allroadCole

I bought my car with the OEM single spoke rims, which I never really cared for. I was planning on getting some new wheels from the very start, and I knew that I would probably need some spacers.

I saw a set of used Hubcentric 20mm H&R spacers for pretty cheap ($150 for all 4 with bolts), I still did not know which wheels I wanted, but I picked up the spacers anyway...

Then I had an opportunity to trade my wheels for OEM double spokes for dirt cheap ($70). They were in nice shape, I liked the looks, strength and price so I ended my wheel shopping there...

Just for a slight handling advantage and looks I put on the spacers when I swapped rims. It looks pretty good, the wheels are almost flush with the fender, there is no rubbing (even 402'd down 20mm) and it also handles a bit nicer...

However, my local audi dealership tells me that the spacers are a bad idea, they say it could cause vibrations and wear out the hubs... Which makes me sad cuz I really like the added looks/handling...

I'm wondering what you guys think. It seems to me that the geometry as far as the hubs are concerned would not be much different that running a wider 18x8.5 wheel... Thanks for any thoughts...

uber_ar

dealer = bonehead

03Indigo

without any issues what so ever. I had them on the allroad for over a year until I sold it, and they left with the car, not one problem, no shimmies either.....but I also upgraded my OEM rotors and pads. I have had spacers on my MINI for 3 years running not, not one problem there either. So, my experience tells me that you won't have any issues what so ever. But that is just my experience.

arnick'02-6spd

didn't get the funds together this summer for wheels. Not sure I'd go 20 mm, but fifteen maybe - thinking about unsprung weight.

I think most of the service guys at dealerships get into a psychological box where anything that isn't factory spec is bad because it's like voodoo and has the potential for causing them headaches.

Don't blame them, it's not their fault. And, hell, without sheep what'd be the point of being a wolf?

quattrorunner

I think up to 20mm is safe. The issue is with the bearings dealing with load farther out than it's designed for. Not as centrally load "bearing". Bearings life is deminished. But not that much, and hey, maybe it's worth it to you.

paulroad

they run fine and work well.

allroad'Ed now

with absolutely no problems. This spacer is designed to work only with the factory wheels and requires longer bolts- 35mm. I tried my OE twin spoke wheels with my 15mm spacers and was too close to the fender lip for comfort. When I mounted with my 20 mm spacers, the tire hit the fender on turns. Definitely does not fit.

Here's the 8mm Audi-specific spacer:
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/8639/hr_8mm_pn.jpg">

Here's the car with the 8mm spacers, and the 245/50-17 Pilot Sport A/S tires I had back then.
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/8639/402_245s_left.jpg">

allroadCole

I've had mine on for about 4 months and they never hit at all..., even when 402'd all the way down... I wonder why your's hit and mine do not.

I have Toyo Proxies, I can remember the rating or model of proxies but they are right below the 'z' rated top of the line model...

What sort of tires were you using when they hit?

The only thing that would make a difference that I can think of would be the tires, but mine are the OEM size, as I assume yours were.

Is there a difference from the '01 to '02 models maybe???

allroad'Ed now

Hell, I ran 15mm spacers behind my winter wheels- 17x7.5 et 30 Hartmann RS6 reps. Stock size snow tire. And it was tight. When I tried the 20's on that setup, it was way too close for comfort and that wheel is offset inward 5mm more than the OE wheel.

Would love to see pics.

Here's the Hartmann with 225/55 Dunlop M3's and 15mm spacers (and yours would sit another 10mm out than this?):
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/8639/17rs6hd.jpg">

allroadCole

I guess mine are out wider??

I'm out of town this week but I will get some pictures up this weekend or early next week... Track this thread please, I will just post them here, I'm interested to see what you think.

Are you sure those are 17/225/55 Dunlop M3's in that picture? They sure look big! Maybe it's just the angle of the picture or something...

I'm not making this up, they are on there and they do not rub. It is close, I'm not sure what qualifies as 'too close for comfort' for you, I'm no expert but they don't ever hit so I'm happy...