2026-04-26
This video walks through a complete DIY build of a direct drive sim racing wheel — the kind of force feedback steering controller that would normally cost hundreds of dollars from commercial brands like Fanatec or Moza. Instead of buying one, the creator designed and built a robust unit from scratch using 3D printed parts, commonly available motors, and basic electronics.
What makes this stand out from typical "I 3D printed a thing" content is the engineering depth. A direct drive wheel isn't just a plastic shell — it requires understanding motor torque, mounting rigidity, encoder feedback, and power delivery. The creator explicitly set out to build something parrudo (robust/beefy), not a flimsy proof of concept, and the result is a wheel that can handle serious force feedback loads without flexing or skipping.
The project sits at the intersection of mechanical design, electronics, and 3D printing, making it a great case study in how home fabrication tools can replace expensive commercial products when paired with solid engineering. Even if you're not into sim racing, the techniques for building a high-torque, low-backlash mechanical assembly with printed parts are broadly applicable to robotics, CNC builds, and other motion control projects.
Note: The video is in Portuguese, but the build process is highly visual and the mechanical concepts translate well regardless of language.
