Gary@Ronal

Much has been said about the use of spacers for wheels on cars.....be careful.
The common perception of spacers, on wheels, is that of a piece of metal--for lack of better terminology--a hard metal washer between the wheel and the mounting surface. Generally it's purpose is either to clear the brake caliper or to widen the stance, footprint, of the car--for supposed better handling....This metal ring fits between the wheel and the mounting surface w.holes through it to accept the lug nuts or bolts. This is generally what is thought of a spacer--and to this day, in many cases it is still being used----!! THIS IS NOT RECOMMENDED.

A wheel needs to be "hubcentric" to the mounting surface to accept the load bearing weight of the car while in motion and the lug nuts simply affix the wheel to the car--they hold the wheel on and do not bear the weight of the vehicle---when done properly. Most of the Audi models, especially Quattro's, are heavy cars and have very sensitive front ends!!
A handful of wheel manufacturers recognize these issues, Especially RONAL, and have come up with a system, that is tried and true, over many years use, and of course, TUV approved. Our ADAPTORS, or spacers, are quite unique. We use a wider opening in the back of the wheel, w. a groove cut out of the inside of the wheel. Our adaptors, ranging anywhere from 5-23mm in width, made out of aluminum, "SNAP into the back of the wheel, w. a retaining ring system". This secures the Adaptor to the hub of wheel, and becomes a "back-pad" extension of the wheel itself. They are machined to incredible tolerances, and fit securely into the back of the wheel, and have to be physically "hammered" out, due to their secure attachment to the wheel. The BACKSIDE of the Adaptor/spacer is then designed to be "HUBCENTRIC" to the car's mounting surface. This eliminates any vibration/shimmy issues that occur when a vehicle is NOT Hubcentric. We then also provide the necessary length lug nuts, or bolts depending on the vehicle.
If you are thinking about the use of spacers, then please take notice of the points mentioned above. Some typical problems arising out of the use of incorrect spacers are: Lug nuts loosening or falling off, shimmy and vibration issues, warping of the wheel itself in the lug hole areas, cracking of the wheel in the lug hole areas,wheel bearing problems, suspension problems, etc.

**Some of you have been switching wheels from S4's to a4, or a6 use...! Yes, they are the same bolt pattern, and centerbore, but the offsets are different, and PLEASE NOTE--the offset will have to change when using different width wheels and larger tires!!! CLEARANCE issues come into play.
Also recognize the width of the wheels vs. the tire "width" size you use on them.
**There is nothing wrong with using the correct spacer setup on a car, provided you consider the above mentioned points.
As a final point, always consider getting a complete alignment when making any modifications to the wheels/tires, suspension of the car. Do NOT overtorque your wheels!!!
If you have any questions regarding these issues, you can always email me, DIRECTLY, for a prompt response.<ul><li><a href="http://www.ronalusa.com">http://www.ronalusa.com</a</li></ul>

dB

i.e. 80's Audi wheels?

Bada Bing

Great information. Thanks!

CraigB

I had 15mm H&Rs on the rear of my Z3 with no problems (longer lugs too, of course).