How big is too big? Audi A5 wheels

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Smiffo
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How big is too big? Audi A5 wheels

Post by Smiffo »

Afternoon all.

My search for alloy wheels started with looking at all PCD 112 cars, and extended to approximate offset and size.

My question is simple - Audi A5 wheels seem to have the precise measurements to enable them to fit onto my van, but I wonder how large a wheel you can `realistically` get away with.?

I don't believe my van has been lowered - yet - so was looking for some advice on what others have done, as some of the wheels on the A5 are 18inch.
I am also curious if the T25 is too heavy for these wheels.?

Any pics of a van with 18 inch wheels would be greatly appreciated - side profile preferably - so that I can see the aesthetics.

Thanks in advance all.
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Re: How big is too big? Audi A5 wheels

Post by AdrianC »

Smiffo wrote:I am also curious if the T25 is too heavy for these wheels.?
Quick google suggests that maximum laden weights on A5s go up to ~2400kg, versus 2500kg for our vans - so I wouldn't worry too much about using the wheels.
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Smiffo
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Re: How big is too big? Audi A5 wheels

Post by Smiffo »

AdrianC wrote:
Smiffo wrote:I am also curious if the T25 is too heavy for these wheels.?
Quick google suggests that maximum laden weights on A5s go up to ~2400kg, versus 2500kg for our vans - so I wouldn't worry too much about using the wheels.

Thanks Adrian.

What size wheels have you opted for on your van?
Secondly; are there any functional problems you foresee with 18 inch wheels ( about 8 inch wide too, I believe )?

I don't want them rubbing on the arches etc.

Any pics from anyone else would be appreciated.

Cheers all.
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Re: How big is too big? Audi A5 wheels

Post by Verne »

I have 18s with 10 mm spacers on the front an 5mm on the rear

Image

it's also lowered and can be a little bumpy on uneven roads :shock:
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Smiffo
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Re: How big is too big? Audi A5 wheels

Post by Smiffo »

Verne wrote:I have 18s with 10 mm spacers on the front an 5mm on the rear

Image

it's also lowered and can be a little bumpy on uneven roads :shock:

Thanks Verne - Black wheels really look good on that van.!

I assume you have no issues with the wheels rubbing on full lock etc.?
Also, how much is yours lowered.?

Thanks again.
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Re: How big is too big? Audi A5 wheels

Post by Verne »

no issues with rubbing at all.

not sure how much it is lowered by as it was already done when I bought it
Verne

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Smiffo
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Re: How big is too big? Audi A5 wheels

Post by Smiffo »

Verne wrote:no issues with rubbing at all.

not sure how much it is lowered by as it was already done when I bought it

Thanks for your replies Verne - gives me some confidence that 18inch is OK - Top man. :ok
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Re: How big is too big? Audi A5 wheels

Post by bradders89 »

I've just taken 18s off mine. Van was lowered 55mm and only the pas Sid front wheel rubbed at certain points. Personally I think they looked to big for the van but it's down to personal choice isn't it!

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Re: How big is too big? Audi A5 wheels

Post by Smiffo »

bradders89 wrote:I've just taken 18s off mine. Van was lowered 55mm and only the pas Sid front wheel rubbed at certain points. Personally I think they looked to big for the van but it's down to personal choice isn't it!

Cheers Bradder.

Any profile picks of yours.?
I don't want to lower my van too much - I think I prefer only a modest drop, which should mitigate arch rubs ( hopefully !! ).

I would be interested to see how low a 55mm drop looks with 18 inch wheels.
I don't want to buy the wheels and have problems and/or don't like them, so I'm trying to find someone with something similar already....

Verne's above looks about the right ratio between ride height and wheel size for my tastes.

Thanks.
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Re: How big is too big? Audi A5 wheels

Post by Bigjcc55 »

Image
18 inch cayenne turbo wheels with brickwerks adapters and -70 mm AVO springs. I wouldn't recommend this low on a camper with them.
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Re: How big is too big? Audi A5 wheels

Post by Cheeky V »

We had some on Cheeky V when we bought her without power steering, Christ my muscles grew! :rollin :rofl :rofl
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Smiffo
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Re: How big is too big? Audi A5 wheels

Post by Smiffo »

Cheeky V wrote:We had some on Cheeky V when we bought her without power steering, Christ my muscles grew! :rollin :rofl :rofl

Now that didn't cross my mind..!!
I have held off buying some at the moment - for no other reason than I am concerned how much clearance there would be between the side sliding door, and the rear wheel when the door opens...

I assume your A5 wheels were ET29, and 245 tyres.?

Was there enough clearance to open the side door.?

Thanks in advance.
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Re: How big is too big? Audi A5 wheels

Post by Mk2Tony »

Was there enough clearance to open the side door.?

Hi

I'm running 255 porsche wheels on the rear and have no problems opening the sliding door, its quite close though!

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Smiffo
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Re: How big is too big? Audi A5 wheels

Post by Smiffo »

Morning all.

OK, a long time coming, I know, but I have finally bought my Audi A5 wheels.

In short, they are the correct PCD, ET but rather than opt for the 18inch variety, I went for the cheaper 17inch.
( I was wasting too much time waiting for good wheels and good tyres on the 18inch versions )

Anyway - see the photo below of them next to the van..!!

Which leads to my next problem; How to know what size studs and bolts etc are needed?
Is it better to do a stud conversion all round too?

My thoughts are to measure how far through the standard wheel the original bolts go, then put a bolt through the alloy wheel and see how `short` it is, which will tell me how much longer the new bolts / studs have to be to reach through the alloys...

Anyone see any obvious error in my thoughts there?

Image

Appreciate any feedback - and yes, once they are fitted, I will post pics.

Thanks all,
Smiffo.
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Re: How big is too big? Audi A5 wheels

Post by silverbullet »

Your suggested method sounds about right. Get them pressed in by an engineering shop with a small gear press, doesn't need tons but you won't get them in with a vice and an old gudgeon pin! Do not be tempted to try and pull them in with a stack of washers and a nut either...
Nice choice of wheel though, they look kind of "right" for the T3 and if the weight rating is OK then happy days!
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