nikhil

I am thinkin about taking off the wheels for cleaning, and I need to buy a floor jack. Do I also need to get jack stands(4 or 2)? I would probably buy a cheaper torque wrench too, but what is the socket size that I need? In addition, is the socket size the same on all audis??? Thanks sooooo much in advance.

ross@downforce.net

1/2" 17MM deep socket and a 1/2" breaker bar to get the bolts off, 1.2" drive torque wrench to put them back on

you could go with a 3/8" drive - but I've broken off extensions/breaker bars if the lug nuts/bolts are on tight

you don't need a jack stand - but it's a good idea to get a set if you are going to be doing this frequently (or holding the car up for long periods of time with the floor jack).

nikhil

What is the 3/8 drive? and can't I use the lug wrench from the car to take the lugs off?>

ross@downforce.net

but if they are on there tight - it may be a PITA
its jsut easier with the right tools
3/8" vs. 1/2" drive are the types of sockets - 1/2" being larger and more sturdy. Most "regular" socket sets are 3/8" drive

My wheel kit consists of:

Kobalt 1/2" drive breaker bar ($18)
Kobalt 17mm Deep socket 1/2" ($3)
Husky (sold at Lowes) twist style 3/8" drive torque wrench (around $50)
Kobalt 3" extension 3/8" drive ($4)
regular old 17mm 3/8" shallow socket

but I do my own brake work on 2 Audis and take my wheels off to swap for summer/winter/cleaning etc. pretty frequently so its worth the expense...

mel g

under the car, you need stands. If you just remove wheels, then if the floor jack slips, you don't die.(floor jack is held up by hydraulic pressure, so a leaking gasket or seal can cause it to fail. Jack stands are steel, no hydraulics, and very doubtful willever fail)
The torque wrench shoud be half-inch drive, which means you put whatever socket size you need onto the wrench, e.g., 17mm. 3/8 inch drive wrenches are of course smaller, and arent likely to be strong enough for wheel bolts.

nikhil

Thx for the help...almost done cleaning up the wheels! 1 more to go!