How to figure out which rims are bad?
Thread Starter
AudiWorld Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 317
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How to figure out which rims are bad?
I have a vibration problem. I've been changing the tires with used tires for a while and cant get rid of the vibrations. Perhaps my rims are bad? they are the stock turbo style wheels on the 2001 Audi A6 2.7T Quattro
Please let me know how I can check or which type of balancing equipment I should look for at a tire shop for them to tell me if my wheels are good, I'm really tires of the vibrations in my lovely car.
Please let me know how I can check or which type of balancing equipment I should look for at a tire shop for them to tell me if my wheels are good, I'm really tires of the vibrations in my lovely car.
AudiWorld Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 826
Likes: 2
If the vibration is felt in the steering wheel then it is in the front. If you feel it in your butt then it is in the rear. Rotate the tires front to back and see if the vibration follows. If remains unchanged then you are probably looking at a driveline vibration which would be CV, center shaft, or wheel bearings.
AudiWorld Super User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,697
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From: NE Ohio
Most all newer tire balancers can spot a bent rim at a tire shop, I have two on my 04 flat five's "not fat five" that were brought to my attention during the winter set change and balance in November, found two new ones that were spares for a steal.
Tech Guru
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 6,006
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Just watch the edge - typically the inside edge - while it spins. Your eye is more than sufficient. For unexplainable reasons, most technician's eyes are not sufficient.
If you have 10 year old factory 17s, i *guarantee* there is a slight dent to an inside edge on at least one wheel. Over my life, on several audis, i've bent, and repaired, more than a dozen.
G
If you have 10 year old factory 17s, i *guarantee* there is a slight dent to an inside edge on at least one wheel. Over my life, on several audis, i've bent, and repaired, more than a dozen.
G
Tech Guru
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 8,010
Likes: 192
From: Olney, MD
I put the car up on jack stands and in gear, engine idling. I watch the tread/tire...if it wobbles either the tire is bad or the rim is bent. Getting a good view of inside rim isn't too difficult either. But if the tire wobbles generally the wheel/tire has to be broken down. If rim isn't bent, get the wheel/tire assembly rebalanced with a road force balancer that might entail rotating the tire on the rim 90 degrees and then rebalancing for minimum road force.
So far I haven't been fooled by flatspots on the tires....but if there were flatspots from hard braking with failed ABS for instance this might not work so hot.
So far I haven't been fooled by flatspots on the tires....but if there were flatspots from hard braking with failed ABS for instance this might not work so hot.
Tech Guru
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 8,010
Likes: 192
From: Olney, MD
As it happens, quattro is generally open diffs...just jack up the front, hold the rear with parking brake.
Don't goose it and don't run it for a long time, just idle in gear and watch the wheels turn.
But why not put it up on all four corners while you're at it and be done with it?
Don't goose it and don't run it for a long time, just idle in gear and watch the wheels turn.
But why not put it up on all four corners while you're at it and be done with it?
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Tech Guru
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 8,010
Likes: 192
From: Olney, MD
Balancing machine generally uses an index or steel pointer near the rim with or without tire mounted. Rotate by hand to get clear indication of where bent. spinning on car just tells u wheel or tire is out of round, quick check without asking wheel off car.