RogertheDodger

<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/83165/img_3934.jpg"></center><p>I have an '03 2.7T. 1, year 8.5K The only modification is Nokian WRs from Ronal with their wheels, cos we have snow here! I took the car to the dealer because of vibration at 70 mph, (seat of pants) and they balanced the wheels ($80). Driving to work this am the vibration was still there (usually worse going to work)and then after a few seconds of this the check engine light came on (again!)(not flashing)
I know this vibration thing is an "issue" and I wonder if there is a single, most useful post or FAQ to help me on my way towards sanity. I haven't put my original wheels back on, since it's just about snow season.
Also who should I ask to talk to at the dealer instead of the "customer interaction representative" I meet with at the dealer?

Have no cool pix of my AR but you know what they look like, and this is what my garage is full of.

paulroad

Did you change the lug nuts to the exact match of the new wheels? Using your OEM lugs may have a different Seat than what the new wheels need. This has been a cause in the past.

audiallroadin'

on my '03 and they feel pretty smooth. A heck of a lot better than the Pirellis...

A week ago I polled the audience about whether or not ar drivers were having their Nokians road force balanced...some replied that their tires never felt right until they were properly balanced.

I had to go to Audi to have mine mounted because they were the only installer in my area (other than other car dealers) who had the proper equipment.

Ask your installer if they used the Hunter GSP9700 or similar machine to road force balance the tires. It's more than just spin balancing, it's simulating the pressure of the road to find the areas of the tire that are imperfect. Link below.

If there is no vibration with your stock tires, I'd have the Nokians road force balanced. May want to check with Ronal to see if they do it before shipment...I know Tirerack does it on wheel and tire combo purchases.

Good luck.<ul><li><a href="http://209.176.154.132/">http://209.176.154.132/</a</li></ul>

ebc

Road force balancing with the Hunter GSP 9700 should work. I had vibration problems with replacement Pirellis on my '02 Allroad. The tires were conventionally balanced three times by three different mechanics at two tire shops and one Audi dealership. They still had vibration problems until I had them road force balanced on the GSP 9700. That solved the problem completely. Live and learn!

RogertheDodger

I changed the lug nuts to the ones supplied by Ronal, who seem to be pretty Kosher, since they actaully make the OEM wheels for Audi. Interestingly the installer (the wheels and tires came as a set) told me he had to "turn" the nuts to make them fit.

Maybe that is all it takes to throw things off?

RogertheDodger

Thanks for the info and the link. I see my dealer has the Hunter GSP9700, but may not have used that actual machine. Will call them in the am. (Picked the car up at 10 pm last night from their lot with my spare keys, hoping not to have the cops set on me...or worse!)

moto-one

the other day after driving in the snow/slush I notice the wobble at 60, a quick check showed nothing in the front wheels but the rear had snow/slush packed around the inside, a quick brush with the window brush and all was well. also if you are using studded tires they may have piched some.

paulroad

I don't know what you mean he ad to "turn" the lugs. I'd call Ronal today and ask...its possible they have the wrong "seat angle" for the wheels you bought. What wheels did you get?

4labs

I have a set of Millia wheels with Bstone S03's and was having a hard time, one of the centering rings was slighly bent and seemed to have been hammered into shape, replaced the rings, and tada, no more vibrations at any speed.

RogertheDodger

R-28.
Visited the dealer today, says they used the Hunter tire balancer and tol 44lbs road force on RR tire and 45lbs road force on LR tire with a bent rim on inside lip. A bent rim I can follow, but what is the significance of road force?
(had to leave service dept before I could get answer to this since I am a gas passer and had to get back to hosoital pronto, great excuse for some zippy wheels eh?)