Wheels enigma - closure has been reached!
Posted: Mon Sep 24, 2012 3:09 pm
Thanks to those who replied to my earlier thread about new wheels rubbing on arches etc. The wheels are now on, Minilites supplied by KN at Telford. Ian, you were right, the steel originals were 4.5" and I was supplied with 5". Knowing this was not going to be straightforward I got hold of a "proper" mechanic who has his own beautiful S3. Apparently even Mick Miller rated him, so he's a good man to know.
First of all he noted that the hubs had 7mm spacers to widen the track. We took those off, then realised the original pegs had been replaced with longer ones to accommodate the spacers. These were cut short (many sparks from angle grinder) so they would sit in the holes in the new wheels properly. Then the holes in the wheels were reamed out as they had been machined poorly. Wheels were put on, taken off, put on etc. etc. until they sat flat on the hub. Then we found the back of the wheel was catching the end of the bolt in the wishbone. More dismantling and found the washers through the wishbones were the wrong size. Made some more washers. (More sparks). Refitted the wheels. Corrected some run out, and finally refitted wheels when my man was satisfied all was as it should be. Perfectionists are not easy to please (thank heaven). The old 165/80 tyres have been replaced with Firestone 155/70. Took her out for a test drive, and OH JOY!! The handling has been transformed. (Thanks Andy) As Andy said, fit what god (Mr C) said. Better on straights and bumps in the road, and better, much, much better, round the bendy bits. Best thing I've done to the car, ever. The new wheels look good, but it took 4 hours + of work to put new wheels/tyres on the car.
Anyone want 5 original steel wheels (black) and 5 Pirelli P1000 165/80's?
First of all he noted that the hubs had 7mm spacers to widen the track. We took those off, then realised the original pegs had been replaced with longer ones to accommodate the spacers. These were cut short (many sparks from angle grinder) so they would sit in the holes in the new wheels properly. Then the holes in the wheels were reamed out as they had been machined poorly. Wheels were put on, taken off, put on etc. etc. until they sat flat on the hub. Then we found the back of the wheel was catching the end of the bolt in the wishbone. More dismantling and found the washers through the wishbones were the wrong size. Made some more washers. (More sparks). Refitted the wheels. Corrected some run out, and finally refitted wheels when my man was satisfied all was as it should be. Perfectionists are not easy to please (thank heaven). The old 165/80 tyres have been replaced with Firestone 155/70. Took her out for a test drive, and OH JOY!! The handling has been transformed. (Thanks Andy) As Andy said, fit what god (Mr C) said. Better on straights and bumps in the road, and better, much, much better, round the bendy bits. Best thing I've done to the car, ever. The new wheels look good, but it took 4 hours + of work to put new wheels/tyres on the car.
Anyone want 5 original steel wheels (black) and 5 Pirelli P1000 165/80's?