SteelWarHorse3.0TDi

Can I remove the outer spoke, get it ground off, re-finished and then have the wheels rebalanced?

Went to my dealer here in POrtugal and was told that the wheels are one-piece and the outer spokes cannot be removed. The only shop locally that does wheel repairs has refused to touch them saying they are too worried about unbalancing them and making the car unsafe.

The wheels clearly have bolts holding the outer spokes in place.

I'd like to avoid paying 800 Euros per wheel for new ones...

ebilling

<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/73485/rf_wheel_closeup.jpg"></center><p>I was thinking along the same lines as you--remove the outer piece and take to shop, or do myself if I could find a matching paint.

Either way, I'll have to wait until next spring when I pop for 18" summer wheels. Then I'll have time to 'clean up' the 17" twin spokes.

ar2002

The wheels can be disassembled, but I understand that getting the proper torque and adhesion of the screws can be difficult so it's best not to take apart the wheels.

But you certainly could have the wheels refinisned w/o disassembly.

Milpower

Buy them from Ebay. I see the wheels there all the time. Cheap, sometimes, too.

Hey, where in Europe are you? If you are near a Navy base, have them sent to me and I find a Chief on the base who will accept the wheels for you. Will probably save you shipping and customs will not be a hassle (nor will duty).

Milpower

take the out spoke off (from what I read), but I seem to recall something about EXACT torque specs being required and some locktite (Blue, as Red is permanent and will dick up your threads if you try to remove [unless you apply heat!!!!]).

Do a forum search and I am sure you will find it.

SteelWarHorse3.0TDi

I'm in Portugal. Not sure about the nearest naval base. I know the US has a big base in the Azores.

I'll hunt about and maybe take you up on that offer.

=)

fdew

<center><img src="http://www.clairparts.com/RetrieveImage.asp?product_id=1390"></center><p>Or you could just replace the insert, Check this out! $21.84 each
http://www.clairparts.com/accessories4.asp?product_id=1390&amp;PDID=126734

Frank DeWitt<ul><li><a href="http://www.clairparts.com/accessories4.asp?product_id=1390&amp;PDID=126734"> wheel centers</a></li></ul>

Milpower

Hey, THANKS!!! That is a freaking bargain. Heck, I may just have to keep the 17s now. Cool.

UnoDosTurbosQuattro

I think this is just for the plastic center cap, not outer spokes