PT Cruiser Forum

tony944 · #1 (**permalink**) 02 Apr 2006, 02:53 am

Hello, I purchased a used PT (base model) from a dealer with audi TT 16" rims. The rims are from 1999 Audi TT with offset of +35 and 5.5" backspacing.
When I drive above 50 mph my steering wheel vibrates. Vibrations increase with speed. I guess it vibrates at lower speeds but very unnoticable. The alighment has been done and balance on all wheels done. No change. I took the car to the shop again and the guy there just looked at the car and said that the wheels could be the problem, because they are not stock. They also checked my thread and said it was good. Please help. Can these wheels cause the vibration or what should I do next. Thanks ahead...

Striker · #2 (**permalink**) 02 Apr 2006, 03:15 am

Have you try to drive without the spacers ?

bobs turbo pt · #3 (**permalink**) 02 Apr 2006, 11:46 am

striker beat me to it !! spacers

tony944 · #4 (**permalink**) 03 Apr 2006, 12:42 pm

Thanks for the avdice, but I don't think I have spacers. How can I find out if I have them or not?

tpscruiser · #5 (**permalink**) 03 Apr 2006, 03:13 pm

One possible issue here is the PT comes from the factory with retaintng rings, one on one wheel stud at each wheel. These are to keep the rotors and or drums in place during the assembly of the car. The OEM wheels have a counterbore or bevel at each stud location that clears these retaining rings. Since you heve non-OEM wheels and it these wheels don't have the clearance for these rings, the wheels don't sit flat against the hub.
Remove the wheels and if there is a retaining ring on any of the studs, remove it and mount the wheel again and remember to torque the lug nut to 100 foot pounds.
Hope this helps.

purple04 · #6 (**permalink**) 04 Apr 2006, 11:20 am

[|)] What he said. They are particular about proper torque, and the retainers must be removed. Good Luck.

tony944 · #7 (**permalink**) 07 Apr 2006, 12:44 am

Thanks guys, I will try to check for retainers this weekend. I was told that these rims are replicas and that replicas cannot be balanced good, is it true?

xyster · #8 (**permalink**) 07 Apr 2006, 05:52 am

Well even if they are replicas, if they are made well, they can be balanced well... unless they are made with an extra leg or head, then it will be hard for them to be balanced properly.

I'm no rims specialist myself though!

quicksilverdon · #9 (**permalink**) 07 Apr 2006, 09:20 am

No wheel expert here either, but why would they being replicas have anything to do with balancing? WHo would make a wheel that couldn't be balanced? Why couldn't they be balanced well?[:I]

bobs turbo pt · #10 (**permalink**) 08 Apr 2006, 03:39 pm

hey tony , did you find out what was causing the problem ?? [:I]

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Good vibrations	KingKole02	Sound and Security Forum	0	14 Jun 2006 08:03 am
Questions Questions..newbie	DaShado	PT Cruiser Convertible Forum	0	01 Apr 2006 12:22 am
Yet more Stage 1 Questions	mike257	Stage Turbo Kits	4	09 Mar 2006 10:59 pm
A couple of questions -- general detailing ?'s	Cruising Mike	The Detail Shop	3	16 May 2005 12:16 am
Boost Controller and Gauge Questions	Dalite	Turbo Performance	13	14 Jul 2003 01:20 pm

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)