3.0tdi Quattro stability problems

[ollie86rn]

Hi everyone,

I'm reaching out to the wealth of knowledge in this forum as I have an issue with my a4 which has only come about from a recent tyre change. Since having my MOT done at audi they changed the rear tyres for new conti contact 5, I have Pirelli rossos on the front about 2mm tread left and the car has since handled awful. When ever I put the power down hard the traction control kicks in as if I have wheelspin especially coming out of a roundabout or corner, usually 2nd or 3rd gear making the car very unstable. I initially took the car back to audi to investigate and they couldn't find a problem but 1month later I can't stand it any more. I never had this issue before the change and basically wanted to know if it's a tyre issue (need 4 tyres the same) or a possible Quattro issue and a coincidence it happened at the same time.

cheers

 

[jdp1962]

Personally, I'd always change the tyres on a quattro in full sets of four, and the same tyre all round.

Also, if your front tyres only have 2mm left, I would question whether it's worth still using them. They might be legal, but they'll be all but useless.

Get a new pair of Contis on the front, the same as you have had fitted at the back, and I'd be very surprised if you still have any problems.

 

[joinerman]

Agree ^^^^^^^^ set of four should be fitted, very surprised your dealer didn't tell you that but what do they know !!!!!!
Four wheel drive requires all for wheels to turn the same circumference, put two new on one axle and you've b***xed the system up even putting four brand new on but different makes on the front and back will cause problems.

 

[ollie86rn]

Okay that's great thanks for the feedback, I did wonder if that was the case but new to quattro I weren't sure, next payslip ill put some on and see how it goes.

Sticking with the quattro system, is it normal to always hear tyres scrubbing at low speeds for example if I reverse out a parking space and change direction you can feel/hear what only can be described as the tyres scrubbing the floor as if the quattro diff is not allowing the tyres to turn freely?

 

[jdp1962]

Okay that's great thanks for the feedback, I did wonder if that was the case but new to quattro I weren't sure, next payslip ill put some on and see how it goes.

Sticking with the quattro system, is it normal to always hear tyres scrubbing at low speeds for example if I reverse out a parking space and change direction you can feel/hear what only can be described as the tyres scrubbing the floor as if the quattro diff is not allowing the tyres to turn freely?

Yes, that's normal.

 

[ollie86rn]

Okay thought as much, since this tyre problem ive been listening out for all strange noises thanks jdp1962

 

[jdp1962]

You're welcome. Once you've got the new front tyres on, spend another £80 or so, and get a full four-wheel alignment check carried out. Don't use Kwik-Fit or similar; go to a Hunter & Beam-equipped specialist.

 

[lynallbel]

If old tyres have worn nice and flat and even, wheel alignment could be a waste of money.

 

[jdp1962]

If old tyres have worn nice and flat and even, wheel alignment could be a waste of money.

True.

 

[lynallbel]

If you do need to get it aligned I can highly recommend wheels in motion, oxford way, the utter dogs bollacks.
Drove there in my skittish merc drove home at any speed you can imagine dead straight and true.
Conversely place in essex did wifes old merc, never felt right before or after, the only car we have owned that I never found out the true top speed!