Audi S4 tyre replacement / Clutch
Discussion
(first time poster)
Hello,
I am just about to pick up an Audi S4 from a Main Dealer in the Midlands and wondered whether you had any advice ono a couple of issues.
Firstly I have read on these pages about the need to replace all the tyres if one of them has a tread depth variance of 2mm over the others. Is this the case? Although I read it here I asked the main dealer for confirmation and they said it was not. They say that if one tyre has 2mm less tread than another that you only need to replace the tyres on the same axel not all 4?
Secondly, when test driving it the other day I commented on how high the clutch was (for control purposes my current car - For Sale btw
- is a BMW330ci Sport. The saleman told me that ALL S4 clutches are really high like this one. I have asked him to double check this with the service department but would be grateful if any S4 owners out there could coroborate this or otherwise.
Thanks all,
Nickster2000
Hello,
I am just about to pick up an Audi S4 from a Main Dealer in the Midlands and wondered whether you had any advice ono a couple of issues.
Firstly I have read on these pages about the need to replace all the tyres if one of them has a tread depth variance of 2mm over the others. Is this the case? Although I read it here I asked the main dealer for confirmation and they said it was not. They say that if one tyre has 2mm less tread than another that you only need to replace the tyres on the same axel not all 4?
Secondly, when test driving it the other day I commented on how high the clutch was (for control purposes my current car - For Sale btw
- is a BMW330ci Sport. The saleman told me that ALL S4 clutches are really high like this one. I have asked him to double check this with the service department but would be grateful if any S4 owners out there could coroborate this or otherwise. Thanks all,
Nickster2000
Not sure about the tyre thing, I would imagine this is only a problem when cornering right at the limit. I've run different tread depths before without a problem. What if you have a "bad" puncture and need a replacement tyre when the others are only half worn, you're not going to replace the whole set, or even the opposite side ... well I wouldn't, not at the price of S4 tyres (just had 4 new ones fitted - ouch!).
The clutch is high, it was high on my old Audi A4 too. It's difficult to keep your heel planted, my foot tends to ride up the clutch.
The clutch is high, it was high on my old Audi A4 too. It's difficult to keep your heel planted, my foot tends to ride up the clutch.
nickster2000 said:
(first time poster)
Hello,
I am just about to pick up an Audi S4 from a Main Dealer in the Midlands and wondered whether you had any advice ono a couple of issues.
Firstly I have read on these pages about the need to replace all the tyres if one of them has a tread depth variance of 2mm over the others. Is this the case? Although I read it here I asked the main dealer for confirmation and they said it was not. They say that if one tyre has 2mm less tread than another that you only need to replace the tyres on the same axel not all 4?
Secondly, when test driving it the other day I commented on how high the clutch was (for control purposes my current car - For Sale btw - is a BMW330ci Sport. The saleman told me that ALL S4 clutches are really high like this one. I have asked him to double check this with the service department but would be grateful if any S4 owners out there could coroborate this or otherwise.
Thanks all,
Nickster2000
Hello,
I am just about to pick up an Audi S4 from a Main Dealer in the Midlands and wondered whether you had any advice ono a couple of issues.
Firstly I have read on these pages about the need to replace all the tyres if one of them has a tread depth variance of 2mm over the others. Is this the case? Although I read it here I asked the main dealer for confirmation and they said it was not. They say that if one tyre has 2mm less tread than another that you only need to replace the tyres on the same axel not all 4?
Secondly, when test driving it the other day I commented on how high the clutch was (for control purposes my current car - For Sale btw
- is a BMW330ci Sport. The saleman told me that ALL S4 clutches are really high like this one. I have asked him to double check this with the service department but would be grateful if any S4 owners out there could coroborate this or otherwise. Thanks all,
Nickster2000
Hi.
I sell these, and have to say the clutch does bite surprisingly high, and my own personal S4 Avant clutch is high too...
Tyres:
The quattro system works to parameters that assume the rolling circumference of all 4 wheels and tyres is broadly similar. Small amounts of difference are acceptable.
However having more than a 2mm tread depth difference between any of the wheels will lead to premature damage and wear to the torsen diff.
This is very important.
Also, having different tread depths on different axles is not acceptable either - although I have heard of some dealers trying to get away with this to save costs!
You may even find that with unmatched tyres you get a vibration or noise something akin to wheel bearing problems when actually it is being caused by the uneven torque drive into and out of the diff.
One more thing - most dealers will be able to process a four-wheel-alignment check for free (billing it to Audi) so if you are getting new tyres on this car - do this at the same time to ensure they don't scrub!
Hope you enjoy it!
Thanks for your advice folks. I picked up the car on Friday and haven't stopped smiling since (I did stop once, at the petrol station!).
Anyway, I asked the Audi dealer outright again and he reiterated that you only need to change tyres in pairs and not 4's. Not sure I believe him though after what I have read here.
Good news about the clutch too as its one of the only things not included in the warranty!
Thanks all,
Nickster
Anyway, I asked the Audi dealer outright again and he reiterated that you only need to change tyres in pairs and not 4's. Not sure I believe him though after what I have read here.
Good news about the clutch too as its one of the only things not included in the warranty!
Thanks all,
Nickster
drybeer said:
nickster2000 said:
(first time poster)
Hello,
I am just about to pick up an Audi S4 from a Main Dealer in the Midlands and wondered whether you had any advice ono a couple of issues.
Firstly I have read on these pages about the need to replace all the tyres if one of them has a tread depth variance of 2mm over the others. Is this the case? Although I read it here I asked the main dealer for confirmation and they said it was not. They say that if one tyre has 2mm less tread than another that you only need to replace the tyres on the same axel not all 4?
Secondly, when test driving it the other day I commented on how high the clutch was (for control purposes my current car - For Sale btw - is a BMW330ci Sport. The saleman told me that ALL S4 clutches are really high like this one. I have asked him to double check this with the service department but would be grateful if any S4 owners out there could coroborate this or otherwise.
Thanks all,
Nickster2000
Hello,
I am just about to pick up an Audi S4 from a Main Dealer in the Midlands and wondered whether you had any advice ono a couple of issues.
Firstly I have read on these pages about the need to replace all the tyres if one of them has a tread depth variance of 2mm over the others. Is this the case? Although I read it here I asked the main dealer for confirmation and they said it was not. They say that if one tyre has 2mm less tread than another that you only need to replace the tyres on the same axel not all 4?
Secondly, when test driving it the other day I commented on how high the clutch was (for control purposes my current car - For Sale btw
- is a BMW330ci Sport. The saleman told me that ALL S4 clutches are really high like this one. I have asked him to double check this with the service department but would be grateful if any S4 owners out there could coroborate this or otherwise. Thanks all,
Nickster2000
Hi.
I sell these, and have to say the clutch does bite surprisingly high, and my own personal S4 Avant clutch is high too...
Tyres:
The quattro system works to parameters that assume the rolling circumference of all 4 wheels and tyres is broadly similar. Small amounts of difference are acceptable.
However having more than a 2mm tread depth difference between any of the wheels will lead to premature damage and wear to the torsen diff.
This is very important.
Also, having different tread depths on different axles is not acceptable either - although I have heard of some dealers trying to get away with this to save costs!
You may even find that with unmatched tyres you get a vibration or noise something akin to wheel bearing problems when actually it is being caused by the uneven torque drive into and out of the diff.
One more thing - most dealers will be able to process a four-wheel-alignment check for free (billing it to Audi) so if you are getting new tyres on this car - do this at the same time to ensure they don't scrub!
Hope you enjoy it!
I have owned a quattro turbo for 10 years which runs a torsen diff, ive also belonged to various clubs and forums since the birth of the internet and never, ever have i heard of a torsen wearing out or having premature damage, through differential tyre depth, sorry absolute tosh. They are bullet proof, if its a true torsen. A four wheel alignment is crutial on any of the quattro type Audi's having said that the end result is only as good as the operator of that said equipment, be careful there are many people out there who will tell you they can do it, but dont have a clue
Edited by phumy on Sunday 22 April 11:34
phumy said:
I have owned a quattro turbo for 10 years which runs a torsen diff, ive also belonged to various clubs and forums since the birth of the internet and never, ever have i heard of a torsen wearing out or having premature damage, through differential tyre depth, sorry absolute tosh. They are bullet proof, if its a true torsen. A four wheel alignment is crutial on any of the quattro type Audi's having said that the end result is only as good as the operator of that said equipment, be careful there are many people out there who will tell you they can do it, but dont have a clue
Edited by phumy on Sunday 22 April 11:34
Sorry, but you need to read up more on the more modern torsen diff quattro then.
This would not (in fairness to you) be the case on the older quattro coupe you have - due to the fact you do not have the torsen diff but instead the ones you have to lock up manually?
I believe this will be the difference.
I do not have the older model of quattro coupe i have the quattro turbo (completely different car), but the only diff that locks on my, MB model, quattro is the rear diff, the torsen does not lock and never has, the rear diff only locks electronically below 20mph then releases (unlocks automatically) at speeds above that. The earlier quattro turbos (pre 88) were able to lock their centre diff because it was not torsen, can i suggest that YOU check out you read up more on the torsen.
I certainly would not worry about a 2mm difference between tyres, from front to rear, the amount of wear that this difference would promote would be neglegable when you think of the amount of torque it must work with when put under load and does what it is designed to do. These bits of kit are designed to take massive amounts of torque and power and change at an instant, so i doubt very much whether 2mm would cause it any harm what so ever. Go along with what the Main Dealer tells you. Read the literature that came with the car, Im sure that if there is concern from the manufacturer then they would put it into print. If theres nothing there then dont let it concern you.
Enjoy your car
I certainly would not worry about a 2mm difference between tyres, from front to rear, the amount of wear that this difference would promote would be neglegable when you think of the amount of torque it must work with when put under load and does what it is designed to do. These bits of kit are designed to take massive amounts of torque and power and change at an instant, so i doubt very much whether 2mm would cause it any harm what so ever. Go along with what the Main Dealer tells you. Read the literature that came with the car, Im sure that if there is concern from the manufacturer then they would put it into print. If theres nothing there then dont let it concern you.
Enjoy your car
Edited by phumy on Monday 23 April 16:36
phumy said:
Go along with what the Main Dealer tells you. Read the literature that came with the car, Im sure that if there is concern from the manufacturer then they would put it into print. If theres nothing there then dont let it concern you.
Good to have agreement.
Follw the dealer's advice.
Andrew Dryburgh.
Harper & Hebson Audi.
Edited by drybeer on Tuesday 24th April 09:25
drybeer said:
phumy said:
Go along with what the Main Dealer tells you. Read the literature that came with the car, Im sure that if there is concern from the manufacturer then they would put it into print. If theres nothing there then dont let it concern you.
Good to have agreement.
Follw the dealer's advice.
Andrew Dryburgh.
Harper & Hebson Audi.
Edited by drybeer on Tuesday 24th April 09:25
But im not agreeing with you, you were telling the OP something completely different, were you not, or have i got it all wrong
phumy said:
drybeer said:
phumy said:
Go along with what the Main Dealer tells you. Read the literature that came with the car, Im sure that if there is concern from the manufacturer then they would put it into print. If theres nothing there then dont let it concern you.
Good to have agreement.
Follw the dealer's advice.
Andrew Dryburgh.
Harper & Hebson Audi.
Edited by drybeer on Tuesday 24th April 09:25
But im not agreeing with you, you were telling the OP something completely different, were you not, or have i got it all wrong
Aha, i see where you are coming from now, I did actually say "Main Dealers advice" not some back street muppet "Stealer" who thinks he knows about everything, but infact knows nothing.
Get your Torsen books out again, it makes for excellent reading
nickster2000 said:
@DryBeer (or anyone really),
What oil do Main Dealers recommend for this car?
Nickster
What oil do Main Dealers recommend for this car?
Nickster
Nick, do you have a handbook for the car? When i say handbook i dont mean Haynes, the proper Audi printed book, because all the details will be in there, failing that a quick call to the MAIN dealer will put you at rest.
Phumy,
Thanks. I do have a proper manual but it only supplies me with a VWxxxx code number for the oil not the type and thickness etc.. Not a problem, I'll ring the dealer :-)
I was under the impression Harper & Hebson were a main dealer but your comment made me google them and I see that that are an independent specialist, so I now get the point that you were making.
Thanks. I do have a proper manual but it only supplies me with a VWxxxx code number for the oil not the type and thickness etc.. Not a problem, I'll ring the dealer :-)
I was under the impression Harper & Hebson were a main dealer but your comment made me google them and I see that that are an independent specialist, so I now get the point that you were making.
nickster2000 said:
Phumy,
Thanks. I do have a proper manual but it only supplies me with a VWxxxx code number for the oil not the type and thickness etc.. Not a problem, I'll ring the dealer :-)
I was under the impression Harper & Hebson were a main dealer but your comment made me google them and I see that that are an independent specialist, so I now get the point that you were making.
Thanks. I do have a proper manual but it only supplies me with a VWxxxx code number for the oil not the type and thickness etc.. Not a problem, I'll ring the dealer :-)
I was under the impression Harper & Hebson were a main dealer but your comment made me google them and I see that that are an independent specialist, so I now get the point that you were making.
Hi Nick
In actual fact i think Harper & Hebson are main dealers, but it got my hackles up when the torsen debacle rose, so im not too sure of some of the info you have been given by the other poster he was completely wrong about the differential situation and has come out with some corkers on other threads too (blue tooth), be very wary of what you read on here, like anything take it all with a pinch of salt. Even from me.
He would probably do better selling windows
Edited by phumy on Tuesday 24th April 15:49
phumy said:
nickster2000 said:
Phumy,
Thanks. I do have a proper manual but it only supplies me with a VWxxxx code number for the oil not the type and thickness etc.. Not a problem, I'll ring the dealer :-)
I was under the impression Harper & Hebson were a main dealer but your comment made me google them and I see that that are an independent specialist, so I now get the point that you were making.
Thanks. I do have a proper manual but it only supplies me with a VWxxxx code number for the oil not the type and thickness etc.. Not a problem, I'll ring the dealer :-)
I was under the impression Harper & Hebson were a main dealer but your comment made me google them and I see that that are an independent specialist, so I now get the point that you were making.
Hi Nick
In actual fact i think Harper & Hebson are main dealers, but it got my hackles up when the torsen debacle rose, so im not too sure of some of the info you have been given by the other poster he was completely wrong about the differential situation and has come out with some corkers on other threads too (blue tooth), be very wary of what you read on here, like anything take it all with a pinch of salt. Even from me.
He would probably do better selling windows
Edited by phumy on Tuesday 24th April 15:49
Appologies guys.
You appear to think I'm trying to mislead you.
Firstly Harper & Hebson have been Audi retailers for 20 years.
They are not the main dealers I grant you, however if you point your browser to this page of Audi UK's website:
www.audi.co.uk/audi/partner_uk_authorised/authorised_repairer_harperandhebson.html
Our sales operation has never stopped selling new and used vehicles, currently we sell about 400 Audi cars alone per year.
You will note that we still are trusted by Audi to maintain, fix and etc. their vehicles too.
I've never said I know everything.
I'm happy to admit when I'm wrong (like the Bluetooth module and also the fact I've never come across an RS6 in Sprint Blue - trust me I've sold many RS products).
Like all of you I don't know everything.
However, I am correct about the 2mm tyre thing.
As such this is how I've run my own quattros and indeed S4 models.
If I've given advice then it's what I truly believe to be the bast advice.
However I thank you for your advice to sell windows.
I'll bear that in mind.
nickster2000 said:
@DryBeer (or anyone really),
What oil do Main Dealers recommend for this car?
Nickster
What oil do Main Dealers recommend for this car?
Nickster
Nick.
We use a Q8 branded fully synthetic oil which complies to the prescribed standard VW 505 00 and is suitable for either fixed 10,000 miles or AVS extended servicing intervals.
We also sell this in one litre and 4 litre top up kits.
In truth any oil to this grade (and there are many from Castrol, Mobil, Shell, Esso) will be fine.
Your local dealer will sell top ups and stock bulk as we do.
We've previously used the Castrol version and I can't see any particular benefit in a particular brand when the products are this similar.
Andrew.
drybeer said:
nickster2000 said:
@DryBeer (or anyone really),
What oil do Main Dealers recommend for this car?
Nickster
What oil do Main Dealers recommend for this car?
Nickster
Nick.
We use a Q8 branded fully synthetic oil which complies to the prescribed standard VW 505 00 and is suitable for either fixed 10,000 miles or AVS extended servicing intervals.
We also sell this in one litre and 4 litre top up kits.
In truth any oil to this grade (and there are many from Castrol, Mobil, Shell, Esso) will be fine.
Your local dealer will sell top ups and stock bulk as we do.
We've previously used the Castrol version and I can't see any particular benefit in a particular brand when the products are this similar.
Andrew.
Be very careful of using "any oil to this grade" if your car is under a warranty and you have a problem and they find you are not using the prescribed oil it can/will invalidate your claim, and they will. Believe me im going through exactly that now on a VW Golf PD engine (same company), its not worth the pennies saved when the engine costs thousands.
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