aTOMic

I want to get my "extra" Audi wheels onto the Passat but they rub a bit on one rear fender liner and on the upper control arms. I'm thinking of trying 5, 8, even 10mm. I cannot believe the 16" Audi "wineglass" wheels I have on there fit but the 17"s rub on the control arms! You'd think there'd be MORE room. And no I don't remember the offset of the 16s (reportedly also 45, need to comfirm) but the 17s are ET45 17X7.5 with 235/55-17 so that explains the rubbing in back.

Thanks,
Tom

PS Good info here on Passatworld but still looking for an inexpensive source

mishar

Are you sure that those tires are 55 profile? That would be too big for A4 and Passat. If they are 235/45x17 diameter would be close to stock on Passat. Than you have to deal with width only.

They are 23 mm closer to the suspension. A bit too much. They already stick out 7 mm more than stock, so spacer will make it more. Check how much more you can go before it starts rubbing to fenders.

Problem with hubcentric spacers of a same center bore is that they have to be at least 2 mm thicker than the hub sticking out from the rotor. If 5 mm would be enough (I doubt) you can use just simple spacers. Wheel will still be centered by the hub. Not sure about 8 mm. You have to check how much of the hub will still stick out from the spacer and if that would reach cylindrical part of the wheel center bore.

New Audi centerbore is 66.6. Spacers for a that type of wheels mounted on 57.1 hub can be any thickness.

aTOMic

Yeah I just went and double-checked. 235-55-17 Hankook Ventus.
At one time, I had the rears on the car, seemed ok until all 4 of us got in (+500 lbs). Then one side rubbed. If we had hit a bump it probably would've ripped the fender liner out.
Fronts would mount up but could barely turn by hand as they rubbed the suspension.

Again I realize the problem is the tire are too big but due to financial concerns and me being a tightwad, I am hoping to get these used up. No one wants to buy them...

aTOMic

Great, another variable.
Good news: may make thinner hubcentric spacers possible
Bad news: Probably need to be cu$tom made. Although I do have some friends who are machinsts... hmmm (gets calipers out)

mishar

Take a bunch of 14 mm (9/16" or 3/4") washers, use three bolts and start adding 3 washers between the wheel and the rotor. When it stop rubbing add at least 5 mm to the washers thickness and that's your spacer. Of course if no fender rubbing.

I almost gave away 285/40x18 very good DW's. Nobody wants used tires if they are more than $20.

aTOMic

edit: Ha I was typing simultaneously as Misha re washers...

I think I'll stop and buy a couple pounds of washers to experiment with.

Also wasn't it (edit) M14 X 1.5 on the lug thread? I want to make a couple wheel hangers, too.

At least it's low dollar. And I know I need longer lug bolts and the washers would be for measurement not for driving on...you cannot drive with washers for spacers or else they wouldn't sell spacers! Washers will come loose surprisingly quickly!
Good PSA (below), Misha!

mishar

NO DRIVING WITH WASHERS! I know that you know but this tread is public.

Tread is 14x1.5. Longer bolts are cheep on eBay. They have to be spherical for Audi.

aTOMic

These guys advertise on VWVortex; 5mm thick hubcentric $70/pair. That includes 40mm ball seat lugs! The spacers are just $20 each or $30 each for 15mm. Aluminum, though. I would think steel would be better in this (thinner) application, but I'm no industrial engineer.

Why no 10mm?

mishar

I believe 10 mm would be fine. I said washers + 5 mm to allow for some tire deformation.

Check this http://www.ebay.com/itm/HUBCENTRIC-10MM-WHEEL-SPACERS-5X100-5X112-CB-57-1MM-14X1-5-SILVER-TAPERED-BOLTS-/171411280797?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Year%3A2010%7CModel%3APassat&hash=item27e8e8939d&vxp=mtr

aTOMic

Yes, what I meant was "why doesn't that company offer 10mm" - they go from 5 to 15 -- no tens!

Your ebay link is for conical bolts, Mr.Guru!

Good price, I guess. there're some others but I only see 12mm. They accept returns, though...
4 PC 12mm Hub Centric Wheel Spacers 5x100 5x112 14x1 5 Black Lug Bolts | eBay

Thanks for your help on this Misha. I'm a bit nervous about the whole "ginormous washer" concept.