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Bit of a noob question: generally speaking, by how much should a wheel clear the outside of the caliper, minimum ? (ie, not in the diameter direction, but laterally, in the direction of the spokes of the wheel...).

I have kept the aftermarket 18" wheels off my old a4, which will go on the 'new' s4, but of course, the brakes being quite a bit bigger, they don't clear (just - by about a poofteenth of a mm). So I need to get spacers, but don't really know how much I need to clear the calipers by.
Is 5mm enough ? I thought 10mm might be safer (according to my tyre bloke, the spacers come in 5 and 10 mm sizes, longer studs with the 10s). Thoughts ? (feedback/suggestions/estimations in inches is fine !)

Cheers

Kwottro,

When I got my new 18's alloys they would not fit over my front caliper..... the wheel simply would not turn.... I used 3mm spacers intially, but there not great, I really need to get my arse into gear and order some 5mm spacers per side.

You just need to make sure the wheels dont stick out from the body work cos that will look naff....

regards

Gav

Kwottro,
5mm will do it - you can only get the hubcentric spacers in this size (and larger ones of course).
The 3mm universal ones are crap and dangerous when trying to fit the wheel.
Philip Walker on here will supply you with the spacers and longer bolts.

Gav,
Did you see my PM to you on this subject?

Cheers,

Hmm, okay. Thanks. It just seems to me that a 5mm gap isn't much if the wheel or bolts flex a tiny bit...or a bit of gravel or something gets in between them. The 17s that were on the car when I bought it have at least a 10mm gap, probably more like 12. But if 3mm works okay, I'll go for 5mm...

There's quite a few on here (me included) who have fitted the B6 S4 18" wheels and the setup with the 5mm spacers seems to be favourite - anything more would result in them sticking out of the arches (both naff and illegal), and the 3mm IMHO is cutting it a bit fine.

Got my 18" RS Reps via Leigh Tyres on E-Bay(VW/Audi multifit) they actually caught on the Drivers side caliper,to fit spacers would have taken them outside the bodywork,very very naf!!!
Looking at the point of fouling on the calipers there was loads of metal so out came the grinder,I ground about 2mm of the edge of the caliper and also did the other side to match,a quick lick of black paint allowed to dry pop them back on SORTED !
Remember that the calipers are cast, so dimensional accuracy in them will not be to NASA standards and there was plenty of material to go at.

Jim S4 Avant MRC AND Hyperboosts,18 RS Reps.

Brave man! I wouldnt want to be grinding anything off my brakes.

Clive as I said in the post, the section which required grinding had loads of metal there,it is only a small amount gone,I understand your sentiments but would not have done the deed if i deemed it suspect Honest,i have to drive it remember!
MRC have been at it today

Cheers Jim S4 Avant.

5mm of clearance is fine. It's worth using the slimmest spacers you can as moving the offset out much will affect the handling and increase tramlining. As mentioned above, definitely make sure the spacers are hubcentric as universal spacers are <beep> and will more than likely cause vibration.

Jim, I was doubting your judgement or abilities. It's just that I'm a bit of a numbskull when it comes to mechanics and I just wouldnt trust myself going anywhere near my brakes - you certainly wouldnt want to let me loose on yours!

Pete, I had the 3mm universal <beep> on mine as a temporary measure and havent noticed any difference since I fitted the hubcentric 5mm ones, but I do feel more comfortable with the right kit.

The issue with a universal spacer is that the rim won't be properly centred on the hub. Sometimes this won't be noticable, but the effects are similar to having an unbalanced wheel.

Universal spacers will certainly work as a temporary measure, but should definitely only be used as temporary if possible.

Interesting,

How do you tell the difference between a 'Hub Centric' and a 'Universal Spacer'?
TIA

Dazzer

Agree entirely

Interesting,

How do you tell the difference between a 'Hub Centric' and a 'Universal Spacer'?
TIA

Dazzer

A hub centric spacer will have a raised lip and a recess designed to fit onto your hub. This will properly centre it on your hub. These are manufactured for specific centre bores and PCD (bolt patterns).

A universal spacer will be completely flat, usually with slots rather than round holes.