Recently I purchased a 2008 S4

Since I've owned the car i've had tire vibrations at speeds of 120 - 140km/h.

The car has 18" oem audi wheels on it. The vehicle has michelin pilot PS2 tires on it. One tire had a bulge so I replaced it. The vibration still continued, I took the car to an Audi dealership. Who performed an audi road force balance and an alignment which discovered three wheels were bent. I replaced the wheels and put the same tires back on and the vibration still continued. The dealer said the tread depth was ok all around which wouldn't cause problems. My brakes do squeak a bit sometimes but don't feel warped so I don't know if it may be the rotors causing the problem maybe a bit warped? Or if the problem exists in the tires because the bent wheels warped the tires? Just wondering if anyone has had this similar problem as its becoming very frustrating and expensive as well.

If anyone could give me feedback that would be greatly appreciated.

 

Your vibration at that speed or any speed is for sure abnormal. My immediate thoughts turn to the wheels and tires but you seem to have those ruled out. Next would be the suspension and again thats ruled out. I wish I had the answer for you.

Please keep us posted on what you discover.

 

Have you tried putting on someone else's OEM wheels AND tires for ***** and giggles (seeing as you didn't replace the tires, just the wheels).

As for the rotors, whenever I've had warped rotors, it mostly just vibrated when I braked which doesn't seem the case with you so doesn't sound like rotors.

I'm assuming it's only between those speeds? No matter which gear (or even neutral)?

 

Hey guys,

Thanks for the quick reply.

That is the next step Im going to take i'm getting all new BBS CH 18" 8.5 all around, with brand new tires. I'm thinking the issue remains with the tires causing the vibration as the tread depth is most likely not even as one tire is new.

You can feel it at various speeds through the left side of the steering wheel. Its not horrible but its something that I know shouldn't be happening. Going to try to have new wheels on it by Friday. I'll let you know how it rides after that.

 

I ran into this issue before and until the tires were replaced balance and all brand new it didnt want to go away

 

I like Axel's idea and was going to suggest you put my OEM BBS-Ch on and try them. Don't know where you are located but you are getting new ones anyhow.

 

Hey Michael,

Thanks alot for the feedback. Im really thinking it is the tires. Im located in Mississauga I would really appreciate if you could try your wheels on the car to ensure that the problem is the wheels. Let me know if this is possiblem when you have some free time.

Thanks again michael,

Regards,

Tyler

 

I had a similar vibration on some Bridgestone RE01R tires on my wife's B8 A4 Avant. THey were new, bought from the states, but they caused a little vibration.

A tire shop identified the 'bad' one, and did their best to balance it. To reduce the effect, we put the bad wheel on the back of the car. You can try swapping front to back on yours to see if it solves it.

I have an extra set of wheels for my B7 S4, so if you want you can come by and we can throw them on your car to see if there's any vibration. Then you'll know to start looking at your rotors or something.

Also, we should scan your car for any codes. Could be a bunch of things, like a bad engine mount or something really weird.

p.s. before we go any further...post some pics of this car!

 

there's no such thing as warped rotors. There is such a thing as pad deposits built up unevenly on rotors causing that heavy shaking/vibration at highway braking, but it's not a warped rotor at all.

 

Hey,

Sounds good let me know when your available to meet up. Really appreciate the help once again I can tell you have had alot of expierence with this problem. Will post some pictures as soon as I get back home.

Thanks for all the help again.

Tyler
705 796 5518