Front of car detatched from rear

[RS4_Nick]

Update. The problem is the new tyres! Audi borrowed some wheels from another RS (with P Zeros fitted) and let me try it out.. Unbelievable difference. I am really shocked to find this was the issue..

I called the tyre fitter this afternoon and they said that they would need to send my tyres back to Goodyear for analysis, the results of which could take up to 6 weeks. If they are faulty then they would reimburse me the cost of the tyres minus the tread I have used so far! Hmmmm right - I'd expect the full amount at least for my inconvenience!
In the meantime I either have no tyres or buy some new (assuming I have spare money to throw at more tyres) whilst I await the virdict..
Clearly I wasn't best pleased to hear this and eventually the tyre fitter called me back saying he had contacted Goodyear and found there is an online system with quicker 5-day turn around.
This still means I lose the tyres for this period and the fitter even offered to keep my car in his workshop on axle stands for the 5 days. Having consulted Audi, they do not recommend this as it could give further problems to suspension and the car should really be left on a ramp..

I'm going to think about it duing the weekend. I don't mind losing the car for 5 days but:
a. I don't like the thought of it on axle stands especially for 5 days
b. don't like the thought ofleaving it in that environment..
I realise it is a very good gesture from tyre fitter and I am grateful but I think there could be easier ways.. Hmmm.

Other options mean me forking out for spare tyres or buying a set of second hand wheels with some fitted etc....

What do peeps think?

[PetrolDave]

Update. The problem is the new tyres!

I called the tyre fitter this afternoon and they said that they would need to send my tyres back to Goodyear for analysis

This isn't the first time that an RS4 owner has reported this problem with the Goodyear F1's - it appears as though their QC checks are not 100% and occasionally tyres that are not round "escape" from the factory.

[RS4_Nick]

They feel round. The problem feels like it has soft sidewalls.

[sonny]

What Goodyear's was they Asymmetrics or DSG3's ?

[RS4_Nick]

I'm sure they are DSG3s. The ones with the aqua-type tread which disperses water

[sonny]

Ok, I thought that these was discontinued. Not sure why.

[P_G]

They other issue is Goodyears from the Chinese market, they have softer sidewalls and softer compound. Some wholesalers have bought them and they turn out to have 'issues' like you have said. I have heard of this with GSD3's and before because a lot of S3 and S4 owners used GSD3's as well. I'm just a bit jealous you got GSD3's because I prefer them to assyemtrics. GSD3 is the one with the v-pattern tread, is that the ones you had?

Goodyears sourced from Europe do not have such issues. Hard to tell but IIRC there is a visible way of telling, just can't remember what it is.

[stoddie]

glad they found the problem fella.

bit of a tricky situation to be in re. the tyres. i expect getting hold of 4 wheels to fit might be a little difficult and costly also even if you have to get them from a scrap dealer. theyre gonna have to be big enough to fit over the callipers so youre probably looking at 19's at the front and 17's at the back if youre not going to run about in it.

it all depends on your cash flow - another £1000 on tyres is a big blow, but i still think you should be refunded the full amount for the dodgy tyres - after all its not like theyre gonna sell them on again is it!

[stoddie]

bit of data here regarding the chineese made ones - but they are e marked.

i had a set on my integra - im sure it said the were made in china on them. ive never bought another set since.....

link to a pistonheads discussion: http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topi ... 69424&nmt=

[sonny]

bit of data here regarding the chineese made ones - but they are e marked.

i had a set on my integra - im sure it said the were made in china on them. ive never bought another set since.....

link to a pistonheads discussion: http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topi ... 69424&nmt=

Good link cheers.

[RS4_Nick]

Update:

Today I spoke with credit card company as I realised during the weekend I had purchased using plastic..
They agreed to guarantee my money back on the faulty goods should I need to use them. In the mean time I've ordered Michelin Pilot sports - at a premium for which I'll pay full amount upfront.
If I get reimbursed from Goodyear which I don't see why not, I win. If I don't then the credit card company gets involved, they reimburse me and battle with them direct. In the mean time I still win.

Tyres will be swapped over (inluding balancing of new items) free of charge using same vendor tomorrow afternoon. Will keep you posted.

Nick

PS - I spoke with a colleague who spent previous years in retail. He suggests the venfor who sold the tyres is totally responsible and should swap like-for-like foc or me may the difference to gain more expensive tyres. The vendor should then deal with Goodyear direct.
Sales Of Goods Act!

[Steve_C]

I agree with your collegue, Nick. Your contract is with the retailer, not the manfacturer. The Sale of Goods Act 1979 (as amended) states that the goods purchased must be 'fit for their purpose'. Assuming you can legally prove that they were not fit for purpose you should be taking it up with the retailer, not Goodyear. However, the retailer may argue that this proof will only come from a Goodyear analysis....unless the Audi dealer will give you something in writing?

[RS4_Nick]

Audi say they are prepared to put this in writing. However, as I have a lifeline via the credit card company, all I am interested in now is closing this asap.

I'm having to wait until tomorrow now as the replacement tyres are not yet in..

Nick

PS apologies for the typing errors on my previous post. Doh.

[Steve_C]

Good luck with it all, Nick.

Is your car with Nottingham Audi? Mine's going in there tomorrow for a second attempt at fixing the DRC....

[RS4_Nick]

Steve, thanks.

Car was with Derby Audi for initial investigation but tyres were purchased from a tyre specialist. Michelins now fitted. Once I've done a few miles on them I'll report back.

Good luck with the DRC. Hope it gets sorted.

I'll be in Notts tomorrow night not too far away from Nottingham Audi

Nick