Snow Wheel and Tire Question

[CT TURBO A4]

I searched and couldn't find a diffinitive answer so... I recently picked up a B6 A4 (3.0Q) and came with not so great tires. Don't want to risk winter driving (even though this winter has been mild) so I picked up a nice winter setup, but may have a problem. The stock tire size is 235/45/17, and the snow setup (rims/tires) I picked up are 235/55/17, so the side wall is obviously bigger. I didn't research and thought it would fit fine (came off of an 04 A6). Dropped the car off at Firestone to swap, and they say that they won't fit and are rubbing. I don't know if they really tried or just said that from the size, so I'm looking for some opinions before I waste my time in the cold trying to put them on. Sucks cuz the tires are mint and at 9/32, would hate to have to re-sell them.

[CT TURBO A4]

Oh, forgot to mention, car is at stock ride height.

[customa4]

My guess is they didn't try. The computer will tell them what the proper tire size is for the car and if you're using a different size they might not mount them. Also, in my experience, Firestone wouldn't mount used tires for me. I've had to go to Town Fair Tire in the past to have it done. Is your car on stock sport suspension?

[imnuts]

In either suspension (stock or stock sport), I can't imagine that 45 to 55 profile tires would cause them to rub on 17" wheels. I'd go with customa4 that they probably didn't even try them.

[crazyquik22023]

They should fit, that is a big sidewall and will look a little odd, but they should fit no problem without rubbing at stock ride height, even if you have the sport suspension. Most people at tires stores like that don't know how to work on cars unless a computer tells them how first.

[ZipMeUpJ]

55 will rub on 225 18s. Don't know if that helps

[SlickFix]

I agree, they probably didn't try them. I run 225/55/17 dedicated snow tires on my Avant and it doesn't rub, even though I'm on Eibach lowering springs. When I bought the tires, I ran into the same kind of treatment from a local shop who took a look at the tire size and said "No, these won't fit, they're going to rub." So I ended up taking them to Discount Tire and they installed them no questions asked. No rubbing.

Funnily enough, the taller sidewalls handle bumps and potholes better, too.

[diagnosticator]

I agree, they probably didn't try them. I run 225/55/17 dedicated snow tires on my Avant and it doesn't rub, even though I'm on Eibach lowering springs. When I bought the tires, I ran into the same kind of treatment from a local shop who took a look at the tire size and said "No, these won't fit, they're going to rub." So I ended up taking them to Discount Tire and they installed them no questions asked. No rubbing.

Funnily enough, the taller sidewalls handle bumps and potholes better, too.

Was this unexpected?

[diagnosticator]

I searched and couldn't find a diffinitive answer so... I recently picked up a B6 A4 (3.0Q) and came with not so great tires. Don't want to risk winter driving (even though this winter has been mild) so I picked up a nice winter setup, but may have a problem. The stock tire size is 235/45/17, and the snow setup (rims/tires) I picked up are 235/55/17, so the side wall is obviously bigger. I didn't research and thought it would fit fine (came off of an 04 A6). Dropped the car off at Firestone to swap, and they say that they won't fit and are rubbing. I don't know if they really tried or just said that from the size, so I'm looking for some opinions before I waste my time in the cold trying to put them on. Sucks cuz the tires are mint and at 9/32, would hate to have to re-sell them.

235/55/17 tire diameter is .55(235) = 129.25 mm = Side wall. Diameter = 2(129.25) = 258.5 mm + 25.4(17) = 690.3/25.4 = ~27.12"

Stock 235/45.17 diameter is 25.32", so the radius is 0.9" more for the 235/55 tires. That means the tire is ~ 0.9" closer to the suspension and wheel house liner than the stock tire.

This could rub with the suspension compressed and/or the steering turned sharp.

[CT TURBO A4]

My guess is they didn't try. The computer will tell them what the proper tire size is for the car and if you're using a different size they might not mount them. Also, in my experience, Firestone wouldn't mount used tires for me. I've had to go to Town Fair Tire in the past to have it done. Is your car on stock sport suspension?

This is what I thought, my brother took it there and knows everyone there because of his job, but I don't think they tried cuz he dropped it off and the rims didn't look like they moved out of the car. Yes, stock ride height.

They should fit, that is a big sidewall and will look a little odd, but they should fit no problem without rubbing at stock ride height, even if you have the sport suspension. Most people at tires stores like that don't know how to work on cars unless a computer tells them how first.

My thoughts as well lol. Yes they will def. look a little truck'ish but Idc, as long as it gets the job done.

I agree, they probably didn't try them. I run 225/55/17 dedicated snow tires on my Avant and it doesn't rub, even though I'm on Eibach lowering springs. When I bought the tires, I ran into the same kind of treatment from a local shop who took a look at the tire size and said "No, these won't fit, they're going to rub." So I ended up taking them to Discount Tire and they installed them no questions asked. No rubbing.

Funnily enough, the taller sidewalls handle bumps and potholes better, too.

Perfect! I'm thinking this should definitely work then. Thanks man!

235/55/17 tire diameter is .55(235) = 129.25 mm = Side wall. Diameter = 2(129.25) = 258.5 mm + 25.4(17) = 690.3/25.4 = ~27.12"

Stock 235/45.17 diameter is 25.32", so the radius is 0.9" more for the 235/55 tires. That means the tire is ~ 0.9" closer to the suspension and wheel house liner than the stock tire.

This could rub with the suspension compressed and/or the steering turned sharp.

Thanks for the analysis man! I don't think an inch will make too much of a difference, at least going straight. Maybe lock to lock it will, but then again I probably wouldn't be going fast for it anyway. I think I'll give it a shot and see how it goes, if not look for them in the classifieds lol.

[CT TURBO A4]

Ended up not fitting, and unfortunately they rub as soon as the car is put down. So 235/55/17 I guess are a no go for the B6 sedan. Post in the classifieds.

[diagnosticator]

Ended up not fitting, and unfortunately they rub as soon as the car is put down. So 235/55/17 I guess are a no go for the B6 sedan. Post in the
classifieds.

Thanks for the update! Did you note where the tire hit and on what? Depending on the specifics, a different wheel offset may allow clearance. It's really only an academic matter now regardless.

[SlickFix]

Wow, I'm surprised that they didn't fit. I apologize for my totally incorrect advice.

On the other hand, I can't figure out why mine don't rub and yours did. Granted, mine is an Avant...

[ECS Tuning-Audi]

Here's a better visual of the how the two tires would fit on the wheel.



As you'll see the 55 series is much taller so depending on the offset it could easily rub on the suspension

Jason

[CT TURBO A4]

Thanks for the update! Did you note where the tire hit and on what? Depending on the specifics, a different wheel offset may allow clearance. It's really only an academic matter now regardless.

My brother tried for me while I was at work, but he tried the back wheel and as soon as the car was lowered it rubbed on the fender. Yes a different wheel may do the trick, but not really looking to buy new wheels to make it work. This was supposed to be a cheaper/better alternative to buying new tires, but I'm buying some new tires tomorrow lol. Wheels are posted for sale.

[CT TURBO A4]

Wow, I'm surprised that they didn't fit. I apologize for my totally incorrect advice.

On the other hand, I can't figure out why mine don't rub and yours did. Granted, mine is an Avant...

No problem man. Maybe the Avant is slightly different than the sedan. Or it might just be this specific configuration/the wheel offset or something. Oh well.

[customa4]

I agree, they probably didn't try them. I run 225/55/17 dedicated snow tires on my Avant and it doesn't rub, even though I'm on Eibach lowering springs. When I bought the tires, I ran into the same kind of treatment from a local shop who took a look at the tire size and said "No, these won't fit, they're going to rub." So I ended up taking them to Discount Tire and they installed them no questions asked. No rubbing.

Funnily enough, the taller sidewalls handle bumps and potholes better, too.

Ended up not fitting, and unfortunately they rub as soon as the car is put down. So 235/55/17 I guess are a no go for the B6 sedan. Post in the classifieds.

Wow, I'm surprised that they didn't fit. I apologize for my totally incorrect advice.

On the other hand, I can't figure out why mine don't rub and yours did. Granted, mine is an Avant...

No problem man. Maybe the Avant is slightly different than the sedan. Or it might just be this specific configuration/the wheel offset or something. Oh well.

Old thread, I know. Just wanted to clarify the difference here. Slick's tires were 225/55/17 and they didn't rub. OP installed 235/55/17 tires and they rubbed. The wider tire is likely what caused it to rub as soon as it dropped.