[aTOMic]

Hi,
I have a set of Audi wheels which I think came off an A4 Cabrio. You'd think they would rub on the outsides but they don't clear the upper control arms and one rear rubs the fender well against the inner sidewall a little. PN on the wheels is 8H0 601 025 A, offset, etc is ET45 7.5X17. Tires are 235-55-17.
Thanks for any answers, I know nothing about spacers but I think 3mm would do it. I considered grinding off the edge of the control arm - it only rubs a tiny bit - but hate to do that. I mounted the front wheel, and it will turn, but it rubs all the way around, and the control arms do change position in relation to the wheel...

Here's a link to my first post with pics (I'm on my Android and cannot get the pics to drag).

They say smaller tires but I want to use up the tires on the wheels, that's half the reason I want them on the car!

TIA,
Tom

 

[VAGguy]

I would say at least 12mm spacers and 12mm longer bolts, but it's just a guess. Most people run the correct rubber so inside tire rubbing is not an issue.

DO NOT grind anything, especially in relation to suspension components.

 

[midnightmekanik]

I would guess as VAGguy said... I have 17x7.5 wheels as well, but with an ET42. I run 205/40 tires with no rubbing at all. Mind you, that may change once lowered...

 

[bigbea]

I have Audi.sport wheels 17x7.5 et45 with 225/45s and only rub on turns. Gtf is 25"

 

[aTOMic]

No plans to lower it. It was funny cause the first time we started to go somewhere my wife sat behind me (I was driving) and it rubbed that driver side rear wheel bad. She had to get out and get in the front seat, then it was driveable. Kids thought it was hilarious, wife not so much... Since then she lost 50 lbs (baby weight) and I lost 50 lbs (beer belly-switched to whiskey & exercise) - maybe I should try them on it again! Oh wait, the kids have probably grown 50 lbs apiece X 2 so never mind.

Bigbea, what is gtf? (I know ima look dumb for axin).

VAGguy, I know not to grind suspension, I'm not stupid, thanks. I'm going to grind a clearance groove into the wheel!








Disclaimer in case anyone reading this IS stupid (you won't know it but just read this): never modify suspension unless you're a trained mechanic or engineer. No grinding on control arms or wheels.
Even spacers make me a bit nervous...

 

[VAGguy]

VAGguy, I know not to grind suspension, I'm not stupid, thanks. I'm going to grind a clearance groove into the wheel!



Even spacers make me a bit nervous...

You never know with the internet. I've seen worse. Spacers are perfectly safe. You just need longer bolts. I've been running 8mm then 12-15mm for the last 6 years.

But really, you should have 225/45 rubber. This will help ensure no rubbing and will keep mileage and speed correct to factory specs.

 

[aTOMic]

You never know with the internet. I've seen worse. Spacers are perfectly safe. You just need longer bolts. I've been running 8mm then 12-15mm for the last 6 years.

But really, you should have 225/45 rubber. This will help ensure no rubbing and will keep mileage and speed correct to factory specs.

Thanks, but I am trying to use up the tires I already have that came with my A8.

So if the 235 means 235 mm across the tread (which is how I understand it) and you say 225 is a OE size, then mine are 10 mm wider than OE so 5mm spacers would theoretically cure the rubbing, right?

The other issue is the control arm rubbing, which I cannot believe they do not rub on the 16s but they do on the 17s. They barely rub, but my concern is that at full extension or compression they'd rub worse. Maybe with some 8mm spacers they'd clear well.

So if I wanted to experiment who sells spacers/bolts at the best price for the quality?

Thanks for any & all info.
Tom

 

[bigbea]

GTF is ground to fender height

 

[PZ]

Thanks, but I am trying to use up the tires I already have that came with my A8.

So if the 235 means 235 mm across the tread (which is how I understand it) and you say 225 is a OE size, then mine are 10 mm wider than OE so 5mm spacers would theoretically cure the rubbing, right?

The other issue is the control arm rubbing, which I cannot believe they do not rub on the 16s but they do on the 17s. They barely rub, but my concern is that at full extension or compression they'd rub worse. Maybe with some 8mm spacers they'd clear well.

So if I wanted to experiment who sells spacers/bolts at the best price for the quality?

Thanks for any & all info.
Tom

You also have to factor in the sidewall. A 235/55/17 is a much taller tire, so you have less room to play.