Date: Wed, 29 Aug 2007 05:28:48 +0800
Reply-To: BenT Syncro <syncro@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: BenT Syncro <syncro@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: 15" audi wheels with tires Seattle CL $150
In-Reply-To: <46D47C45.7020801@cox.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
On 8/29/07, Mark Drillock <mdrillock@cox.net> wrote:
>
> The stock 14" alloys bend and break. I have seen and done many this way.
> The five spoke 6 x 15 Audi turbo alloys held up to my pounding much
> better than the stock 14" alloys. The larger tires may play a role.
The some can be said about Audi turbo wheels. Your experience is the first
I've heard about bending 14" alloy wheels. Remember Dan's experience with
the Audi Turbo wheel at first SdM? It didn't take that pounding too well.
Having been a wheel hunter of sorts, I can tell you that I've seen my share
of bent and cracked Audi 5000/200 turbo wheels from even simple street
driving. It takes a multitude of experiences before fact can be truly
established. Otherwise it's just should simply be considered an exception.
I'm not saying you didn't do what you say you did. I'm just saying your
experience appears more the exception than the rule.
> What else would you expect Audi to say to a question like that? There is
> ZERO reason for them to state that they are safe for use on any other
> vehicle than the one they fitted them to.
They do approve the use of some of their wheels for other VW vans such as
the Eurovan (T4). Any manufacturer would not give their blessing to the use
of a product beyond the specifications by which they had tested said
product. IIRC, the letter stated rated nly for XYZ pounds so not appropriate
for ABC weight. They did not even address increasing the size of the
centerbore.
Since the VW factory 15" Vanagon wheels became available I stopped using
> Audi wheels. I think the Audi 6 x 15 5000/200 wheels are up to the task
> but with the correct wheels available why chance it? Too much work for
> 2wd anyway. Mercedes wheels fit better, in some cases.
Precisely my point. I would be the last person in this forum to tell you NOT
to use a particular wheel if you really wanted to use it. My point is
ultimate cost and consequences shaken into account. A good deal on a cheap
set of wheels can cost you double or triple in additional cost. How do I
know? I have over 160 spare wheels invested in the experience. Heck you know
that. I even sold you a set of 14" alloys with Michelin Agilis not too long
ago. But then you probably sitting in some rut on the road in Mexico. Was
there even a road?
BenT