A8 Parts Forum  

Go Back   A8 Parts Forum > A8 D2 > D2 - Wheels and Tyres

D2 - Wheels and Tyres Refurbing, center caps, tyre brands, tyrefitters - discuss it here

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 19th March 2019, 01:45 PM
DailyMike DailyMike is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: East Riding of Yorkshire
Posts: 92
Default D2 wheel spacers advice

Hi.

I tow a large caravan regularly and for significant mileage and am wondering if spacers would be of benefit. My caravan is 8' wide,so I'm thinking that a wider stance for my D2 may be of benefit.

I'm running with original 18" QS wheels.

What advice would you give me...and where's a good place to source them from please?

DailyMike.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	DSC_0015.jpg
Views:	393
Size:	496.3 KB
ID:	20965  
__________________
Current modes of transport:
2004 A8 4.0DTI Quattro
19"wheels; Silver; 109,000 miles; Been off the road for several years. Lotsa work to be done
[BSold with regret:]2002 A8 4.2 (40v) Quattro Sport, 18" QS wheels; Prins LPG[/b], Silver; Black leather; newly-refurbished wheels in Anthracite...pics to follow soon!
2000 P38 Range Rover Vogue 4.6 V8 LPG, Epsom Green, fully-rebuilt engine (Top-hat liners, new camshaft for better mid-range torque); New S/S sports exhaust...SOUNDS BRILLIANT!
2014 Mondraker TrakkerR; 29-er, 30-speed gear train; rise'n'fall saddle; Mountain bike...NOT a cart-horse!
"JONDOR" a 116' long, 17"6" beam Humber Barge, Built 1950, ex oil tanker, fully refurbished Gardner 6LXC engine for propulsion (one day); requires new marine gearbox; 2-cylinder Petter Diesel engine & 3-cylinder diesel auxilliary engines with 12/24v and 230/415v gensets
"JONDOR" is a slow-burn project, being converted to provide suitable accommodation for wheelchair users and their carer/family for short respite breaks. Currently moored on River Humber at Old Beverley Shipyard
SOLD***2006 LWB Ford Transit 2.4 Diesel, Luton Van; Tail-lift; leaking translucent roof SOLD***

Previous vehicles:
Far too many to list individually, but includes 2005 A8 D3 3.0TDI Quattro Sport; 2007 A6 3.0TDI Avant; 2005 A4 2.0 Avant; 2007 A3 2.0TDI; 7-off Citroens, Many Fords, Austin 1100 (my first car), Lotus 7, Rover SD1 3500; SAAB 9000i, SAAB 9000 turbo; BMW 530; another P38 Range Rover (the crap one with BMW 2500 diesel engine...wouldn't tow the skin off a rice-pudding! )
Daren't even mention the traumatic Morris Marina and Ital's....even an Austin Princess. Brain is now hurting somewhat, so giving up for now...

Last edited by DailyMike; 19th March 2019 at 07:00 PM. Reason: Change thumbnail
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 20th March 2019, 09:46 AM
MikkiJayne MikkiJayne is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 5,017
Default

I'm not sure if wheel spacers would make any difference to towing a caravan tbh, or indeed make up for the heinous crime of towing a caravan either

On the standard 18" wheels you can fit 20mm front and rear. I favour the H&R bolt-on type:



These bolt to the hubs, then the wheel bolts to the spacer. I run these on my S8. They're not cheap (£115 per axle), but they are TÜV approved so you know they are good quality. Ebay is as good a place as any to find them.

The other alternative is a simple bolt-through spacer with longer bolts. I dislike these because they are a total pain to get the wheel on since everything tries to fall apart while you're putting the bolts in. They're cheaper, but not worth the hassle. The only time I use these is with 20" wheels because you have to do 15 front / 20 rear with those and the bolt-on spacers don't come in 15mm since the bolts would stick out.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 20th March 2019, 10:44 AM
DailyMike DailyMike is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: East Riding of Yorkshire
Posts: 92
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by MikkiJayne View Post
I'm not sure if wheel spacers would make any difference to towing a caravan tbh, or indeed make up for the heinous crime of towing a caravan either

On the standard 18" wheels you can fit 20mm front and rear. I favour the H&R bolt-on type:



These bolt to the hubs, then the wheel bolts to the spacer. I run these on my S8. They're not cheap (£115 per axle), but they are TÜV approved so you know they are good quality. Ebay is as good a place as any to find them.

The other alternative is a simple bolt-through spacer with longer bolts. I dislike these because they are a total pain to get the wheel on since everything tries to fall apart while you're putting the bolts in. They're cheaper, but not worth the hassle. The only time I use these is with 20" wheels because you have to do 15 front / 20 rear with those and the bolt-on spacers don't come in 15mm since the bolts would stick out.


Many thanks for replying promptly to my query, MikkiJane!

Whilst I appreciate your (frequently justifiable) comment about the "heinous crime" of towing a caravan, we're not ALL guilty as charged. I have on several occasions over the years been complimented about the "spirited driving" I've exhibited whilst towing a 9.1 Mtr long, 8' wide caravan, frequently overtaking inconsiderate, slow-driving "solo" drivers who shouldn't be driving at all, when safe to do so.

On one occasion, I've even had a Police officer in Scotland compliment me for driving so well for about 60 miles along the Loch Ness to Fort William road without causing a tailback...

Enough of self-congratulatory comments....

Thanks once again!

DailyMike
__________________
Current modes of transport:
2004 A8 4.0DTI Quattro
19"wheels; Silver; 109,000 miles; Been off the road for several years. Lotsa work to be done
[BSold with regret:]2002 A8 4.2 (40v) Quattro Sport, 18" QS wheels; Prins LPG[/b], Silver; Black leather; newly-refurbished wheels in Anthracite...pics to follow soon!
2000 P38 Range Rover Vogue 4.6 V8 LPG, Epsom Green, fully-rebuilt engine (Top-hat liners, new camshaft for better mid-range torque); New S/S sports exhaust...SOUNDS BRILLIANT!
2014 Mondraker TrakkerR; 29-er, 30-speed gear train; rise'n'fall saddle; Mountain bike...NOT a cart-horse!
"JONDOR" a 116' long, 17"6" beam Humber Barge, Built 1950, ex oil tanker, fully refurbished Gardner 6LXC engine for propulsion (one day); requires new marine gearbox; 2-cylinder Petter Diesel engine & 3-cylinder diesel auxilliary engines with 12/24v and 230/415v gensets
"JONDOR" is a slow-burn project, being converted to provide suitable accommodation for wheelchair users and their carer/family for short respite breaks. Currently moored on River Humber at Old Beverley Shipyard
SOLD***2006 LWB Ford Transit 2.4 Diesel, Luton Van; Tail-lift; leaking translucent roof SOLD***

Previous vehicles:
Far too many to list individually, but includes 2005 A8 D3 3.0TDI Quattro Sport; 2007 A6 3.0TDI Avant; 2005 A4 2.0 Avant; 2007 A3 2.0TDI; 7-off Citroens, Many Fords, Austin 1100 (my first car), Lotus 7, Rover SD1 3500; SAAB 9000i, SAAB 9000 turbo; BMW 530; another P38 Range Rover (the crap one with BMW 2500 diesel engine...wouldn't tow the skin off a rice-pudding! )
Daren't even mention the traumatic Morris Marina and Ital's....even an Austin Princess. Brain is now hurting somewhat, so giving up for now...

Last edited by DailyMike; 20th March 2019 at 10:44 AM. Reason: spelling error
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 20th March 2019, 11:12 AM
MikkiJayne MikkiJayne is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 5,017
Default

I'm just teasing The D2 is an outstanding tow car. I tow a lot myself - usually broken D2s on a flat bed
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 21st March 2019, 08:41 PM
DailyMike DailyMike is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: East Riding of Yorkshire
Posts: 92
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by MikkiJayne View Post
I'm just teasing The D2 is an outstanding tow car. I tow a lot myself - usually broken D2s on a flat bed
Haha...I get teased quite a lot, so have taken various "teasers" for an educational ride to show that caravaners needn't be the mobile traffic jam that is the common perception ;~}

Happy towing, MikkiJayne!
__________________
Current modes of transport:
2004 A8 4.0DTI Quattro
19"wheels; Silver; 109,000 miles; Been off the road for several years. Lotsa work to be done
[BSold with regret:]2002 A8 4.2 (40v) Quattro Sport, 18" QS wheels; Prins LPG[/b], Silver; Black leather; newly-refurbished wheels in Anthracite...pics to follow soon!
2000 P38 Range Rover Vogue 4.6 V8 LPG, Epsom Green, fully-rebuilt engine (Top-hat liners, new camshaft for better mid-range torque); New S/S sports exhaust...SOUNDS BRILLIANT!
2014 Mondraker TrakkerR; 29-er, 30-speed gear train; rise'n'fall saddle; Mountain bike...NOT a cart-horse!
"JONDOR" a 116' long, 17"6" beam Humber Barge, Built 1950, ex oil tanker, fully refurbished Gardner 6LXC engine for propulsion (one day); requires new marine gearbox; 2-cylinder Petter Diesel engine & 3-cylinder diesel auxilliary engines with 12/24v and 230/415v gensets
"JONDOR" is a slow-burn project, being converted to provide suitable accommodation for wheelchair users and their carer/family for short respite breaks. Currently moored on River Humber at Old Beverley Shipyard
SOLD***2006 LWB Ford Transit 2.4 Diesel, Luton Van; Tail-lift; leaking translucent roof SOLD***

Previous vehicles:
Far too many to list individually, but includes 2005 A8 D3 3.0TDI Quattro Sport; 2007 A6 3.0TDI Avant; 2005 A4 2.0 Avant; 2007 A3 2.0TDI; 7-off Citroens, Many Fords, Austin 1100 (my first car), Lotus 7, Rover SD1 3500; SAAB 9000i, SAAB 9000 turbo; BMW 530; another P38 Range Rover (the crap one with BMW 2500 diesel engine...wouldn't tow the skin off a rice-pudding! )
Daren't even mention the traumatic Morris Marina and Ital's....even an Austin Princess. Brain is now hurting somewhat, so giving up for now...
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 22nd March 2019, 09:13 AM
DailyMike DailyMike is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: East Riding of Yorkshire
Posts: 92
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by MikkiJayne View Post
I'm just teasing The D2 is an outstanding tow car. I tow a lot myself - usually broken D2s on a flat bed
Hmmmm...broken D2's, eh!

I'm looking for the casting that goes between the Ignition key and the switch.
Mine's been broken for weeks and I have to use a stubby screwdriver to switch on and turn off.

Been unable to source the correct one...the spindles on the couple I HAVE been able to source have a different profile, despite saying they'd be suitable for my car.

Hoping you'll be able to sell me one MikkiJayne...will you be able to "make my day"?

Wasn't sure how to "aim" a new thread in your direction, so I hope this isn't breaking any forum rules/protocols!

Mike.
__________________
Current modes of transport:
2004 A8 4.0DTI Quattro
19"wheels; Silver; 109,000 miles; Been off the road for several years. Lotsa work to be done
[BSold with regret:]2002 A8 4.2 (40v) Quattro Sport, 18" QS wheels; Prins LPG[/b], Silver; Black leather; newly-refurbished wheels in Anthracite...pics to follow soon!
2000 P38 Range Rover Vogue 4.6 V8 LPG, Epsom Green, fully-rebuilt engine (Top-hat liners, new camshaft for better mid-range torque); New S/S sports exhaust...SOUNDS BRILLIANT!
2014 Mondraker TrakkerR; 29-er, 30-speed gear train; rise'n'fall saddle; Mountain bike...NOT a cart-horse!
"JONDOR" a 116' long, 17"6" beam Humber Barge, Built 1950, ex oil tanker, fully refurbished Gardner 6LXC engine for propulsion (one day); requires new marine gearbox; 2-cylinder Petter Diesel engine & 3-cylinder diesel auxilliary engines with 12/24v and 230/415v gensets
"JONDOR" is a slow-burn project, being converted to provide suitable accommodation for wheelchair users and their carer/family for short respite breaks. Currently moored on River Humber at Old Beverley Shipyard
SOLD***2006 LWB Ford Transit 2.4 Diesel, Luton Van; Tail-lift; leaking translucent roof SOLD***

Previous vehicles:
Far too many to list individually, but includes 2005 A8 D3 3.0TDI Quattro Sport; 2007 A6 3.0TDI Avant; 2005 A4 2.0 Avant; 2007 A3 2.0TDI; 7-off Citroens, Many Fords, Austin 1100 (my first car), Lotus 7, Rover SD1 3500; SAAB 9000i, SAAB 9000 turbo; BMW 530; another P38 Range Rover (the crap one with BMW 2500 diesel engine...wouldn't tow the skin off a rice-pudding! )
Daren't even mention the traumatic Morris Marina and Ital's....even an Austin Princess. Brain is now hurting somewhat, so giving up for now...
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 22nd March 2019, 09:37 AM
MikkiJayne MikkiJayne is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 5,017
Default

Do A8parts not have one? Can you PM me a pic of what you need?
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 22nd March 2019, 12:12 PM
MikkiJayne MikkiJayne is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 5,017
Default

Worth noting that 'broken D2s' on trailers means broken and in need of mending, not for taking to pieces, so I don't generally have spare parts to sell. I am grateful the good folk at A8parts do that for us. They take them to bits, I put them back together again
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 22nd March 2019, 01:00 PM
DailyMike DailyMike is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: East Riding of Yorkshire
Posts: 92
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by MikkiJayne View Post
Worth noting that 'broken D2s' on trailers means broken and in need of mending, not for taking to pieces, so I don't generally have spare parts to sell. I am grateful the good folk at A8parts do that for us. They take them to bits, I put them back together again
Gotcha!

They were the first guys I got in touch with, MikkiJayne. When I described the problem in detail, they promptly supplied me with a Key and ignition barrel...not the right solution, unfortunately.

I also bought a snew witch, but that's AOK, too. Just that in-betweenie-bit that's a problem to get hold of. If i had any hair, I'd have pulled it all out by now!

Thanks for the prompt reply, though.

All the best.
Mike.
__________________
Current modes of transport:
2004 A8 4.0DTI Quattro
19"wheels; Silver; 109,000 miles; Been off the road for several years. Lotsa work to be done
[BSold with regret:]2002 A8 4.2 (40v) Quattro Sport, 18" QS wheels; Prins LPG[/b], Silver; Black leather; newly-refurbished wheels in Anthracite...pics to follow soon!
2000 P38 Range Rover Vogue 4.6 V8 LPG, Epsom Green, fully-rebuilt engine (Top-hat liners, new camshaft for better mid-range torque); New S/S sports exhaust...SOUNDS BRILLIANT!
2014 Mondraker TrakkerR; 29-er, 30-speed gear train; rise'n'fall saddle; Mountain bike...NOT a cart-horse!
"JONDOR" a 116' long, 17"6" beam Humber Barge, Built 1950, ex oil tanker, fully refurbished Gardner 6LXC engine for propulsion (one day); requires new marine gearbox; 2-cylinder Petter Diesel engine & 3-cylinder diesel auxilliary engines with 12/24v and 230/415v gensets
"JONDOR" is a slow-burn project, being converted to provide suitable accommodation for wheelchair users and their carer/family for short respite breaks. Currently moored on River Humber at Old Beverley Shipyard
SOLD***2006 LWB Ford Transit 2.4 Diesel, Luton Van; Tail-lift; leaking translucent roof SOLD***

Previous vehicles:
Far too many to list individually, but includes 2005 A8 D3 3.0TDI Quattro Sport; 2007 A6 3.0TDI Avant; 2005 A4 2.0 Avant; 2007 A3 2.0TDI; 7-off Citroens, Many Fords, Austin 1100 (my first car), Lotus 7, Rover SD1 3500; SAAB 9000i, SAAB 9000 turbo; BMW 530; another P38 Range Rover (the crap one with BMW 2500 diesel engine...wouldn't tow the skin off a rice-pudding! )
Daren't even mention the traumatic Morris Marina and Ital's....even an Austin Princess. Brain is now hurting somewhat, so giving up for now...
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 22nd March 2019, 01:29 PM
DailyMike DailyMike is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: East Riding of Yorkshire
Posts: 92
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by MikkiJayne View Post
Worth noting that 'broken D2s' on trailers means broken and in need of mending, not for taking to pieces, so I don't generally have spare parts to sell. I am grateful the good folk at A8parts do that for us. They take them to bits, I put them back together again
Whoooooops...missed this reply earlier! Sorry!

Pics taken...as you'll see, the broken bit of the original casting is longer than the new "replacement". I was going to try re-profiling by cutting away the shoulder of new one to match, but I don't have anything with a fine-enough head to rework to conform to the original profile...it's got linear ridges and a semi-circle that would need to match perfectly to operate correctly.

Kind regards,

Mike.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	DSC_0028.jpg
Views:	364
Size:	281.3 KB
ID:	20976   Click image for larger version

Name:	DSC_0029.jpg
Views:	353
Size:	291.6 KB
ID:	20977  
__________________
Current modes of transport:
2004 A8 4.0DTI Quattro
19"wheels; Silver; 109,000 miles; Been off the road for several years. Lotsa work to be done
[BSold with regret:]2002 A8 4.2 (40v) Quattro Sport, 18" QS wheels; Prins LPG[/b], Silver; Black leather; newly-refurbished wheels in Anthracite...pics to follow soon!
2000 P38 Range Rover Vogue 4.6 V8 LPG, Epsom Green, fully-rebuilt engine (Top-hat liners, new camshaft for better mid-range torque); New S/S sports exhaust...SOUNDS BRILLIANT!
2014 Mondraker TrakkerR; 29-er, 30-speed gear train; rise'n'fall saddle; Mountain bike...NOT a cart-horse!
"JONDOR" a 116' long, 17"6" beam Humber Barge, Built 1950, ex oil tanker, fully refurbished Gardner 6LXC engine for propulsion (one day); requires new marine gearbox; 2-cylinder Petter Diesel engine & 3-cylinder diesel auxilliary engines with 12/24v and 230/415v gensets
"JONDOR" is a slow-burn project, being converted to provide suitable accommodation for wheelchair users and their carer/family for short respite breaks. Currently moored on River Humber at Old Beverley Shipyard
SOLD***2006 LWB Ford Transit 2.4 Diesel, Luton Van; Tail-lift; leaking translucent roof SOLD***

Previous vehicles:
Far too many to list individually, but includes 2005 A8 D3 3.0TDI Quattro Sport; 2007 A6 3.0TDI Avant; 2005 A4 2.0 Avant; 2007 A3 2.0TDI; 7-off Citroens, Many Fords, Austin 1100 (my first car), Lotus 7, Rover SD1 3500; SAAB 9000i, SAAB 9000 turbo; BMW 530; another P38 Range Rover (the crap one with BMW 2500 diesel engine...wouldn't tow the skin off a rice-pudding! )
Daren't even mention the traumatic Morris Marina and Ital's....even an Austin Princess. Brain is now hurting somewhat, so giving up for now...
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT. The time now is 02:02 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.0
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.