gsa28

Rubbing on 235/55-17. Hi i just called 2 of my local Audi dealers to see if i can put my used all weather tires on my 2007 A4 3.2 quattro cabriolet. They both said fine no problems... So i put them on now i have a rubbing noise from inside the car. Any suggestions besides the obvious which is to go to a smaller tire. (unfortunately got to wait for tax return...)My previous were 235/45-17 but were totally bald. Had zero traction in snow and ice. I have put on 50% tread 235/55-17 goodyear RS-A's

Reggie

Where are they rubbing. You might be able to use spacers - but they will require longer bolts too.

gsa28

Found out they are rubbing on the, i think control arm joint. It has managed to cut a groove on the inside tire wall. On both drivers and passenger front wheels.

Gary@Tirerack.com

235/55R17 is just huge. Spacers may help with inside rubbing, but then you'll likely be rubbing on the fenders. I'm sorry, but you'll likely need much smaller tires.

gsa28

Yep that was what i figured. I will have to get me some 235/45 again. Sucks cuz the 2 audi dealers said yep they will fit... Oh well we live and learn

gsa28

So i have read about not having different tires on an AWD and changing sizes. But how much difference would 235/45-17 on the front and 225/50-17 on the rear affect the handling etc. i have read on the net that it will ruin torsion bars steering racks transmission etc...

Reggie

As long as the outside diameter of the the tires is the same then it will be OK. You have to find websites that will tell calculate it. But having different tires that don't have the same outside diameter will hurt your diff. I have seen diff destroyed by people (and shops like Walmart) replace new tires on the rear and left bald ones on the front.

gsa28

Thanks for the help the diameter is 25.3 and 25.9 so not a lot in it. I think i will be ok

Gary@Tirerack.com

Don't do it. That's too much of a difference. Audi states that the tires have to be with in 4/32nds of an inch of each other (0.125 inches).

DDMan

Ugh. I just tried the same thing with the same results. That sucks because I get a killer deal on the 235/55/17's too. I also wouldn't mind the extra gearing and softer ride. Of course I'm also worried about hitting a bump and it sending the tire into the fender... Oh well... Guess I'll be saving up for new tires

Nobody knows if a 5mm spacer or something would work?