Form Over Function
07-06-2004, 11:03 AM
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Form Over Function
I really like the look of 18" RS4 Replica wheels with OEM Audi caps. However, last December I hit a pothole that was obscured in a sheet drain puddle and bent two of them. I replaced them promptly.
Last week I hit an obscured pothole in Emeryvile and bent two more rims. When I took my TT to the tire shop for inspection and rotation, I was informed that all four rims are bent. The apparent culprit may be the steel plates across the traffic lanes on the Richmond Bridge where a seismic retrofit is in process over the next several years.
True to the heading of form over function I have ordered four replacements, knowing that to run 18" rims on California Highways for a commute vehicle is asking for heavy expense... ;-)
Last week I hit an obscured pothole in Emeryvile and bent two more rims. When I took my TT to the tire shop for inspection and rotation, I was informed that all four rims are bent. The apparent culprit may be the steel plates across the traffic lanes on the Richmond Bridge where a seismic retrofit is in process over the next several years.
True to the heading of form over function I have ordered four replacements, knowing that to run 18" rims on California Highways for a commute vehicle is asking for heavy expense... ;-)
07-06-2004, 11:34 AM
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Your issue is cheap rims. Don't buy non-forged rims and/or don't buy replica rims...
they're soft.. Mille Miglia's are soft too. Some rims are just like that. They are all non-forged. I drive my 18" BBS CH's which arent' forged, in NYC all the time, but they are a high quality rim.
07-06-2004, 11:46 AM
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Sadly, I must concur.
I've bent more replica rims than you can shake a stick at (8), but my factory audi rims are straight and true on the same roads, even through a winter. Sucks to be us.
07-06-2004, 12:36 PM
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Get OZ Superleggra's...
...although they are cast they have Ti/Al composition as well as one of the strongest and lightest wheel profiles...
...btw I went through your saga with the Masitaly Sagitta's that were admittedly better looking...but they bent at the slightest provocation...not the OZs
...btw I went through your saga with the Masitaly Sagitta's that were admittedly better looking...but they bent at the slightest provocation...not the OZs
07-06-2004, 02:48 PM
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Re: Sadly, I must concur.
it must depend on other factors because I am advised OEM 18" Audi rims get bent too. This information is from Audi repair at dealer as well as from tire shop. The issue according to tire pros is the low-profile tires cannot take potholes and ridges.
I guess it could be worse. I could have 22" dubs on an Escalade with low profile tires....;-)
I guess it could be worse. I could have 22" dubs on an Escalade with low profile tires....;-)
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07-06-2004, 03:25 PM
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But if you do manage to bend/scratch one, don't go the repair route...>
They tend to not be the same. The tire store gouged one & I let them repair it instead of replacing it. Poor wheel was never the same. I ended up replacing it a year later after a bend & 2 cracks.
The other 3 wheels are doing great, obviously over the same roads.
The other 3 wheels are doing great, obviously over the same roads.
07-07-2004, 08:20 AM
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Well, of course all rims (even forged) will bend if hit hard enough
But you are correct that there are other factors, among them tire pressure, speed rating, (higher speed rating means firmer sidewall means more shock transmission from tire to rim), aspect ratio, luck. I should note that I run 205/50/17 in the winter just for that reason!
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