Wheel Offset!!! Please explain

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Aug 20, 2002 | 01:38 PM

fshams

Thread Starter

FShams

Joined: Mar 2002

Posts: 234

Likes: 0

From: Columbus, Ohio

Wheel Offset!!! Please explain

Folks, can someone explain the wheel offset in simple terms... I see ET35, ET37 and ET45... What does it really mean, compared to the factory wheels on the car..... Which one sits further out?

Aug 20, 2002 | 01:40 PM

SKareKrow

AudiWorld Super User

Joined: Jun 2001

Posts: 7,681

Likes: 1

The smaller numbers move further out. Oem offset is 35

Aug 20, 2002 | 02:26 PM

alpha.four

New Member

Joined: Jun 2002

Posts: 466

Likes: 0

Re: The smaller numbers move further out. Oem offset is 35

7.5J x 17" , ET45
8J x 17" , ET 35
7.5J x 17" , ET 43
8J x 18" , Et 43

All are 112/5 lugs

There are the specs for OEN Wheels Options on the 02 A4. As you can see the ET fluctuates according the wheel design.

Aug 20, 2002 | 02:40 PM

polar 1.8T

New Member

Joined: Mar 2002

Posts: 104

Likes: 0

Offset explanation..

Oem is 45mm offset on oem 17" 02 sport wheels I think, 16" 02 wheels were 42mm offset..if you were to put 10mm spacers on oem 17" sport wheels theyd give you a corrected offset of 35mm (45mm offset - 10mm for the spacer) giving it more 'poke'..a wider track, more clearance from the caliper and suspension than the original more 'sucked in' original 45mm offset. Say you were going to a 19x8.5" wheel, 35mm et is what youd need for clearance on that extra inch of wheel. a 8.5" wide wheel with a higher 45mm offset probably wouldnt clear the shocks, since it'd be too sucked in. If you went too low of an offset though it'd poke wheel/tire like a gocart and rub like crazy :-( check out the link for a more technical explanation..<ul><li><a href="http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/tech/offset.htm">http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/tech/offset.htm</a</li></ul>