Safety Equipment - Steering Hub

[YoursTruly]

I am looking to put an aftermarket steering wheel in my Miata with a quick release to make ingress and egress a bit easier. I read the tiny section on steering in the most current GCR and it basically just outlaws wooden steering wheels. I want to do some TT, and by "do" I mean "lose", so I am trying to make sure my car is legal when it is done.

Do I need a crush-type hub for my wheel?

Beyond getting high quality parts, are there certifications I need to meet with my choice in wheel, quick release, and hub?

[JohnW8]

After a quick search, I can't find any requirements for the quick release steering wheel hub. There are bolt on as well as weld on versions. Rich has only checked to make sure the wheel was latched on my car. He never has had any specific requirements for a steering wheel hub.

[YoursTruly]

I would like to use a bolt-on hub. OMP makes a crush-type unit, but I think the factory steering column is designed to collapse. If a simple adapter and quick-release is fine, then I would prefer to save money/trouble and do that.

[JohnW8]

Be sure it's not go kart parts. ;-)

[YoursTruly]

Isn't a miata a go kart?

[cdambrose]

No, it's more of a purse.

[YoursTruly]

Touché

[fwman1]

If you go with a quick release style, try to go with a quality unit. There was a fellow on MX5ATL that was in an accident (not harnessed, just belts). His wheel broke at the rim. The spoke went into his chest and almost killed him. I don't think I'd run a quick release wheel unless I was harnessed in. They are not really designed to use with modern seat belts, imo.

http://www.mx5atlanta.com/forums/showthread.php?24583-Fellow-member-in-hospital-following-car-crash&p=294896#post294896

[JohnW8]

If you go with a quick release style, try to go with a quality unit. There was a fellow on MX5ATL that was in an accident (not harnessed, just belts). His wheel broke at the rim. The spoke went into his chest and almost killed him. I don't think I'd run a quick release wheel unless I was harnessed in. They are not really designed to use with modern seat belts, imo.

http://www.mx5atlanta.com/forums/sho...896#post294896

Looks like the steering wheel was a Momo Indy. A wood rimmed wheel.

[farrout]

The other aspect of a Quick Release hub is that it allows you to customize placement of the steering wheel. I was able to install 1/2" spacer and move the wheel closer to my body. Seems like a small amount but it made a huge difference in overall seating comfort and control of the car.

[YoursTruly]

If you go with a quick release style, try to go with a quality unit. There was a fellow on MX5ATL that was in an accident (not harnessed, just belts). His wheel broke at the rim. The spoke went into his chest and almost killed him. I don't think I'd run a quick release wheel unless I was harnessed in. They are not really designed to use with modern seat belts, imo.

I am already using 6pt harnesses and I will definitely take this into consideration.

Looks like the steering wheel was a Momo Indy. A wood rimmed wheel.

Then I definitely want a suede wrapped metal wheel.

The other aspect of a Quick Release hub is that it allows you to customize placement of the steering wheel. I was able to install 1/2" spacer and move the wheel closer to my body. Seems like a small amount but it made a huge difference in overall seating comfort and control of the car.

I am very much looking forward to making room for my legs and elbows.

[JohnW8]

I'm really surprised that there aren't some kind of certification requirement for quick release hubs. One would think that would be considered an important piece of hardware since it connects the steering wheel to the car.

[Fusion Works]

MOMO and Sparco sell the "collapsible" type of hub adaptor. NRG sells the low profile style. As for quick releases, The NRG is the only style I recommend. They can only be installed in the correct position and they have no play typical of the race only style .

[DelanieC]

I've been using the NRG 2.5 for a couple years now. It actually maintains the horn button which gets a good bit of use at track days.

[Fusion Works]

I've been using the NRG 2.5 for a couple years now. It actually maintains the horn button which gets a good bit of use at track days.

You mean to signal those pesky CRXs that you see them eating up your bumper?

Probably could have used that horn to move those Corvette owners out of the way.