Steering Wheel Extension V2: When and How to Use One

By Sim-Lab - Making motorsports accessible | Published: 2026-10-17

Category: Product Reviews

A practical guide to choosing a sim racing wheel extension length, installing the Steering Wheel Extension V2 safely, and fixing the ergonomic problems it solves.

Quick answer

Use a steering wheel extension when your wheel sits too close to your chest, your arms are overly bent, or your wheel blocks the monitor. The Sim-Lab Steering Wheel Extension V2 is a CNC-machined billet aluminium spacer with a 70 mm x 6 bolt circle for M5 bolts, available in 50, 70, 120, and 200 mm lengths. Start with the shortest length that restores a slight elbow bend, then test before committing to a longer spacer.

What a wheel extension actually changes

A wheel extension moves the steering wheel closer to you without moving the wheelbase. That changes reach, elbow angle, and how much of the screen the rim covers. It does not change force feedback strength or pedal position, so treat it as an ergonomic adjustment, not a performance upgrade. The V2 extension is fully CNC machined from billet aluminium, anodized matte black, and lightweight: 114 g for the 70 mm version and 160 g for the 120 mm version. The 50 mm and 200 mm weights are not supplied, so plan around the listed figures rather than guessing.

Pick the length before you buy

Measure the gap between your chest and the wheel rim with your shoulders against the seat back. If that gap is under roughly a hand's width, a short extension usually helps. Longer extensions suit rigs where the wheelbase is mounted far forward or the seat is reclined deeply. Because the V2 comes in 50, 70, 120, and 200 mm lengths, you can solve most reach problems in one step, but jumping straight to 200 mm often overshoots and forces you to move the whole wheelbase back.

Check bolt pattern and hardware first

The V2 uses a 70 mm x 6 bolt circle suited for M5 bolts, which matches common sim racing wheel-side patterns. Confirm your wheel and quick release use the same pattern before ordering. If you run a wheel with an unusual bolt circle, the extension will not fit without an adapter, and stacking adapters adds flex. Also check bolt length: the spacer consumes thread, so the original bolts may be too short once the extension is in place.

Watch the tradeoffs of longer spacers

Every extension adds a joint between wheel and wheelbase. A 50 mm spacer has little leverage; a 200 mm spacer puts more bending load on the bolts and the wheel-side flange. With strong direct drive torque, that makes bolt quality and torque checking more important, not less. The V2's billet aluminium body is rigid, but the connection points are still the limiting factor. If you need a very long extension, consider moving the wheelbase instead of adding length.

Step-by-step: installing and testing the extension

1. Measure your current reach: Sit in your driving position and measure from the wheel rim to your chest, then note your elbow angle. Write the numbers down so you can compare after the change. Checkpoint: if your elbows are already bent about 90 degrees and the rim is not blocking the screen, an extension may not help.
2. Choose the shortest length that fixes the gap: Use the measurement to select 50, 70, 120, or 200 mm. Err short: you can add length later, but an oversized spacer often forces the wheelbase backward. Common mistake: ordering 200 mm because it looks more dramatic, then finding the wheel too close.
3. Dry-fit the bolt pattern: Separate the wheel from the quick release and align the extension's 70 mm x 6 pattern with both sides. Confirm the M5 bolts engage enough thread on each side. Checkpoint: if the bolts only catch a few threads, source longer M5 bolts before driving.
4. Tighten in a cross pattern: Snug the bolts by hand, then torque them evenly in a star pattern so the spacer seats flat. Do not fully tighten one bolt before starting the others. Common mistake: overtightening one side first, which tilts the spacer and creates runout at the rim.
5. Recheck reach and screen clearance: Sit in the rig and confirm your elbows retain a slight bend and the rim does not cover the dashboard or apex references. Adjust seat or wheelbase position if needed. Checkpoint: if your arms are now overextended, the extension is too short for your current wheelbase position.
6. Re-torque after the first session: After your first drive, check bolt torque again, especially with a strong direct drive wheelbase. Add a periodic check to your maintenance routine. Common mistake: assuming a new joint stays tight forever; long extensions benefit most from rechecking.

Product facts that affect your decision

Steering Wheel Extension V2, Billet Aluminium: CNC machined from billet aluminium, anodized matte black, with a 70 mm x 6 bolt circle for M5 bolts; lengths of 50, 70, 120, or 200 mm; 114 g for 70 mm and 160 g for 120 mm. The bolt pattern and length options determine fit and reach; the listed weights help you judge added mass, while the 50 mm and 200 mm weights are not supplied and should not be assumed.
Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team Sim Racing Steering Wheel (2024/2025): Officially licensed Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team sim racing steering wheel, hand-built and described as extremely lightweight and rigid. A lightweight wheel paired with a long extension keeps the overall assembly lighter, but the wheel's bolt pattern still needs to match the 70 mm x 6 extension.