Author Topic: problem with 16" alloys on MkV GTI  (Read 1880 times)

Offline jonxy

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problem with 16" alloys on MkV GTI
« on: 09 January 2011, 10:17 »
Hi All

Recently downsized standard monza 2 18" alloys to non-VW 16" wheels for purposes of fitting winter tyres (205/55 R16) which is what VW recommend. Unfortunately having trouble with a bit of vibration at motorway cruising speeds (70-80mph). Have had the balance checked a couple of times & told no problem. Anyone having similar problems after downsizing?

Offline Exonian

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Re: problem with 16" alloys on MkV GTI
« Reply #1 on: 09 January 2011, 11:29 »
Are the tyres possibly out of shape? Happens.
What is the offset of the wheels? The suspension geometry might be out if the offset is very wrong.
And have you made sure all of the bolts are done up very tightly? Simple thing but I've known a few people lose a wheel 'cos the bolts weren't tightened up, first warning sign is a vibration. Had a mate lose one on a trackday once!
‘25 8.5R, ‘23 8R, ‘20 8CS, ‘19 135iX, ‘19 TCR, ‘17 Ed40, ‘17 GTD, ‘15 7R, ‘13 GTI PP, ‘11 GTI, ‘09 GTI, ‘98 Ibiza Cupra, ‘05 GTI, ‘06 Polo GTI, ‘04 GT TDI, ‘05 Fabia vRS, ‘02 GTI T, ‘03 Ibiza TDI 130, ‘01 Leon 180, ‘89 mk2 16v, ‘99 Ibiza TDI, ‘96 VR6, ‘98 Ibiza TDI, ‘92 VR6, ‘88 mk2 8v, ‘92 Polo G40, ‘91 mk2 8v, ‘89 mk2 8v, 205 GTI 1.9, ‘83 mk1 GTI, ‘80 Scirocco GTI, plus some others I’ve forgotten 

Offline jonxy

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Re: problem with 16" alloys on MkV GTI
« Reply #2 on: 09 January 2011, 14:08 »
Thanks for the advice.
Bolts seem to be fine.
Offset is 48 - is this ok for the MkV GTI?

Offline Jimp

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Re: problem with 16" alloys on MkV GTI
« Reply #3 on: 09 January 2011, 14:37 »
ET 48 should be fine. A wheel hasn't cracked or bent after a pot hole or anything?
Not low enough mk5
Not on the road enough mk3

Offline Exonian

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Re: problem with 16" alloys on MkV GTI
« Reply #4 on: 09 January 2011, 20:26 »
So were the wheels new jonxy? Damaged by a previous owner?
‘25 8.5R, ‘23 8R, ‘20 8CS, ‘19 135iX, ‘19 TCR, ‘17 Ed40, ‘17 GTD, ‘15 7R, ‘13 GTI PP, ‘11 GTI, ‘09 GTI, ‘98 Ibiza Cupra, ‘05 GTI, ‘06 Polo GTI, ‘04 GT TDI, ‘05 Fabia vRS, ‘02 GTI T, ‘03 Ibiza TDI 130, ‘01 Leon 180, ‘89 mk2 16v, ‘99 Ibiza TDI, ‘96 VR6, ‘98 Ibiza TDI, ‘92 VR6, ‘88 mk2 8v, ‘92 Polo G40, ‘91 mk2 8v, ‘89 mk2 8v, 205 GTI 1.9, ‘83 mk1 GTI, ‘80 Scirocco GTI, plus some others I’ve forgotten 

Offline Wayne

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Re: problem with 16" alloys on MkV GTI
« Reply #5 on: 10 January 2011, 13:28 »
Switch the wheels front to back and see if it helps.

Could be a buckled wheel or faulty tyre.

Offline Lap

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Re: problem with 16" alloys on MkV GTI
« Reply #6 on: 10 January 2011, 15:00 »
If they are aftermarket wheels then you may require spiggot rings to centre them on the hub.

Offline dTEA

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Re: problem with 16" alloys on MkV GTI
« Reply #7 on: 13 January 2011, 22:50 »
If not OEM then some of the crappy jobs around need a shed load of balancing so sure they were done properly?

Edition 30 / T5 T32 Kombi