Steering Hubs & Quick Release

A steering hub, or boss kit, adapts the car’s steering column to take an aftermarket steering wheel. A quick release lets you pull the wheel off for easier entry and exit or as a security measure. The category also carries the adapter rings that join different parts.

Hubs are specific to the steering column, so they are listed by car model and generation. The wheel side of the hub uses a standard bolt pattern, most often six bolts on a 70 mm or 74 mm circle. Check that the wheel, hub and any quick release share the same pattern, or use an adapter ring. Quick releases come in different locking styles, for example hex or ball-lock types.

Think about the column before ordering:

• Airbag: on cars built with a driver’s airbag, fitting an aftermarket wheel removes it, and the car will show an airbag warning unless the system is dealt with. Check what is allowed for road use first.
• Steering angle sensor: modern cars may have one for the stability control, and it must stay in place and be centred.
• Horn and indicators: the horn needs a contact or button in the new wheel, and self-cancelling indicators may no longer cancel with some hubs.

Fit the hub with the road wheels straight ahead so the new wheel sits level, torque the column nut to the maker’s figure and lock it as specified. A quick release adds length to the column, so check the driving position with it fitted before cutting or moving anything else.