Steering Wheel Quick Disconnect, for 7/8 Shaft 3 Bolt Style

OVERVIEW

Upgrade your cockpit with the EMPI Steering Wheel Quick Disconnect, a premium solution designed specifically for the rigorous demands of off-road racing, sand rails, and custom air-cooled VW builds. Whether you are navigating the tight confines of a tube-chassis dune buggy or building a high-performance Baja Bug, the ability to remove your steering wheel in seconds is more than just a convenience; it is a critical safety and security feature. This quick-release hub utilizes a high-strength splined shaft and a precision-engineered pull-ring mechanism that ensures a rock-solid connection when engaged, providing the driver with immediate tactile feedback and zero-slop steering response. When you are ready to exit the vehicle or park it in an unsecured area, a simple pull of the gold-anodized ring releases the wheel, making it nearly impossible for thieves to drive away with your prized machine.

Constructed with the legendary quality that EMPI is known for, this unit features a heavy-duty steel slug designed to be welded directly onto a 7/8-inch outside diameter steering shaft. The hub itself is machined from high-grade aluminum, offering a perfect balance between lightweight performance and long-term durability. The 3-bolt mounting pattern is the industry standard for off-road competition wheels, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of aftermarket steering options. By moving the wheel closer to the driver or allowing for easier entry and exit in vehicles with wrap-around seats and roll cages, this quick disconnect is an essential upgrade for any serious VW enthusiast looking to professionalize their interior setup while adding a layer of functional theft deterrance.

FITMENT

• Dune Buggies: All custom tube-frame models utilizing a 7/8-inch OD steering column.
• Sand Rails: Long-travel and standard rails with aftermarket steering shafts.
• Baja Bugs: Custom builds featuring 7/8-inch steering shaft conversions.
• Manx-Style Buggies: Ideal for street or trail versions with modified steering setups.
• Off-Road Race Cars: Class 1, Class 5-1600, and Class 9 vehicles using 3-bolt steering wheels.
• Universal Application: Any vehicle equipped with a 7/8-inch diameter steering shaft.

SPECS

• Brand: EMPI
• Part Number: 17-2570-0
• Shaft Compatibility: Fits 7/8-inch (0.875") Outside Diameter steering shafts.
• Bolt Pattern: Standard 3-bolt style for off-road steering wheels.
• Mechanism Type: Spring-loaded pull-ring quick release.
• Attachment Method: Inner steel slug requires professional welding to the steering shaft.
• Materials: High-tensile steel weld-on slug and machined aluminum hub assembly.
• Finish: Bright gold-anodized pull ring for high visibility and corrosion resistance.
• Spline Count: Precision multi-spline design for tight fitment and multiple clocking positions.

PRO TIPS

1. Prioritize Precision Welding and Heat Management

Since the inner steel slug must be welded directly to your 7/8-inch steering shaft, it is absolutely vital that you use a high-quality TIG or MIG welder. Before you begin, ensure the steering shaft is cut perfectly square and all burrs are removed. When welding, work in small sections or use a heat sink to prevent excessive heat soak from reaching the splined area. If the splines warp due to overheating, the aluminum hub will not slide on smoothly. Always double-check your steering wheel clocking (centering) before tacking the slug in place, as you want your wheel straight when the tires are pointed forward.

2. Regular Maintenance for Zero-Bind Operation

Off-road environments are brutal on moving parts, and your quick disconnect is no exception. Dust, silt, and sand can work their way into the splines and the spring-loaded locking mechanism. We recommend cleaning the splines periodically with a dry contact cleaner and applying a very light film of dry graphite lubricant or a high-quality synthetic grease. Avoid heavy oils that attract dirt. By keeping the splines clean and lightly lubed, you ensure that the wheel always pops off instantly during an emergency and locks securely without having to "jiggle" it into place.

3. Verify Bolt Pattern and Hardware Torque

This unit is specifically designed for the 3-bolt "off-road" pattern. If you are trying to adapt a 5-bolt or 6-bolt street wheel (like a Grant or Momo), you will need an additional adapter plate. When bolting your steering wheel to the aluminum hub, always use blue thread-locking compound on the three mounting bolts. Vibrations from rough terrain can loosen these bolts over time. Check the torque of these fasteners as part of your pre-race or pre-ride inspection to ensure the wheel remains safely attached to the hub at all times during operation.