BOOSTD

Three weeks ago I put on my wheel package ordered from the Rack...17x8 BBS RX w/225-45-17 SP9000s, OEM sport suspension. Right out of the box they felt unbalanced at highway speeds (65-75mph). I even PAID to have them rebalanced ($50) and they still feel like **** at those speeds. Took a road trip today, 3 hours one way, about half two lane and half interstate. The damn thing near beat me to death. I don't know if it's the tires or what, but I AM PISSED. I had 40 series 17's on a lowered Integra before this that were smooth as glass, just harsher over bumps. SOMEONE PLEASE HELP!!!!

s4wood

You probably weren't around when I won a set of SP9000s from Dunlop/Quattro Club about 2 years ago. At that time I initially didn't mount them, but then decided after slipping around one rainy day (on worn down P7000 SS tires) that I should finally put them on. My initial impressions were that they were VERY VERY quiet, tracked fine, but felt really strange at full tread depth. My first official performance event on them was the Quattro Club event in Pahrump LAST year (99). On the first day, since it was an instructors clinic, I didn't want to mount my Kumho/BFG g-force R1 tires...so instead I used the SP9000s. BOY...did they squeal like a pig when pushed to the limit. Bear in mind that this was when they had only 1,000 miles on them...but sheesh. They were down right scary. I decided then and there that these were no track tires..no autox tires...no anything performance related tires.

But, after several thousand miles more...make that about 10K...they really started to perform better and better on dry pavement. By the time I sold my A4..with about 50K miles...it was cornering very nicely on those tires. I still didn't take them on the track with the SP9000...but I would have felt better about it if I had to.

Anyway...just some comments on the weird quirks about the SP9000. BTW, it rules in "standing water" weather conditions.<p><a href="http://registry.audiworld.com/audi/registry/details.asp?car=3821"><br><br>
<img SRC="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/AudiWorldPics/2000/ss_s4sig1.jpg"<br><br>
Steve S.
00 Nogaro S4
NorCal Audi Club
http://www.norcalaudiclub.org

CMH

Should have got the RE730's, ride is great and they don't squeal like a pig when pushed.

BOOSTD

that really bothers me. This just doesn't make sense! The tires have been balanced TWICE now! Did you have high-speed shudder problems that felt like they needed balancing? Did it go away? I'm ready to go postal on the Tire Rack.

nubS4

about 6 weeks ago. Have had them balancd 3 times since then. Keep throwing the weights, so had tape put over them this last time (Friday). If I'm dissatisfied, I'm gonna go to a local Hunter GSP9700 balancer that will tell me whats going on..that is if my tires(Tirerack) or wheels are "bad". Being that the OEM wheels/tires were okay, I have a suspicion that I need confirmed..$.02

Greg Amy

Are you certain the wheels are correct for your car and are "hub-centric"? In other words, when you installed the wheels did the center of the wheel slide tightly over the hub, or did you have to use the lug bolts to center up the wheel?

If it's the latter, then the wheels are incorrect, and you'll never get them to ride smoothly. Your wheels MUST be hub-centric to work correctly. You CANNOT use your lug bolts to center up the wheels.

If, on the other hand, the wheels are hub-centric, then you should find another wheel balancer...

GregA

s4wood

Sometimes tires are just out of round...did you get them re-checked for balancing? It may be a tire manufacturer issue.<p><a href="http://registry.audiworld.com/audi/registry/details.asp?car=3821"><br><br>
<img SRC="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/AudiWorldPics/2000/ss_s4sig1.jpg"<br><br>
Steve S.
00 Nogaro S4
NorCal Audi Club
http://www.norcalaudiclub.org

Eddie@Tirerack

First off, be sure you hav the hubcentering rings installed in the backside of the wheels, without them vibrations will definitely be likely.

Assuming they are in place, the balancing should be inspected to have the tire runout inspected to make sure one of them is not out of round. It is not likely that one of the wheels themselves is out, more than likely it would be with the tire.

Since you didnt provide my your name I dont have a means to find your order. In lieu fo that, call my customer service dept. we can refer you to one of our recommended installers who can check it out for you to see whats up. Their # is 800.428.8355, ext 360.

On your rebalancing we mount our packages her typically using the new Hunter GS series in the IN whse, so it gives a very accurate balancing, but it could be a bit more sensitive once actually on the car. We do realize this so you can be reimbursed for rebalancing if you provide us with the rciept.

Call them or me with any further questiosn & I can direct you over!

Thanks!<p>Eddie

If ordering, reference "Eddie ext 369" as your Previous Contact when you complete your order, or call me direct!

Eddie
Wheel/Tire Forum Moderator
Retail Sales 800.428.8355, ext 369
Personal Web:
http://www.e46fanatics.com/eddie

MC

Wheel specialists in AZ can balance them right..

They have the correct tools and can balance them on the car!

3 trips to discount and my wheels still shaked.

One trip to Wheel specialists and its like glass now..

Thanks

MC