How To Use & Upgrade To The New Fanatec QR2

We all knew that the Fanatec QR2 was a thing. We saw it at Sim Racing Expo 2022, but since then things had been a little quiet. Fanatec has finally pulled the curtain back and released the QR2, and anyone can jump on Fanatec’s website and buy it.

But with three different wheel-side quick releases to choose from, and two base-side quick releases, how do you actually upgrade to the Fanatec QR2?

In this guide, I’m going to run through each of the different versions of the new Fanatec QR2. I’ll look at the QR2 differences between each version. And I’ll show you how to install a Fanatec QR2, and how to upgrade to it from the older QR1.

Which QR2 should I buy?

As mentioned, there are a total of five different products that make up the new Fanatec QR2 lineup. Then there are currently four different bundles that each feature a different variation of products.

What you need to know is that there are three different wheel-side quick releases and two different base-side quick releases. You can combine any of the three wheel-side hubs with any of the two base-side adapters.

QR2 compatibility with Fanatec wheel bases

The really important part to note is that the two base-side adapters have specific compatibility requirements.

• The new QR2 Type-M is only compatible with Podium wheel bases including the DD1 and DD2.
• The QR2 Type-C is only compatible with the CSL DD and GT DD Pro wheel bases.

With that really important note about compatibility covered, I will now compare each version of the new Fanatec QR2.

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Fanatec QR2 wheel-side comparison

I’ll start by comparing each of the wheel-side QR2 adapters. Each of these can be used with either base-side adapter, so your choice really comes down to the level of quality you are after.

The QR2 Pro is an FIA-approved motorsport-ready quick release. This unique quick release can be used in real-world race cars as well as for sim racing.

The standard QR2 utilises the same design as the QR2 Pro but without the motorsport-ready functionality.

The QR2 Lite is a cheaper non-metal variant of the new quick release. It uses the same internal design but is constructed from carbon fibre-reinforced composite instead of aluminium.

Below is a comparison of each of the Fanatec QR2 wheel-side adapters.

QR2	QR2 Pro	QR2 Lite
Costs €99.95	Costs €199.95	Costs €59.95
Diecast aluminium	CNC-machined aluminium	Carbon fibre-reinforced composite
Black anodised finish	Motorsport-ready	High torque mode not possible
No additional locking parts	No additional locking parts	No additional locking parts
Shop the QR2	Shop the QR2 Pro	Shop the QR2 Lite

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Fanatec QR2 base-side comparison

Moving on to the Fanatec QR2 base-side adapters. Both of these allow for any of the wheel-side adapters to be attached. The difference between the two base-side adapters comes down to their compatibility with different wheel bases.

The cheaper QR2 Type-C adapter is only compatible with CSL DD and GT DD Pro wheel bases. It features a diecast aluminium construction and is finished in matte black.

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The more expensive QR2 Type-M adapter is designed to work only with Podium wheel bases including the DD1 and DD2. This adapter is constructed from a single piece of aviation grade billet aluminium ensuring the highest quality.

QR2 Base-Side Type-C	QR2 Base-Side Type-M
Costs €69.95	Costs €149.95
Diecast aluminium	CNC-machined aviation-grade aluminium
CNC-machined finish	Precision 30 µm nickel coating
Compatible with CSL DD & GT DD Pro	Compatible with DD1 & DD2
Shop the QR2 Base-Side Type C	Shop the QR2 Base-Side Type M

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Fanatec QR2 upgrade path explained

Upgrading any Fanatec wheel base and steering wheel to QR2 will require both a wheel-side and base-side adapter. These are available in bundles which include both parts of the QR2, and this route will save you a little bit of money.

To attach any steering wheel to a Fanatec wheel base, you will need the following items in the following order;

Fanatec steering wheel > Attaches to wheel-side QR2 > Attaches to base-side QR2 > Attaches to wheel base

This setup requires us to have to upgrade both the wheel-side quick release and the base-side quick release. I’ll start by talking about the base-side as this is pretty much the most important part to get right.

If you currently own a Fanatec wheel base and plan to use the QR2, you will need to buy either the Type-C or Type-M base-side quick release adapter. Both versions offer different compatibility so it’s important you get the right one.

If you pick up the wrong base-side QR2 for your wheel base, you simply won’t be able to install it as both bas-side adapters have different installations.

• For Fanatec CSL DD & GT DD Pro wheel bases – You need the QR2 Base-side Type-C
• For Fanatec DD1 & DD2 wheel bases – You need the QR2 Base-side Type-M

Once you’ve decided on which base-side adapter you need to buy, you can move on to deciding which wheel-side adapter you fancy. Any of the wheel-side adapters will work with both the Type-M and Type-C base-side adapters. So your choice comes down to personal preference. Below are some recommendations.

• If you need to have the most impressive kit – Buy the QR2 Pro
• If you plan to use the QR2 in a real-world car as well – Buy the QR2 Pro
• If you want a solid quick release and only plan to sim race – Buy the QR2
• If you want the cheapest version – Buy the QR2 Lite

Above are some generalisations on which version of the Fanatec QR2 to buy in a few different scenarios. Ultimately, the choice comes down to your own preference. But I’d imagine the standard QR2 will be the most popular thanks to its combination of price and performance. It’s certainly the one that I’m using currently.

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The benefits of upgrading to Fanatec QR2

There are a few good reasons to upgrade to the new Fanatec quick release system. The main one is to improve the quick release functionality. The QR2 is easier to use than the older QR1 as there are no pins or extra bolts required.

The QR2 is also more stable and performs better during racing. The main benefits of upgrading to Fanatec’s new quick release are;

• Future compatibility with new products
• Easier to attach and detach steering wheels
• Sturdier flex-free hub

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How to install the Fanatec QR2

Next up I want to run through how to install the new Fanatec QR2 to a wheel base and a steering wheel. As I mentioned above, the order of items that all attach to form a complete racing wheel are;

Fanatec steering wheel > Attaches to wheel-side QR2 > Attaches to base-side QR2 > Attaches to wheel base

Installing the wheel-side QR2

The first step is to install the wheel-side QR2. I’ll cover this before looking at the base-side installation as this is a slightly easier install.

Installing the base-side QR2 to a wheel base

Once you have your wheel-side QR2 in place, the final step is to replace the old quick release on your wheel base with the new base-side QR2. This process is slightly different depending on whether you have a Podium wheel base or a CSL DD or GT DD Pro.

Below are the instructions on how to install the base-side QR2 onto a CSL DD or GT DD Pro.

1. Loosen the collar
   The first step is to loosen the collar that is securing the shaft to your wheel base. This is secured by a single bolt which can be loosened with the included Allen key.
2. Remove the old QR1 shaft
   Once the collar is loose, you can pull the old shaft out and away from the wheel base. Once the QR1 shaft is removed, also remove the existing collar as we’ll replace that with the new QR2 collar.
3. Install the new QR2 collar
   All new QR2 base-side adapters include a sturdier and more secure collar. This should be pushed onto the small extrusion from your wheel base. You may need to loosen the bolts to do this.
4. Install the QR2 shaft
   Line up the grooves in the wheel base with the extruding parts of the QR2 base-side adapter. Then push the new adapter into the wheel base. You should feel a click once the USB-C connection has seated correctly into your wheel base.
5. Tighten the new QR2 shaft
   To secure your new QR2 adapter in place, tighten the two bolts on the new QR2 collar. Ensure these are tightened evenly and tight enough so the new QR2 shaft cannot be pulled out.

Once both the wheel-side and base-side quick releases are correctly installed, you can attach your steering wheel to your wheel base. Simply slide it into position until the QR2 clicks into place.

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• Written by Rich Article updated on September 26, 2023 Tags: Fanatec, Sim Racing Product Guides

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