Wheels, Tires Audi A6 C5

General Information

For driving safety, do not replace tires individually, instead replace tires by axle (at least).

The tires with the deeper tread should always be on the front wheels.

It is recommended to mount only tires of the same make, structure, and tread pattern on all wheels.

When replacing the disc wheel or the tire, the rubber valve should always be replaced.

Tires are to be installed with DOT markings facing outside of wheel; it applies to left side of vehicle only in case of tires with directional tread pattern.

If the tires are directional, the spare should be a wheel/tire combination for the right side of the vehicle.

Special tools and equipment

1. T 40004 Wheel lock key set

Light alloy wheel

The following list pertains to (Scheme 2).

1. Tire
2. Valve Always replace Only use valve according to spare parts catalog
3. Rim Observe assembly notes. See «WHEEL REPLACEMENT/WHEEL INSTALLATION, ASSEMBLY NOTES»(/audi/a6/c5-1997-2001/remont/warning-system/#wheels-tires)
4. Anti-theft wheel bolt, 120 Nm M14 x 1.5 x 27.5 mm See «ANTI-THEFT WHEEL BOLT»(/audi/a6/c5-1997-2001/remont/warning-system/#wheels-tires__anti-theft-wheel-bolt) .
5. Adapter for anti-theft wheel bolt T 40004 Wheel lock key set
6. Concealment cap Stick onto anti-theft wheel bolt
7. Hub cap
8. Concealment cap Stick onto wheel bolt
9. Wheel bolt, 120 Nm M14 x 1.5 x 27.5 mm Different versions, see «WHEEL BOLT VERSIONS»(/audi/a6/c5-1997-2001/remont/warning-system/#wheels-tires__wheel-bolt-versions)
10. Retaining spring for balancing weights
11. Balancing weights Maximum of 60 grams allowed per rim flange

Anti-theft wheel bolt

1. Anti-theft wheel bolt
2. Protective cap
3. Adapter for wheel bolt

Wheel bolt versions

Wheel bolt -A- one piece

Wheel bolt -B- two pieces

Scheme 1

Wheels, balancing on vehicle

1. Switch off Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) before balancing.
2. Switch ignition off

Note. Imbalances in the wheels produce front-end instability and cause the steering wheel to shake. When balancing wheels, place vehicle on turntable sensors: all-wheel drive vehicles on both axles, and frontwheel drive vehicles on the front axle. Follow the operator's manual provided by the manufacturer of the wheel balancing machine.

1. T40004 Master set for wheel bolts
2. 3208 Suction grip
3. V.A.G 1332 Torque wrench

Removing

Note. Raise vehicle at jacking points provided. Always use special tool provided (puller from vehicle tool kit or suction grip 3208) Do not use screwdriver to pry off trim caps on vehicles with light alloy wheels. Use socket attachments of correct size to loosen wheel bolts. Worn socket attachments are not to be re-used. Do not use impact wrench for loosening anti-theft wheel bolts (lockable wheel bolts). Keep wheel bolts clean.

The following tests/directions must be performed with the wheel (rim) removed!

1. Check whether the contact surfaces at brake disc/ brake drum and wheel (rim) are free of corrosion and dirt. If necessary, remove oil, grease and corrosion and restore the corrosion protection using wax spray D 322 000 A2.
2. Check whether the centering hole of the wheel (rim) and centering of the wheel hub is free of corrosion and dirt. If necessary, remove oil, grease and corrosion and restore the corrosion protection using wax spray D 322 000 A2.

Note. Do not allow wax spray to come into contact with brake system components.

1. If rust fell between the brake disc and wheel hub during removal, it must be removed and the contact surfaces must be cleaned.

1. Collars of wheels (rims) and wheel bolts must be free of oil, grease, corrosion and dirt.
2. Remove any dirt from collars of wheels (rims) with a clean lint-free cloth
3. Inspect wheel bolts and wheel hub threads are clean
4. Clean dirty wheel bolts e.g. using a wire brush. Corroded or damaged wheel bolts must be replaced.
5. If slightly corroded wheel bolts are re-used, they are to be cleaned in the area of the collar and thread and the contact surfaces greased as follows with Optimol TA paste, part no. G 052 109 A2

1. One-piece wheel bolt Apply thin coat of grease to thread area -2- and collar -1-.
2. Two-piece wheel bolt Apply thin coat of grease to thread area -3- as well as between bolt head resting surface -6- and collar ring -5-. see scheme 7 Do not apply grease to surface -4- of collar which rests on rim.

Note. Exclusive use is to be made of Optimol TA paste, part no. G 052 109 A2. Paste must not be allowed to come into contact with brake system components.

1. Check whether the wheel bolts can freely be threaded in by hand. The thread of the wheel bolts must not contact the hole in the brake disc.
2. Make sure the hole of the brake disc lines up with the thread of the hub. Wheel bolt thread must not make contact with brake disc hole.

Installing wheels

1. Position wheel on wheel hub and secure by hand with two opposing wheel bolts.
2. Screw in remaining wheel bolts by hand. They must screw in easily. Pay attention to exact centering.
3. Relieve load on wheel if necessary by slightly lifting and tightening two wheel bolts slightly by hand.
4. Screw in evenly all wheel bolts by hand.
5. Tighten wheel bolts crosswise to 50 Nm e.g. using a fourway socket wrench.
6. Lower vehicle onto ground and tighten all wheel bolts crosswise to the specified tightening torque.

Tightening torque 120 Nm

Tire pressure control system, component overview

The following list pertains to see scheme 8.

1. Antenna 4 x
2. Display in instrument panel See «TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM ON BOARD DIAGNOSTIC»(/audi/a6/c5-1997-2001/remont/electronic-suspension/#on-board-diagnostic-obd-suspension-tire-pressure-monitoring) .
3. Tire Pressure Monitoring Control Module -J502- In luggage compartment (left rear) in control module bracket
4. Wheel electronics 4 x

Tire pressure control system, servicing

Observe operating information in operating instructions.

If the micro-encapsulated bolt of the wheel electronics was loosened, the bolt must always be replaced.

For security reasons, damaged wheel electronics or valves must be replaced.

Do not clean wheel electronics using pressure washers or strong pressurized air stream

After using tire sealing liquid, the wheel electronics must be replaced, since a possibility of an incorrect measurement exists due to deposits of the liquid at pressure sensor.

1. VAG 1410

Scheme 2

Wheels/tires, assembly overview

The following list pertains to see scheme 10.

1. Metal valve body Only use valve according to spare parts catalog Is supplied complete Replace valve insert at every tire change Removing and installing, see «METAL VALVE BODY, REMOVING AND INSTALLING»(/audi/a6/c5-1997-2001/remont/warning-system/#wheels-tires__metal-valve-body-removing-and-installing)
2. Valve insert
3. Seal Removing and installing, see «METAL VALVE BODY, REMOVING AND INSTALLING»(/audi/a6/c5-1997-2001/remont/warning-system/#wheels-tires__metal-valve-body-removing-and-installing)
4. Rim Tires, removing and installing, see «REMOVING TIRE»(/audi/a6/c5-1997-2001/remont/warning-system/#wheels-tires__removing-tire) and «INSTALLING TIRE»(/audi/a6/c5-1997-2001/remont/warning-system/#wheels-tires__installing-tire) .
5. Wheel electronics Battery service life approx. 7 years Remaining service life can be checked via diagnostic See «TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM ON BOARD DIAGNOSTIC»(/audi/a6/c5-1997-2001/remont/electronic-suspension/#on-board-diagnostic-obd-suspension-tire-pressure-monitoring) . Must be replaced as a complete assembly Reception antennas, removing and installing, see «REMOVING AND INSTALLING RECEPTION ANTENNAS»(/audi/a6/c5-1997-2001/remont/warning-system/#wheels-tires__removing-and-installing-reception-antennas)
6. Micro encapsulated bolt (Torx t20) Tightening torque 4Nm., see «METAL VALVE BODY, REMOVING AND INSTALLING»(/audi/a6/c5-1997-2001/remont/warning-system/#wheels-tires__metal-valve-body-removing-and-installing)
7. Union nut Removing and installing Tightening torque 4 Nm.
8. Chamfered washer

Metal valve body, removing and installing

1. Install metal valve with rubber seal through rim from inside.
2. Set chamfered washer and union nut on outside and tighten by hand.
3. Secure against turning, using retainer -1- (or 2 mm drill bit). Tightening torque 4 Nm.
4. Press wheel electronics -1- into well-drop center and tighten with microencapsulated bolt at rear of valve. Tightening torque 4 Nm.
5. Press wheel electronics -1- into well base and screw to rear of valve with microencapsulated bolt. Tightening torque 4Nm.

Tire change

The nickel-coated valve insert must be replaced during every tire change.

The metal valve and the wheel electronics can be used again

1. Releasing air in tire by removing nickel-coated valve insert.
2. Removing tire, see «REMOVING TIRE»(/audi/a6/c5-1997-2001/remont/warning-system/#wheels-tires__removing-tire) Visual check for loose or damaged parts. Replace complete valve complex when threaded connections are loose. Always replace damaged wheel electronics.
3. Installing tire, see «INSTALLING TIRE»(/audi/a6/c5-1997-2001/remont/warning-system/#wheels-tires__installing-tire)
4. Thread in new nickel-coated valve insert.
5. Fill tire, thread on plastic cap again.
6. Balance tires.

Removing tire

Rolling off or pressing off tire

When using press-off shoes, first press tire off on opposite side of valve.

Do not use press-off shoes in hatched area -a-.

1. Position mounting shoes in area of valve so that tire iron can be placed at approx. 30 degrees -b- beside the valve.
2. Then remove tire in area of valve first

Installing tire

Do not use press-off shoes in area of valve.

1. Position wheel electronics approx. 180 degrees opposite the mounting shoe.
2. Press tire into well-drop approx. 90 degrees before the mounting shoe see (arrow).
3. Install tire.

Removing and installing reception antennas

Reception antennas are located behind the wheelhousing liners.

1. Wheelhousing liners, removing and installing See «WHEELHOUSING LINERS, REMOVING AND INSTALLING»(/audi/a6/c5-1997-2001/remont/mirrors/#exterior-equipment) or «WHEEL HOUSING LINER, REMOVING AND INSTALLING (AUDI RS6)»(/audi/a6/c5-1997-2001/remont/mirrors/#exterior-equipment) .
2. Ignition off
3. Disconnect harness connector to antenna.
4. Remove threaded connection of antenna to bracket Tightening torque: 2 Nm
5. Remove antenna

Reception antenna at front with bracket, removing and installing

1. Remove threaded connection of bracket to body Tightening torque: 3.5 Nm
2. Remove threaded connection of antenna to bracket Tightening torque: 2 Nm Installation is reverse of removal.

System, switching on and off

When storing wheel pressures, the system automatically switches on ( 3 is set before On).

To switch the system off, call up adjustment menu and place a o in front of On instead of check mark.

As a reminder for the driver, the yellow tire symbol appears briefly on display every time the ignition is switched on with the message: Off

Function

The system monitors tire inflation pressures set and specified for monitoring.

First the following steps are required

Checking and correction of tire inflation pressures

1. Start by checking and correcting tire inflation pressures of wheels on vehicle (including spare wheel).

Storage of inflation pressures

After checking inflation pressures and properly inflating tires, current pressures have to be stored in monitoring system. System then implements automatic adaptation process.

Proceed as follows

1. Switch ignition on and call up start menu.

Access setting menu by way of menu Setting --> Inflation pressure.

1. Enter a tick (3) in front of Store pressures.

System acknowledges correct reception of storage request with the message

Current inflation pressures stored

1. Move arrow to Return to exit from input menu.

Note. After altering inflation pressure and changing wheel by selecting Store pressures. Process of adaptation to new monitoring conditions must always be re-started.

See also:
• TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM ON BOARD DIAGNOSTIC
• WHEELHOUSING LINERS, REMOVING AND INSTALLING
• WHEEL REPLACEMENT/WHEEL INSTALLATION, ASSEMBLY NOTES
• ANTI-THEFT WHEEL BOLT
• WHEEL BOLT VERSIONS
• METAL VALVE BODY, REMOVING AND INSTALLING
• REMOVING TIRE
• INSTALLING TIRE
• REMOVING AND INSTALLING RECEPTION ANTENNAS