Rolling the front arches

[Blue_Thunder]

After fitting some coilovers (not set too low), my front tyres(225/40/18) have started fouling the arches on my B5 S4 at full lock or when hitting bumps at speed.

The front wheels do have spacers on them to fit RS6 brakes, so don't think there is much I can do about that.

I'm looking for some advice on rolling the front arches out a little and also any recommendations on places that can do this.

Ideally somewhere in the North West, but would be willing to travel if it's an 'in and out' job.

[S4TAN]

You can do it yourself with the handle of a hammer (or similar object) - lever the hammer handle against the tyre (using the tyre as the fulcrum) and roll the handle (holding the big metal bit in your hand) along the edge of the tyre with the end of the handle pressed hard against the inside edge of the wheel arch - repeat procedure for as long as necessary until the desired effect is attained. I did this with mine and it has worked a treat. As long as you're careful and not cack-handed then it will roll the inside of the arches upwards and inwards (i.e. towards the wing) and not cause any damage to the outside edge of the wing/arch.

[Blue_Thunder]

How much pressure do you need to use and how much did you need to actually 'roll' them out, ie: do they look noticeably different?

Any close up photos of the finished article?

[S4TAN]

How much pressure do you need to use and how much did you need to actually 'roll' them out, ie: do they look noticeably different?

Any close up photos of the finished article?

Reasonable pressure - enough to fold the inner metal lip up and inwards. If you do the job properly then they look NO different on the outside at all (it's the inner lip that your working on) - you'll see what I mean if you run your finger under the wheel arch.

No photos.

[CliveH]

Scott - is your car still at MRC? If so, speak to Doug about this - Greg (just up the road) will do a first class job for you on this

[Blue_Thunder]

Scott - is your car still at MRC? If so, speak to Doug about this - Greg (just up the road) will do a first class job for you on this

Afraid not Clive, although it's going in for a flying visit over the weekend, but don't think it'll be there long enough to see Greg.

Julian, what did you do with the arch liner? Is it still attached to the same parts or does it just flap around?

[S4TAN]

Julian, what did you do with the arch liner? Is it still attached to the same parts or does it just flap around?

The arch-liner is still attached - it 'folds' up with the metal lip when you roll it.

[tdiquattro]

I did the same, I think it is covered on another post somewhere?, anyway like Julian saya it's easy, I know people reccomend getting it done professionally but I didnt have a choice as there is no arch roller in Greece (I know I looked).

There is a link to a guide on audiworld or one of the other forums, just heat the arch and liner first or do it on a hot summers day, and one thing that isnt in the guide is to remove the screw 2/3 of the way round the liner, and cut off the lump on the liner that is left behind, and bend up the tab on the arch that is left behind, if you hav a look u will see what i mean.

I also have had several peeps on here say you dont need to roll the front arches when lowered on 235/18 but I still cannot see that, how can my car rub and another identical one not rub?

[tdiquattro]

Linky..

http://www.rs246.com/index.php?name=PNp ... highlight=

[S4TAN]

and one thing that isnt in the guide is to remove the screw 2/3 of the way round the liner, and cut off the lump on the liner that is left behind, and bend up the tab on the arch that is left behind, if you hav a look u will see what i mean.

Yep - I forgot to say about that bit. Nice one Nige.

Before I did mine the tyres were constantly getting scored by the metal lip (225/40/18's) - after I rolled it I've not had a problem since.

[Blue_Thunder]

Thanks guys, some top information!