Quick Release steering hub

[Charlie]

Hi can anyone tel me if the quick release Ariel uses on the atom 4 is the sparco one black and gold as I have the chance of one cheap.

[John Scherrer]

Here's a previous post showing the early SPA hub and the later Lifeline version.

viewtopic.php?f=23&t=15911&p=273816



This post shows a photo of the hub fitted to a '4'

viewtopic.php?f=60&t=18166&p=303110
Hope this helps ..

[Charlie]

Ok that’s great info thanks can I just clarify if you know if they hub is bolt on or are they actually the welded on version?

[John Scherrer]

Sorry, I don’t know but I suspect the latter ..

[stupot]

The splined part is welded to the top steering column shaft

[Charlie]

The splined part is welded to the top steering column shaft

Ok thanks for the info

[Sir Nick]

This the power of the owners forum right here! Well done all!

[Atlarge]

Quick word of caution if you want to one to one swap out the quick releases from one make to another - the splines are not all clocked the same, which means either a realignment to straighten the wheel or replacement of the bung...

On my A3 I have the Spa version and wanted to replace it with the lifeline one, it’s fits the splines but the wheel is off by 30’ or so and I didn’t want to mess with the alignment etc.

[Charlie]

Quick word of caution if you want to one to one swap out the quick releases from one make to another - the splines are not all clocked the same, which means either a realignment to straighten the wheel or replacement of the bung...

On my A3 I have the Spa version and wanted to replace it with the lifeline one, it’s fits the splines but the wheel is off by 30’ or so and I didn’t want to mess with the alignment etc.

Hi thanks for the info but as I do not already have a quick release fitted this could mean as I want to fit a weld on one to keep the steering wheel same distance away I may have to grind splines off which I have seen some people do online and I really do not want to do on a brand new car I have emailed Ariel with a few other questions and their service dept. are going to phone me it is a lifeline the same as Ariel use I want to fit but I now believe there is much more to it than originally perceived and beginning to wonder if I should have just got Ariel to do it in the first place regards. Charlie

[Atlarge]

[mention]Charlie[/mention] I was about to suggest the same thing, I think there are a few DIY jobs that are easy to do but messing with the steering in general isn’t one of them in my humble opinion. I have the quick release and often think I could do without it (they wear eventually and introduce play etc) they look good but I personally rarely use it - unless your a tall fella? ;-)

[Charlie]

@Charlie I was about to suggest the same thing, I think there are a few DIY jobs that are easy to do but messing with the steering in general isn’t one of them in my humble opinion. I have the quick release and often think I could do without it (they wear eventually and introduce play etc) they look good but I personally rarely use it - unless your a tall fella? ;-)

Thanks for your advice I have spoken to the factory and it appears there is much more to it than I thought and I think if I wanted it it would should really of been to order it during build as they said they use a different steering column unless anyone I have picked up wrong and anyone can advise different. And I am 6’1” I don’t have a problem getting in the car with wheel in place I just thought it was a bit extra security if I could take the wheel off.

[stupot]

I replaced the SPA on my 3 as it was worn with the Lifeline by ordering the new upper steering column shaft, with the spline already welded on, and QR hub from Ariel. Just had to swap them over.

[Fastlane]

I had a quick release steering wheel on my Westfield and IMHO really wouldn't bother with one again, unless you have an access issue with it in place. I really don't think a joy rider would steal an Atom as it is far too visible, the parts are not valuable (except to another Atom) and if a professional really wants to steal it, they'd can just load it onto a trailer using a pair of wheel dollies or a lift.
Personally, I felt like a complete plonker walking around with my steering wheel, so in the end I would leave it in place, and then worry someone might steal the wheel...

[Atlarge]

[mention]stupot[/mention] how is the lifeline holding up? I might see if I can get the upper column from Ariel too, how was it to replace?

[stupot]

Sold the car in 2019 but up to then was fine with less play over longer period than the SPA. I think you have to accept some play is inevitable over time/mileage. I think it’s the alloy QR that wears vs the actual column splines.

Very easy to change with some care needed to get the key spline in the correct orientation so steered wheel was straight. Well worth doing if you have a SPA.