The Woodward quick release mechanism features a square-contact spline with a two-inch engaged length. This low-profile form provides highly positive transmission of torque without the spreading effect of the common involute spline, and is the key to the hub’s compact design and extremely light weight. Because its five locking balls are free from torque load, the unit will release from the steering column with very little effort. The unique curved pull ring is a slip-resistant fit for gloved fingers. All Woodward quick releases are certified to SFI specification 42.1.
 
The splined hub is now available with machined weight-reduction pockets as an option on any quick release model. The standard hub is provided with three copies of the standard US bolt pattern to allow timing the steering wheel relative to the 20 splines on the column. Indexing the wheel through each of the possible nine orientations on the hub advances or retards it 2.2° with respect to the spline pattern. The extra bolt holes also enable continued use of the hub in case of stripped or worn threads. The pocketed hub has 3 holes.
 
Both sizes (QRA-1 and -2) of aluminum pull ring have undergone further weight reduction. Besides being a few grams lighter, the new drilled pattern provides an improved grip surface for driving gloves.