Table of contents: Wheel bolts and wheels are one unit ↓ Wheels for winter tires ↓
Audi-100 cars can be equipped with rims with the following designations: 6 J x 15 ET 45 or 7 J x 15 ET 45. Sometimes you can see the additional designation "H 2" on the rim.
- 6 or 7: The width of the rim in inches, measured between the sides of the rim flange transverse to the direction of rotation of the wheel.
- J: designation of the sidewall height, x: designation of the deep rim.
- 15: The rim diameter in inches, measured from bead to bead (tire rim diameter)
- ET 45: wheel pressing depth 45 mm. This dimension is more clear from the picture above.
- H2: designation of a deep wheel with annular belts on the landing shelves. Two projections inside at the base of the rim under lateral load (sharp cornering with low tire pressure) prevent the tire sides from slipping off the edge.
These standard designations indicate only the main dimensions of the tire, but not the data specific to each vehicle, such as the number of holes for mounting the wheel or the diameter of these holes.
Wheel bolts and wheels are one unit
Structurally, wheel bolts and wheels are a single unit and therefore cannot be used separately. The conical fit on the wheel mounting holes is precisely matched to the cones of the wheel bolts. Other cone shapes cannot guarantee a secure fastening of the bolt and therefore the wheel.
For rims installed and approved for use in Audi-100 (steel and light alloy) only so-called crown head bolts can be used (part number 431 601 139 A). It can be recognized by special recesses at the top of the bolt head.
Different rules apply for rims purchased from a parts store. You may want to buy the correct manufacturer's wheel bolts!
Wheels for winter tires
Winter tires should be purchased with suitable steel rims. Although this is more expensive at first, it will save money when changing tires. In tire stores, you can often buy complete sets at a bargain price. Standard 6 J x 15 wheels are suitable for winter tires. You can also buy used wheels.
Light alloy wheels can corrode to the point of being completely unusable under the influence of road salt. Therefore, damage to the protective varnish covering them should be repaired as soon as possible. Anyone who uses light alloy wheels in winter should check their condition every time they wash their car.
(The original version of the article is posted on the website AUDImanual.ru)