Audi A6 C5: How to Modify the Spare Tire Retaining Bolt
Keep reading to learn how to disassemble and modify the spare tire retaining bolt for your Audi A6 C5.
This article applies to the Audi A6 C5 (1998-2004).
Are you thinking of adding wider wheels to your Audi A6 C5? If so, then you may run into a problem when trying to use the factory retaining bolt for the spare, should you need to install it. You may find that the bolt is too short or the cap is too large. To avoid this issue altogether, here are the step-by-step instructions on modifying the spare tire retaining bolt to fit your new wheels.
Material Needed
- New retaining bolt
Step 1 – Pull cap portion off of wheel holding the bolt
Begin by pulling the "cap" portion of the bolt off of the "wheel" portion, as shown in Figure 2.
Step 2 – Continue disassembling the bolt
Making room for a longer bolt requires the most amount of work in this DIY job, but luckily, it's just a matter of more disassembling.
- First, remove the centering ring (stepped cylinder) by pressing the two plastic tabs that hold it to the "wheel" portion inward.
- The ring will release, and then you can slide it off (Figure 4). Set it aside for now.
Step 3 – Release the cap over the bolt head
Four plastic tabs hold the cap to the bolt head. Press all four of them inward to release the cap.
Step 4 – Push the bolt out
At this point, you should be looking at the "wheel" with the bolt as well as the bolt cap you just removed in Step 3. Push the bolt out of the "wheel" using your fingers.
Step 5 – Re-assemble the new bolt part
The factory spare tire retaining bolt is a standard metric M8 bolt. You'll need to estimate the correct length of the new bolt you'll need to replace it. One Audi owner on the forum replaced his factory bolt with a 130mm partially-threaded M8 bolt that was about an inch longer (as shown in Figure 9). Visit a local hardware or auto parts store to determine which bolt to purchase. It's recommended to try and find a fully-threaded bolt, but a partially-threaded one will suffice.
Once you've obtained the OEM bolt, re-installation is the reverse of removal:
- Push the new bolt through the "wheel."
- Secure the bolt cap back on, making sure the four tabs snap back into place.
- Hand-screw the center ring over the new bolt.
- Secure the cap over the assembled "wheel."
Related Discussion and Site
- Pictoral Guide - AudiWorld.com
- Fastenal 130mm M8 Partially-Threaded Bolt - Fastenal.com