Broken Steering Wheel

[Iainl]

Took the car out for a spin yesterday afternoon and one of the three metal spokes snapped on the steering wheel

Luckily I wasn't to far from home and was able to get back, I'm guessing using the paddle shift all the time weaken it as it was flexing every time I changed gear

Therefore just been to Merlin and brought a new Momo one which seems to be a bit more sturdy then the last one

[Moleman]

That's the first time I heard of that happening mate. 

[Iancider]

That's a lesson to us all but there are some indications.  The grey crystalline end to the split indicates metal fatigue.  There should be generous radii and there isn't and the boss plate and spokes just look too thin.  When using Ali you need about twice the thickness of steel to gain the same strength.  Where it split was a focus point for stress due to the lack of radii and metal.  Others like this will fail in time.

Thanks for sharing it.
Ian

[fullpint]

I agree with you on that Colin.. The bigger the radius the better. You can have the same problems when it comes to the rim profile of wheels 

[damouk]

I have the same wheel in the v-storm, the guy I bought the car told me he had heard of a few of these wheels fail in the same way.

Did it also fail along the score line where the leather was trimmed?

[Iainl]

I have the same wheel in the v-storm, the guy I bought the car told me he had heard of a few of these wheels fail in the same way.

Did it also fail along the score line where the leather was trimmed?

Yes right on the score line, have you also got a paddle shift as I guess using that weakens it as you pull against the steering wheel to change gear

['The Gaffer']

That could have been dangerous

[damouk]

I have the same wheel in the v-storm, the guy I bought the car told me he had heard of a few of these wheels fail in the same way.

Did it also fail along the score line where the leather was trimmed?

Yes right on the score line, have you also got a paddle shift as I guess using that weakens it as you pull against the steering wheel to change gear

That figures, no (un)fortunately not just standard h pattern for me, but it is very tempting for me to use the wheel as I get out, maybe time to look for an alternative :S

[SPAXIMUS]

There is no way a quality wheel should snap like that. In my opinion it is the choice of material that has caused it. Alloy and steel comes in many guises and choosing the right grade is crucial.

Cheap is rarely the best in all things.

[Pilgrim Anna]

Goodness! I would have freaked out. Glad your o.k.