Help All 4 wheels buckled

[scottie1979]

Had the car into the dealers today to look at various issues.
One was a pulsing when braking and a very minor vibration through the steering wheel.

Just had a call saying all 4 wheels are buckled. These are the black 21”

They had them on the balance machine and have advised that they can visually see the buckle when spinning. (They have offered to show me)

You will have to take my word on this obviously but I cant remember any big hits on pot holes or anything to have caused this let alone on one alloy.

The car is in perfect condition – all alloys are untouched, tyres not damaged or bulging anywhere. How does this happen to all 4 wheels!!??

They have said as expected that this isn’t under warranty. So I need some advice from you guys on how to deal with this.

[MikeFish]

Easy one:
viewtopic.php?f=64&t=120263

[Ian_C]

What age / mileage is the car? I'd politely ask the dealer to refer it to Audi UK for 100% goodwill contribution. If the dealer decline to refer, then I'd get onto Audi UK yourself

As Bam highlighted the other day, this very forum started due to the B5 RS4 bendy wheel issue.

[scottie1979]

car bought Nov 2015 so months old. 5000 miles.

I havent been in to collect yet - going later and might get a more detailed explanation from the tech rather than the service advisor.

I asked for options - they said could speak to manager to see what we could do, i said thats going to be 10% or so, so i think this needs to go to Audi UK please.

Something isnt right here, cant be but really need a dealer on my side with this type of thing - unfortunately i didn't buy it local from them either.

[innercry666]

If you get no joy with the dealer or Audi UK refer it to Citizen's Advice and / or Trading Standards and see what advice /support they can give you. As it's all four wheels it has to be an issue with the manufacture of the wheels / material defect.

[Ian_C]

car bought Nov 2015 so months old. 5000 miles.

That's ridiculous. You might understand them declining under warranty if the car was almost three years old/ approaching 60,000 miles. But six months old / 5000 miles should be 100% Audi paying, surely?!?!

[wildbore]

Has the car had an issue with pulsing when braking and a minor vibration through the steering wheel since new? If it has - and you reported it promptly upon taking delivery of the car - then I would have thought your position is strong.

If the pulsing / vibration has only appeared recently then that is when they got buckled, presumably.

[scottie1979]

The pulsing etc wasnt there from new. I cant pinpoint exact date but it wasnt a case of straight after a pothole or anything and assumed it was either a balance weight had fallen off or the discs had started to buckle which seems common from other posts.

Got the car back now - apparently the two offside are worse than the nearside but all 4 still buckled. I didnt get a quote but was verbally advised £5k for the alloys which im sure would be reduced.

I was told as i was outside the 6 month period that items like discs pads wheels need to be reported to stand any chance of claiming on a manufacturing defect v's wear n tear or abuse.

I was advised to contact Audi Uk myself for whatever reason. Probably suits me as at least i can plead my case.

Called them and it is to be referred up but sounded sympathetic as its all 4 wheels. Talked about getting it back to the supplying dealer etc. Hopefully hear more tomorrow.

I could leave as is but it is only going to get worse. Could do without this.

Oh and to finish the day off - i have pitting on the black exhaust tips - apparently this is because i don't wash them enough so claim denied.

[Markp]

Had same issues with Audis and BMW (albeit latter on run flats). Ruins the car IMO and why I went 20 inch - plus the dished look too
Roads are crap where I live.
Try eBay. Should be able to pick up a set for half that price. Or Lepsons to straighten and refurb for £500 (assuming Audi don't stump up).

[MikeFish]

Ebay.de has more RS6 wheels, just search audi rs6 21 and order from most expensive to cheap so you get the genuine wheels first (felgen) is the german for wheel but if you don't say wheel or felgen you will get both english abd german adverts.

[Powerenhancer]

Is this up/down or lateral movement? I would ask to see another Audi 21" wheel on the same balancing machine to see if it exhibits the same "buckled" appearance when spinning. When tyres are mounted many wheels don't exactly look like they spin completely true.

[Markp]

Worth getting all wheels checked on a Hunter Road Force machine to get an accurate picture of what is wrong.

[MikeFish]

Is this up/down or lateral movement? I would ask to see another Audi 21" wheel on the same balancing machine to see if it exhibits the same "buckled" appearance when spinning. When tyres are mounted many wheels don't exactly look like they spin completely true.

Good point, maybe their machine is fooked. Take it to a decent tyre shop and give them a few quid to check the balancing.

[scottie1979]

Dont all Audi centers have the hunter machines?
i recall a smaller dealer i was speaking to at an event was being forced to install one by Audi.

Good point to check another RS - if it comes to that point i will ask to see my wheels (they offered yesterday but would have to give them notice) and compare.

Im going to say this but should probably know better - I have to assume they know what they are doing and they haven't misdiagnosed. How could you on something like this

[robf]

The whole point of OEM wheels being so heavy is that they are meant to be able to handle abuse. For me, 5,000 of driving would signify an issue with the manufacturer of the wheel, so i would certainly bring this up with Audi UK.