Alignment Question

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Jul 10, 2003 | 08:15 AM

CTR27T

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Alignment Question

I have a 2001 A6 2.7T w/sport package. When I purchased the car, there was no option for 17" rims so, I purchased a set of S4 Avus wheels and have summer tires mounted on them (the OE rims have my winter tires). I just found out that my summer tires (appox. 8k miles) are scalloped and need to be replaced, most likely due to alignment. I brought the car to the dealership and (a) they want to charge me for the alignment because I have aftermarket rims (whatever) but (b) tell me that the alignment of the car has been done to the OE rims and that it will need to be aligned with the aftermarket 17" rims.

IS this true? If so, does it mean I need an alignment every change of season? If so, when Audi ships a car with summer sport tires, do they expect the owner to purchase another set of the exact same rims to avoid this problem?

How do other people deal with two sets of wheels? or am I the only one?

IF anyone can shed some light, insight or guidance, I would be appreciative.

I love my Audi but have never trusted my dealer.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Jul 10, 2003 | 08:58 AM

RogDog

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If you go by the book, you probably should get an alignment everytime you change wheels.

But I think most people just change the wheels and only worry about alignment if they feel like the car isn't tracking properly.

You should keep an eye out for uneven tire wear too.

Jul 10, 2003 | 10:01 AM

Gary@Tirerack.com

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Re : alignment question

Changing your wheels/tires alone should not mess up the alignment settings. Installing new springs, or other suspension pieces can, and over time it can go out of spec of course. If you're having uneven wear it should be checked of course, but not simply because the wheels have been changed.