Plastic Wheel Hanger

[nene]

Did you guys know that your RS6 toolbox came equiped with a plastic wheel hanger? Well, as it's true for all if not most Audi cars today, this is part of your tool set.

Here's a pix of the plastic wheel hanger:
http://www.rs6.com/gallery/data/500/46WheelHanger2-med.jpg

You can find this little tool directly underneath the screw driver, as shown by the picture below:
http://www.rs6.com/gallery/data/500/46WheelHanger5-med.jpg

Now, as most of you know, our stock wheels are pretty heavy. Imagine trying to hold it in place with a plastic stick. I'm sure that after 2-3 uses, it will break, and won't you know it, you will have to drill it out of it's location. That can be a pain in the buttocks, and time consuming. Thus, my idea to replace it with one that is stainless steel is perfect for the occasion. While at it, you might wish to purchase two of them.
Stainless steel wheel hanger (click image for purchase location):
http://www.rs6.com/gallery/data/500/46WheelHanger3-med.jpg (http://www.ultimategarage.com/wheelhgr.html)

[Benman]

And here I've been doing it the hard way:D

[Aronis]

I changed wheels three times already using the plastic one.

I have not had any problems. Had the same with my A6 4.2, and in fact the same type of device for two prior BMWs, one I drove for 4 years and the other for 5 years, so as you can imagine that makes changing snow tires/summer tires about 22 times, never braking the plastic tool.


They are pretty tough, but it would be nice to have one that is 1. Metal and 2. LONGER....

But with a metal one you have to be very careful not to strip the threads, where as with the plastic one you will never strip the metal thread.

The one that comes with the RS6 is a bit too short to get a good grip on it to remove it once the wheel is on, so I have been using a pair of plyers to grab it....pain....

so longer and metal , I'll buy one...

Mike

By the way the screw driver handle is also a socket for the bolts, to help you put them in, and if you put the bit of the screw driver into a drill you can spin the bolts off faster! But be sure when putting them back in you do it with your fingers, or you'll strip it for sure....

[Audihead]

The metal one is the way to go, use the plastic as a backup if needed.



:s4addict:

[audirs6sport]

hmm. i actually rotated the wheels myself, but i had no use for that plastic junk at all. :D

[GoFastKindaGuy]

It is really intended as a guide, not a hanger. In ten years of various Audis with this tool, swapping wheels each Spring and Fall, I've only snapped one off. I was able to use a punch and hammer to tap and unscrew the part left in the hub. I rethreaded the remaining shaft and have used it since. No big deal.
:mech: