tire rotation question

**italia8287** · 02-05-2009 10:10 AM

since the quattro is 50/50 is it necessary to rotate the tires?? im assuming the answer is still yes but just wanted to make sure.

**Grishbok** · 02-05-2009 10:29 AM

yes because its not always 50/50, it constantly transfers power via the center dif.

**INTEGRATION** · 02-05-2009 10:30 AM

I would actually assume no for the most part. But based on my driving habits I tend to wear out the fronts a lot sooner than the rears (especially the outsides of the front tires). So I would suggest rotation if you tend to pull high G's when making turns.

**AlexK** · 02-05-2009 10:34 AM

You should rotate front to back because your fronts will wear faster since they are steering.

**italia8287** · 02-05-2009 10:35 AM

Originally Posted by AlexK

You should rotate front to back because your fronts will wear faster since they are steering.

thats what i was thinking. thanks!

**MichiganAudiDvr** · 02-05-2009 10:41 AM

Actually, you might be surprised by this but the Quattro makes each tire work especially hard, all in different ways, and frequent rotation is recommended.

In fact, when you get a set of new tires Audi recommends rotation after your first 5,000 miles, and...after buying a new Audi with Quattro, Audi covers your first tire rotation at the 5,000 mile service interval free of charge.

I keep the pace, rotating and balancing every 5,000. It's a good practice. I actually went 10,000 miles without rotating, and developed cupping quickly which diminished ride quality and increased road noise. I ended up just replacing the set as a result. I won't make that mistake again - now I follow the book on rotations and balance.

Enjoy.

**Subaru71** · 02-05-2009 10:48 AM

cupping at 10,000 miles? May want to check your alignment, you probably hit a pothole somewhere.. rotation and balancing has nothing to do with that... loose tie-rod possibly. You should not have to re-balance your wheels every 5,000 miles.. they stay balanced unless you curb them or damage the tires or wheels somehow.. also, if you are adamant about exact tire balancing, get them road force balanced.. tires that create excessive road force are almost as bad as tires out of balance.

As for rotations, yes you do have to do them, because even though most of the time, most of your power is in the rear wheels, when you brake and turn, your front wheels are taking a lot of wear.. I find that on this particular car, you don't have to rotate too much... I recommend 5,000 - 10,000 miles.. maybe even more, its good to get a tread gauge.. its a cheap investment to make sure you use your tires to their full extent.

**ataylor** · 02-05-2009 10:56 AM

I noticed my fronts wearing, and asked the dealer if I should have them rotated, they actually said "no" because "the back end will slide out on these cars before you'll have trouble in the front"

D:

**MichiganAudiDvr** · 02-05-2009 11:09 AM

Originally Posted by Subaru71

cupping at 10,000 miles? May want to check your alignment, you probably hit a pothole somewhere.. rotation and balancing has nothing to do with that... loose tie-rod possibly. You should not have to re-balance your wheels every 5,000 miles.. they stay balanced unless you curb them or damage the tires or wheels somehow.. also, if you are adamant about exact tire balancing, get them road force balanced.. tires that create excessive road force are almost as bad as tires out of balance.

Actually, we thought it was the alignment - which was done 3 times (didn't fix the issue) - I did the road force balance, twice, but that didn't fix the problem entirely. And, yes, I am particular - and didn't hit any potholes (even though I drive in Michigan, I can usually avoid them, ha ha.)

I had the car looked over from head to toe at the dealer and at an Audi shop, everything else was good no tie rod issues, etc. I replaced the tires and "gone" like a miracle. (They were Goodyear LS2's - and I also hate Goodyear after this experience.)

Also, the new tires do stay "mostly balanced" -- but for me the balance and rotation is free at my tire place whenever I want it, so I always have them do it at the same time...and no more problems.

**MichiganAudiDvr** · 02-05-2009 11:14 AM

Originally Posted by ataylor

I noticed my fronts wearing, and asked the dealer if I should have them rotated, they actually said "no" because "the back end will slide out on these cars before you'll have trouble in the front"

D:

HUH? I would love to hear that guy explain his statement to Audi of America.

"Ya...I just tell my customers to wear out their tires unevenly and prematurely and replace them, 'two at a time.'"

Please tell me that this sounds stupid to all of you.

**AlexK** · 02-05-2009 11:18 AM

Originally Posted by ataylor

I noticed my fronts wearing, and asked the dealer if I should have them rotated, they actually said "no" because "the back end will slide out on these cars before you'll have trouble in the front"

D:

WTF does that even mean?! Such incompetence.

**Quattro** · 02-05-2009 11:26 AM

interesting, I typically rotate every 5k, just for my sake of well being. Front to back is how I rotate.

Funny thing, my mom's rover we never rotated (dad didnt want to) tires lasted over 38k...thats pretty good in my book.

-randy

**Subaru71** · 02-05-2009 11:40 AM

Originally Posted by MichiganAudiDvr

Actually, we thought it was the alignment - which was done 3 times (didn't fix the issue) - I did the road force balance, twice, but that didn't fix the problem entirely. And, yes, I am particular - and didn't hit any potholes (even though I drive in Michigan, I can usually avoid them, ha ha.)

I had the car looked over from head to toe at the dealer and at an Audi shop, everything else was good no tie rod issues, etc. I replaced the tires and "gone" like a miracle. (They were Goodyear LS2's - and I also hate Goodyear after this experience.)

Also, the new tires do stay "mostly balanced" -- but for me the balance and rotation is free at my tire place whenever I want it, so I always have them do it at the same time...and no more problems.

hmm.. thats really odd that a balance fixed the problem, but hey, whatever works

also, it helps to make sure theres no camber issues, as the front on our cars is not adjustable.. so if there is an issue, you would have to replace the upper arms

**MichiganAudiDvr** · 02-05-2009 01:45 PM

Originally Posted by Subaru71

hmm.. thats really odd that a balance fixed the problem, but hey, whatever works

also, it helps to make sure theres no camber issues, as the front on our cars is not adjustable.. so if there is an issue, you would have to replace the upper arms

Tell me about it. I was pulling my hair out trying to figure it out too.

Sorry to hear about your exhaust/girlfriend issue...it's awfully generous of you to sell your exhaust and keep the girlfriend.