Audi Center Cap DIY

[demark]

Hi Guys,

I was racking my brain on the best option to retrofit Audi Center caps to my new winter wheels. I thought I'd share a few pics and what I did to make it work. I'm pretty happy with the results.

First off I purchased a set of 18" Andros R9's from TireRack, with WS80 Blizzaks. The Audi center caps (Part # 4B0 601 170A) fit in the hole, but the tabs were too short. The size for these wheels is 68mm. Here are the steps:

1) Take off the inner metal circle center ring from the Audi caps and break off the existing tabs and the little plastic bar that sticks up.
2) Gently pop off the outer plastic chrome ring around the cap. It's held in place with 4 tabs.
3) Take a Dremel and carefully sand down the outside bottom plastic ring just enough so it sits flush with the bottom of the plastic chrome ring when you pop it back on. Also sand down any sharp remnants from where you broke off the tabs. Place the outer plastic chrome ring back on the cap and make sure everything on the bottom is flush.
4) Pry off the cover of the existing center caps that came with the Andros wheels. I used my fingers and worked my way around in a circle until it came off. Remove any remaining adhesive.
5) Pickup some clear silicone from a hardware store such as home depot (I used liquid nails), others have used goop. Draw a nice thick circle around the top of the existing center cap housing. Don't go too close to the edge (I was about 3/4" from the center).
6) Press the Audi center cap onto the existing base and center it around it. Place some tape (electrical works well) around it to hold it in place while it cures. I let mine sit for 48 hours.
7) Once cured test to make sure it's bonded securely, reinstall the metal reinforcing ring, and pop back into your wheel.

That's it. I'll be installing the wheels within the next few weeks and will post an update on how things are going. People have reported success using silicon for adhesive on other forums so I'm optimistic they'll hold well. Here are a few pics.

Hope this helps and hit me up if you have any questions!

[leobas]

Thanks for sharing! I'll be trying this tomorrow...

[demark]

Thanks for sharing! I'll be trying this tomorrow...

You bet. Let me know how you make out. One final tip ... I filled in the hole in the back as well, and pressed the silicone around the edge of the circle for extra support. It cured and when I checked the seal I don't think these caps are going anywhere :) Good luck and I hope this helps others as well if you're thinking about these wheels.

[demark]

Winter wheels are on. 40 miles and so far so good

[CraigAudiS4]

I really like those rims and was thinking of buying them, but the Audi center cap was a deal breaker. I can't believe that they make the rims and they don't fit the stock Audi Center caps. ECS Tuning has 4 rims for $695.00. And they don't fit either.

Let me know how they work out. They look great.


Sent from my iPad using Audizine

[demark]

I really like those rims and was thinking of buying them, but the Audi center cap was a deal breaker. I can't believe that they make the rims and they don't fit the stock Audi Center caps. ECS Tuning has 4 rims for $695.00. And they don't fit either.

Let me know how they work out. They look great.

Thanks and I completely agree. While I didn't mind the little DIY project, it's ridiculous that they chose to make Audi replica wheels but don't take into account the fact that many will want to replace the caps. The Andros caps arrived dented, and they were super cheap so long term they would have needed replacement anyway.

[edmhess]

file (2).jpg

This post definitely inspired me to try out some different approaches. I did it a little different. I just painted over the Andros on the cap and took the Audi rings off my other caps, drilled some holes to attach the rings, and hot glued them from the inside. Seems to be holding up fine and has a nice clean look thats flush with the wheel.

[jparedes]

file (2).jpg

This post definitely inspired me to try out some different approaches. I did it a little different. I just painted over the Andros on the cap and took the Audi rings off my other caps, drilled some holes to attach the rings, and hot glued them from the inside. Seems to be holding up fine and has a nice clean look thats flush with the wheel.

Would look better if you had used some bondo to fill in the old logo. Nice job.

[edmhess]

Good idea. If I did it again I would do that.

[RickNY]

I know this is an old thread, but thanks.. I did this to my Andros R9 center caps today.. I bought these used from someone and used the Andros caps last winter and hated the way they looked.. Ended up ordering a 2nd set of used Audi center caps on eBay for this (same part mentioned).. I left the chrome rings on while I used the dremel to make them flush with no ill effects. Ill check them after they have some time for the silicone to cure, and I'll probably fill the center hole as well.

[GTAudidriven]

Winter wheels are on. 40 miles and so far so good

Hey Demark,
I sent you a friend request this morning...please let me know if you would prefer to communicate there. Do you still have these retrofitted Audi center caps? I am not mechanically inclined to retrofit myself (unless you have a video with detailed instructions) so I was hoping to buy your set or inquire about you retrofitting another set for my 18" Andros R9 wheels. I just purchased 8 Center Caps (Silver/Chrome Alzor Style 62.9mm OD / 57mm ID) from ECS, as well as a few sets of the Audi center caps from eBay (Audi 69mm 4PC Set 4B0601170A) that I could ship to you to retrofit if you are open to it. Please advise either way; I have a perfect feedback rating on ebay for any potential transaction. Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to hearing from you soon! -n<

[demark]

Hey Demark,
I sent you a friend request this morning...please let me know if you would prefer to communicate there. Do you still have these retrofitted Audi center caps? I am not mechanically inclined to retrofit myself (unless you have a video with detailed instructions) so I was hoping to buy your set or inquire about you retrofitting another set for my 18" Andros R9 wheels. I just purchased 8 Center Caps (Silver/Chrome Alzor Style 62.9mm OD / 57mm ID) from ECS, as well as a few sets of the Audi center caps from eBay (Audi 69mm 4PC Set 4B0601170A) that I could ship to you to retrofit if you are open to it. Please advise either way; I have a perfect feedback rating on ebay for any potential transaction. Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to hearing from you soon! -n<

Replied

[bass_lover1]

I really like those rims and was thinking of buying them, but the Audi center cap was a deal breaker. I can't believe that they make the rims and they don't fit the stock Audi Center caps. ECS Tuning has 4 rims for $695.00. And they don't fit either.

Let me know how they work out. They look great.


Sent from my iPad using Audizine

Yeah it's really silly that they build them to not fit any standard Audi center cap part number as far as I know. Especially considering it's ECS's own brand, that makes it worse.

When I had my GTI, Neuspeed wheels were a popular option, they built those to take factory caps, so it was easy to swap them over.