ionian2k

Hi all,

I recently upgraded my wheels on my 2016 A3 convertible. I ordered a complete wheels + tires package from tirerack.com My new wheels are 19x8.5 Axis Sport XQ MGS running on 235/35ZR-19 Kumho Ecsta PS91 XL. Although I feel the bit of extra weight of these new wheels they seem to be fine until I am on the high way. On the occasional spirited driving during short burst when I hit 80MPH or higher I notice the a mild vibration coming through the steering wheel. Is this normal behavior? If not then what is the fix? These wheels are supposedly already balanced by Tirerack. I also got wheel alignment done as well after the upgrade.

I didn't have this issue when I was running the 18" factory stock wheels+ tires.

***updated 5/2***
Thanks to those trying to help me out. It turned out the fix was more simple than I thought. When I picked up those tires at local tirerack center I thought it was inflated to the correct psi. In the invoice it said "
For Proper Load Capacity 42 psi is required." However when I checked the cold pressure it was off by about 10 psi. Once I put 42 psi on all 4 the vibration is gone during high speed travel.

BlackAce

Definitely sounds like a simple balance issue. One of the wheels might have thrown a weight. Call TireRack, they're good for it.

Zephyr007

One other thing to check is that the rim either has the correct hub center size or that the proper hub centric ring was used and seated properly. The slightest misalignment gets amplified at speed.

ionian2k

i think that is the answer. My friend helped mounted the set and used his left over spacers. Looks like it they aren't perfect. He mentioned something about centric ring.

Does Anyone know of the correct size and where I can buy them ? A link would be appreciated!

Zephyr007

Audi A3 2016 1.8TFSi
– Generation: 8V [2013 .. 2016] [EUDM]
– Market: USDM
– Power: 168 hp | 125 kW | 170 PS
– Engine: l4, Petrol
– Center Bore: 57.1 mm
– Lug Size: M14 x 1.5
– Wheel Fasteners: Lug nuts
– Trim Production: [2013 .. 2016]

ionian2k

Sorry I forgot to mention mine is the 2.0 liter engine.

s3burgh

Not all spacers are made equally. A brand new set of metal ones I purchased caused all sorts of vibration. Replaced with another set of plastic ones and it was all good.

You will get 57.1 mm spacers to whatever the bore is on the news wheels...66.6 maybe?

Zephyr007

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-ecs-part...5710/ap666571/


The above link is for a 66.6 to a 57.1 but you need to verify that is what you actually need. Your best bet is to call Tire Rack back and talk to them about it. They might even set you up with a set of rings for free.

Also there is a terminology issue here. You mentioned using "spacers" from your friend. "Wheel Spacers" are a different thing entirely. Those are plates to change the offset of your wheels by pushing them further out. If you used those then that adds yet another potential item for an unbalance to occur. If you were just using the term generically and actually referring to hub centric rings then ignore the above.

ionian2k

My friend used his spare wheel spacers to push wheels out so they look better. I think that is most likely the culprit of my problem. He said to get wheel balance and that should fix it. Can someone verify that? Or should I buy new spacers ? What would you recommend? Please include link. Thanks

Timmay

I think you're perhaps missing the point. As Zephyr pointed out, you probably need to make sure you have hub centric rings.