Topic: Wheel offset - is close good enough?

[Angelo]

I have a 2007 VW Jetta 2.0T and would like to know what harm, if any there is in installing a 2006 Audi A4 steel rim/winter tire - the Audi tire and bolt specs are identical to the VW steel wheel, with the exception of the offset. The VW calls for a +51mm offset, whereas the Audi has a +45mm offset.

The clearance is fine, but will this variance create problems? Will this 6mm difference cause any damage to my wheel bearings or stress the wheel axle?

Thanks, a.

[Art]

The proposed wheel will stick out a 1/4" more which is not going to be noticeable and will not affect the running gear in any meaningful way.  My stock wheels are about 52mm offset while my winter rims are 42mm offset and I cannot easily tell the 1/2" difference.  My wheel manufacturer (Fast) says that the 10mm difference is acceptable and quote this in their catalogue for my car.  The experts on the Ford site that I frequent also say that 10mm to 12mm difference is acceptable.

[Angelo]

Thanks Art. I figured as much.

A

[weebl]

Double check that it clears the calipers, though!

[Nathan@1010tires]

No issues with those wheels on that car at all, assuming they clear the brake. The 2.0T has a larger brake than the 2.5 cars, but 16" fits for most wheels.