MPI Autodromo 70 Polished Wheel: Mounting and Care Guide
By AdvancedSimRacing.com | North America's leading | Published: 2026-11-02
Category: How-to Guides
Mount your MPI Autodromo 70 polished wheel correctly and keep its leather and spokes looking sharp with a simple step-by-step process for sim racers.
Quick answer
Mount the MPI Autodromo 70 with a hub that matches its 70mm bolt pattern, tighten bolts in a cross pattern, and clean the leather and polished spokes separately to avoid scratches. Always check fastener torque before your first drive and after the first hour of use.
Why hub fitment matters before you buy
The MPI Autodromo 70 uses a 70mm bolt pattern, which is common on many sim racing quick releases and hubs, but not universal. Before mounting, confirm your hub or quick-release adapter lists a 70mm PCD (pitch circle diameter). If it doesn’t, you’ll need an adapter plate or a different hub.
Polished spokes look great but show fingerprints and fine scratches easily. Handle the wheel by the rim during installation, not the spokes, and keep a microfiber cloth nearby.
Leather care: less is more
The Autodromo 70 uses top-grain leather on the rim. Avoid harsh cleaners or conditioners that can darken or soften the leather. A slightly damp microfiber cloth is usually enough for routine cleaning; for deeper cleaning, use a leather cleaner designed for automotive interiors and follow the product instructions.
Don’t soak the leather or let water sit in the stitching. After cleaning, wipe dry and let the wheel air out before driving.
Step-by-step mounting and care
- Verify hub compatibility: Check that your hub or quick release has a 70mm bolt pattern. Test-fit the wheel without tightening bolts to confirm the holes align and the wheel sits flush. If the bolt holes don’t line up easily, stop—forcing them can cross-thread the wheel or hub.
- Install bolts in a cross pattern: Hand-thread all bolts first, then tighten them in a diagonal cross pattern (like tightening a car wheel) to seat the wheel evenly. Use the bolt torque recommended by your hub manufacturer. Don’t fully tighten one bolt before starting the others; uneven seating can warp the mounting face.
- Check clearance and wiring: With the wheel mounted, turn it lock-to-lock and check that the spokes and rim clear your dash, paddles, and wiring. Secure any loose cables away from the rotating wheel. A wheel that clears at center may still rub at full lock—test the full range before driving.
- Clean the leather rim: Wipe the rim with a slightly damp microfiber cloth, then dry immediately. For stubborn grime, use a leather cleaner sparingly on a cloth, not directly on the wheel. Never use alcohol or all-purpose cleaner on the leather; they can dry and crack it over time.
- Polish the spokes gently: Use a dry microfiber cloth to buff the polished spokes. For fingerprints, breathe on the metal and wipe with a clean cloth. Avoid abrasive polishes unless the manufacturer recommends them. Test any metal polish on a hidden area first—polished surfaces can haze if the polish is too aggressive.
- Re-torque after first use: After your first hour of driving, re-check bolt torque with a torque wrench. Vibration and settling can loosen fasteners. Mark bolt heads with a paint pen so you can spot loosening at a glance.
Product facts
- MPI Autodromo 70 Polished Steering Wheel: The MPI Autodromo 70 features a vintage spoke style with period-correct holes and a frontal radius, created using an old-style milling cutter. Those details look authentic but can trap dust and polish residue, so clean around the holes and radius with a soft brush.
MPI Autodromo 70 Polished Steering Wheel - MPI Autodromo 70 Polished Steering Wheel: The rim is covered in top-grain leather. Top-grain leather benefits from gentle, pH-balanced care rather than harsh solvents that can strip natural oils.
