A quick release must do two jobs equally well: let you change steering wheels quickly and transmit direct-drive torque without detectable movement. The Sim-Lab XERO-PLAY system separates the parts into a motor-side base and a matching wheel-side adapter. Choosing the correct bolt pattern is therefore the most important step before installation.
How the XERO-PLAY system works
Sim-Lab machines the quick release from alloy-steel components for a rigid connection under direct-drive forces and vibration. The motor side uses a conical shaft to centre the wheel side. To remove a wheel, pull the release ring and slide the wheel-side assembly away from the base. The combined assembly height is 65 mm, so it also changes the steering-wheel distance by that amount.
The system uses a 70 mm industry-standard pattern on the base side, while optional wheel-side adapters translate the wheel’s rear mounting pattern. The Shopify catalogue currently offers complete motor-side combinations and separate wheel sides, which is useful when adding a second wheel to one wheelbase.
Choose the wheel-side adapter by measurement
70 mm standard
Select the 70 mm six-bolt adapter for wheels and hubs that use the common 70 mm pitch-circle diameter. Count the holes and measure the circle; “six bolts” alone does not prove that the diameter is 70 mm.
52 mm Fanatec pattern
The 52 mm option is intended for relevant Fanatec-style mounting patterns. Check the exact hub or wheel rear plate rather than assuming every Fanatec product shares the same interface.
50.8 mm Formula pattern
This adapter targets formula-style hardware with a 50.8 mm pattern. It is a distinct size, not an interchangeable name for 52 mm. Check current availability on the product page because individual adapter variants can be temporarily unavailable.
44.5 mm Stock Car pattern
The 44.5 mm option fits compatible stock-car-style wheels. Confirm whether your rim mounts directly or requires a separate button box or hub between the rim and XERO-PLAY.
Special note for Simucube 2
Sim-Lab explicitly states that Simucube 2 installations require either the Simucube Quick Release Wheel-side Kit SQR-WKIT-R2 or the Sim-Lab Simucube 2 Adapter. Do not treat the standard 70 mm base connection as a guarantee that it can replace the original Simucube interface without the required adapter.
Also remember that XERO-PLAY is a mechanical quick release. It does not automatically provide electrical contacts, wireless communication or USB passthrough. A USB wheel still needs its normal cable or a separately compatible electrical solution.
Installation sequence
- Power down the wheelbase. Disconnect power and USB before working around the shaft.
- Identify every interface. Record the wheelbase shaft adapter, motor-side bolt pattern, wheel-side PCD and required fastener length.
- Install the motor side. Centre it on the relevant hub or adapter and start all fasteners by hand.
- Tighten in a crossing pattern. Follow the wheelbase and hub manufacturer’s torque guidance; do not guess a torque value for small fasteners.
- Attach the correct wheel side. Use bolts that engage safely without bottoming out inside the steering wheel.
- Connect the two halves. Pull the ring, seat the wheel side fully on the cone and release the ring.
- Set tension if required. Use the included Allen key and the Sim-Lab instructions; adjust only enough to remove play while retaining reliable release.
- Test unpowered. Pull, push and twist the rim, then remove and refit it several times before enabling force feedback.
How to diagnose movement correctly
Movement at the steering wheel does not always originate inside the quick release. Hold the wheelbase shaft, motor-side base and wheel-side hub in turn while another person applies gentle alternating force to the rim. Check wheel-rim bolts, button-box housing, shaft adapter and cockpit wheel deck separately. Tightening the release cannot fix a flexible wheel plate or loose rim.
After the first high-force sessions, inspect the bolts and contact surfaces. Dust or debris on the cone can prevent full seating. Clean dry mating surfaces according to the manufacturer’s instructions; do not add grease unless Sim-Lab specifically directs it.
Building a multi-wheel setup
One motor side remains on the wheelbase, while each steering wheel receives its own correctly sized wheel side. Label USB cables and profiles for GT, Formula and round rims. Before swapping, turn force feedback off, support the wheel with both hands, release the ring and pull straight along the shaft. Never use the USB cable as a handle.
Compare complete variants on the XERO-PLAY motor-side product page and extra adapters on the XERO-PLAY wheel-side page. The official Sim-Lab specification page confirms the 65 mm assembly height, conical interface and Simucube 2 requirement.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need both a motor side and wheel side?
Yes. A working mechanical connection needs the motor-side base on the wheelbase and a compatible wheel-side adapter on the steering wheel.
Can one motor side support several wheels?
Yes. Fit the appropriate XERO-PLAY wheel side to each wheel, provided every adapter and bolt pattern is compatible.
Does XERO-PLAY carry USB data?
The verified version discussed here is a mechanical quick release. Continue using the wheel’s normal USB or wireless connection.
Which adapter should I buy if the patterns look almost identical?
Measure the pitch-circle diameter and check the wheel documentation. Never substitute 50.8, 52 and 70 mm based on appearance alone.
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