The steering wheel spokes are mirror polished and cast in silica sol stainless steel

OEM processing customization

Casting of the steering wheel spokes is a complex process. The mold is designed to hold the spokes in place and to contain the liquid metal. The mold is then closed, the resulting plastic hardening, and the finished steering wheel is ready for installation. The process begins with the preparation of the wheel. Then, the wheel is cleaned in a media blasting cabinet. The rim is then sanded to a smooth finish.

To create steering wheel spokes, one has to use a forging process. Forging involves forcing a billet of aluminum between two forging dies under very high pressure, resulting in a hefty product that can be light yet strong. Moreover, the process requires costly tooling, development, and equipment, so forging is typically very expensive in the aftermarket.

In addition to the spokes, a steering wheel’s hub is a complex structure. These wheels are typically made of solid aluminum billet. The diameter of the steering wheel is generally 13-1/2″ and the height of the knob is 3-1/4-inch. The rim itself is about five-six inches wide. The smallest spokes on a car are called “speakerless,” and can be molded into a conical shape to prevent a clunky appearance.