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Fanatec Wheel Hub: How To Use Any Wheel With a Fanatec Wheel Base
The new Fanatec Wheel hub lets you attach any third-party steering wheel directly to a Fanatec wheel base. Here's how to use the new wheel hub, how much it costs and why its better than a Podium Hub..
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Alongside the launch of the new Clubsport Formula V3 steering wheel, Fanatec also announced the new Wheel Hub. This wheel hub is arguably a more exciting product than the Formula V3. If you are interested in the new steering wheel, watch our full Fanatec Formula V3 review.
The reason I say this new Fanatec Wheel Hub is more exciting is just how it unlocks compatibility with other brands. Fanatec are notoriously strict on keeping their compatibility in-house, meaning you really need a full Fanatec setup.
However, this appears to be changing with this Wheel Hub.
What is the Fanatec Wheel Hub?
The new Wheel Hub is designed with a single purpose in mind. That is to open up compatibility with third-party brands. The Wheel Hub sits between any Fanatec wheel base and a third-party steering wheel. It includes all of the electronics required to allow a Fanatec wheel base to work and output force feedback.
The way a Fanatec wheel base works is that it has to detect an electronic chip inside an attached steering wheel to function. If the wheel base does not detect a Fanatec steering wheel is connected, it simply will not output any force feedback.
Fanatec Wheel Hub
| Product Type | Wheel Hub Adapter |
| Bolt Pattern | 70mm + 50.8mm |
| Price | €99.95 / $99.99 |
| Where to buy | Buy from Fanatec |
This wheel hub includes that electronic chip, allowing any Fanatec wheel base to function. On the front side of the wheel hub are two different bolt patterns that let you mount any third-party steering wheel.
--- Article continues below --- Shop Sim Racing DiscountsUsing the wheel hub opens up Fanatec wheel base compatibility with any steering wheel.
Is there USB passthrough?
One missing feature from the wheel hub is data passthrough. Unfortunately, there is no way to transfer data from the attached steering wheel directly to your PC. Instead, like many other adapters, you’ll need a direct USB connection from your steering wheel to your PC to transfer data. That is of course unless your steering wheel transfers data directly such as Cube Controls wheels do.
Fanatec wheel Hub vs Podium Hub Comparison
With the Podium Hub already allowing you to connect any third-party steering wheel to a Fanatec wheel base, what makes this new wheel hub different? Below is a side-by-side comparison of the two Fanatec hubs.
|  | |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Hub | Podium Hub | |
| Price | €99.95 / $99.99 | €259.95 / $289.99 |
| QR2 Included? | Yes | Yes |
| Bolt Pattern | 70mm + 50.8mm | 70mm + 50mm |
| USB passthrough? | No | No |
| Compatibility | PC Only | PC Only |
| Shop | View Wheel Hub | View Podium Hub |
Why choose a Fanatec wheel hub instead of the Podium Hub
As you can see from our comparison table above, both the Fanatec wheel hub and Podium Hub do a very similar job. Both allow you to mount most third-party steering wheels and use the full force feedback from any Fanatec wheel base.
There are two main differences between these products. The first is the price.
The wheel hub is substantially cheaper
The new Fanatec wheel hub costs just €99.95, while the older Podium Hub costs €259.95, over double the price. This means you could buy multiple wheel hubs for the price of a single Podium Hub.
Different bolt patterns
The second main difference is the bolt patterns. The older Podium Hub utilised a 70mm and 50mm bolt pattern. The main problem is that 50mm is not a standardised bolt pattern across most brands. Instead, many sim racing steering wheel brands use a 50.8mm bolt pattern.
The new Wheel Hub includes this 50.8mm bolt pattern. This opens up compatibility with many more steering wheels compared to the older Podium Hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Fanatec Wheel Hub the same as the Podium Hub?
Both the Fanatec Wheel Hub and Podium hub are very similar and both allow for third-party steering wheels to be used. However, the Wheel Hub is considerably cheaper, making it a much more affordable way of using third-party sim racing wheels.
Does the Fanatec Wheel Hub work on Xbox or PS5?
No, unfortunately, the new Wheel hub is not console compatible and only works on PC.
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Article written by Rich
Rich is the founder, F1 car setup creator and content writer for SimRacingSetups. With over a decade of experience as a graphic designer, marketing director, competitive sim racer and avid motorsport fan, Rich founded SimRacingSetup.com to share his passion and knowledge of sim racing and Formula 1 with other sim racers. Regularly writes for sim racing website SimRaceReviews.com
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