Concerns about using bigger wheels and spacers...

[lodit]

Hi Doc,

Just wondering how much extra stress is caused by running 5mm spacers at all 4 corners and +2 wheels.

Stock is 255/40/17 on a 17x7.5 (8?) rim et 35 I believe for an 01 A6 4.2.

I've switched out to summers that are 19x9.5 et 35 running 245/35/19 and 5 mm spacers.

Could you explain if there's any inherent danger to doing so?

Audi Dealership just told me I need to replace tie rod ends because of the excessive wear...but I just replaced the tie rods about 4 months ago, along with the stock suspension (went with Koni FSD's and H-Sports Sways front and rear).

Thanks.

[VMRWheels]

As long as you use high quality hub centric spacers you should not have a problem with vibration. Putting stress on your wheels bearings could be a possibility, from what iv heard. I run 9mm spacers and track my car 1-2 times a month without a problem. I have friends running 25mm adapters without a problem on the track as well. Just make sure your vehicle will be able to clear the aggressive offset after the spacers with your wide tires.

-Charles@VMRWheels
www.vmrwheels.com

[lodit]

Charles,

Thanks for the info. Actually, et 35 I believe is the stock offset for the 01 A6 4.2. So technically I shouldn't need spacers at all, but because of the big calipers on the fronts, I have to use them to ensure clearance.

And there's plenty of room for the wider rims/tires, looks like the tires are almost flush with the fenders, if not just inside.

But the fact the dealership is saying I have excessive play in the tie rods concerned me. Perhaps they're just looking for more money, which isn't a new thing, but still I guess I have to believe them somewhat.

Thanks again.

[Doc@tirerack]

Charles,

Thanks for the info. Actually, et 35 I believe is the stock offset for the 01 A6 4.2. So technically I shouldn't need spacers at all, but because of the big calipers on the fronts, I have to use them to ensure clearance.

And there's plenty of room for the wider rims/tires, looks like the tires are almost flush with the fenders, if not just inside.

But the fact the dealership is saying I have excessive play in the tie rods concerned me. Perhaps they're just looking for more money, which isn't a new thing, but still I guess I have to believe them somewhat.

Thanks again.

They're just covering their "concerns", but they are basically correct. The bigger the spacer the more strain it puts on the suspension because the wheel and tire are further out than the suspension's geometry was set up for. We don't sell spacers for liability reasons, but a relatively thin (hub centric) spacer is not something that should be a major concern.

[lodit]

Sounds good.
So I won't really worry about anything until....?

What would be a noticeable warning to get the inner tie rods replaced before they actually break down?

My car just had an oil change, perhaps a little vibration in the wheel at 20-30mph, but then it goes away. Would that be evidence of tie rod wear?

Thanks again for your help.

[VMRWheels]

Sounds good.
So I won't really worry about anything until....?

What would be a noticeable warning to get the inner tie rods replaced before they actually break down?

My car just had an oil change, perhaps a little vibration in the wheel at 20-30mph, but then it goes away. Would that be evidence of tie rod wear?

Thanks again for your help.

Hm... have you checked your tire pressures? Lug bolts? Those are the 2 most common things people over look. Especially tire pressure.

-Charles@VMRWheels
www.vmrwheels.com