter of preference. I love pulling up to a stop light and seeing and old gal sitting so close to the wheel she can steer with her lady parts. Reminds me of some of the Nascar driver setups.


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#11
Ron Alan

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I want a version that is closer to the dash than stock.

 

Anyone have a good condition steering column laying around they are willing to sell? My car is a 1990 if it makes a difference.

I probably have 5 columns laying around with ignition and a key...as I'm sure Jim does. I would hope you can find something local cheaper than a few bucks and shipping...but if not reach out! I also have a bolt on NRG that came off a street car I salvaged...I cant imagine getting any closer to the dash than this version. But +1 on what Sean at MC will sell you!! I run his stuff!


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