ACFM
Administrator
As you may already know, one of the issues that Fanatec CSL DD Direct Drive bases can present is that the shaft can slide out of the base, causing the steering wheel to disconnect. Here’s a compilation of some economical modifications you can make to address this problem.
First of all, here you can see the shape of the shaft and the USB-C connector at the end. This USB connector links the steering wheel to the base via pins.
And this is the "female" part where the shaft is inserted and tightened with the clamp.
The original clamp included with the CSL DD bases has a single screw. There are metal options with two screws that tighten much better and prevent the shaft from coming loose and disconnecting. Clamps like these:
Or even this type, a metal version with two Allen screws available on Aliexpress for around 4 or 5 euros.
Cheapest On Amazon: https://amzn.to/48wg3N4
More expensive on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4iU3ZuE
By firmly tightening from both sides, you achieve better shaft retention (shaft in English). These clamps are called "clamp" in English, and on Aliexpress, you can find them by searching for "fixed ring clamp collar."
Another problem that can arise from the shaft moving in the base is the risk of breaking the USB connector if it’s reinserted in the wrong position. For example:
One more accessory available to help solve this issue is a 3D-printed part designed to keep the original clamp properly aligned. The single-screw Fanatec clamp must be mounted in the correct position. Apparently, it tends to shift, and if you don’t want to replace it, this accessory prevents the clamp from moving and reduces any slack if present (you can find it on eBay by searching for "CSL DD anti-slack").
Finally, here are Fanatec’s instructions for mounting and adjusting the clamp.
The shaft must be fully inserted into the base, and before tightening the clamp, it should be brought closer to the steering wheel and aligned correctly (Figure 6 in the following image).
Tighten to 10 Nm, or simply tighten it firmly
Personally, I really like the two-screw metal clamp option; it’s a simple and effective solution.
We all probably think the same thing: issues like these shouldn’t happen with mid-to-high-end equipment. But as you all know, they do. Fortunately, with some ingenuity and the right tools, they can be solved at a low cost.
Here’s a reminder of the key terms if you want to search for the various accessories available on eBay or Amazon: CSL DD shaft, CSL DD clamp.
If you’re aware of other issues and/or solutions, this is the thread to discuss them.
First of all, here you can see the shape of the shaft and the USB-C connector at the end. This USB connector links the steering wheel to the base via pins.
And this is the "female" part where the shaft is inserted and tightened with the clamp.
The original clamp included with the CSL DD bases has a single screw. There are metal options with two screws that tighten much better and prevent the shaft from coming loose and disconnecting. Clamps like these:
Or even this type, a metal version with two Allen screws available on Aliexpress for around 4 or 5 euros.
Cheapest On Amazon: https://amzn.to/48wg3N4
More expensive on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4iU3ZuE
By firmly tightening from both sides, you achieve better shaft retention (shaft in English). These clamps are called "clamp" in English, and on Aliexpress, you can find them by searching for "fixed ring clamp collar."
Another problem that can arise from the shaft moving in the base is the risk of breaking the USB connector if it’s reinserted in the wrong position. For example:
One more accessory available to help solve this issue is a 3D-printed part designed to keep the original clamp properly aligned. The single-screw Fanatec clamp must be mounted in the correct position. Apparently, it tends to shift, and if you don’t want to replace it, this accessory prevents the clamp from moving and reduces any slack if present (you can find it on eBay by searching for "CSL DD anti-slack").
Finally, here are Fanatec’s instructions for mounting and adjusting the clamp.
The shaft must be fully inserted into the base, and before tightening the clamp, it should be brought closer to the steering wheel and aligned correctly (Figure 6 in the following image).
Tighten to 10 Nm, or simply tighten it firmly
Personally, I really like the two-screw metal clamp option; it’s a simple and effective solution.We all probably think the same thing: issues like these shouldn’t happen with mid-to-high-end equipment. But as you all know, they do. Fortunately, with some ingenuity and the right tools, they can be solved at a low cost.
Here’s a reminder of the key terms if you want to search for the various accessories available on eBay or Amazon: CSL DD shaft, CSL DD clamp.
If you’re aware of other issues and/or solutions, this is the thread to discuss them.