Volkswagen Golf Quiz
Wheels and Tyres Guide - General Information

Information on wheel rims

In this manual: Wheels and Tyres Guide - General Information
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~5min read

Structure of wheel rim

Structure of wheel rim
1 - Wheel rim flange

Stop for tyre side beading

2 - Hump (H2) on both shoulders of rim
Prevents the tyre slipping off the shoulder of the rim while driving through tight bends Extended hump (EH2) - prerequisite when using tyres with run-flat properties → Chapter
3 - Well

Eases fitting/removal of tyre

A - Width of wheel rim

Distance between tyre contact surfaces on both rim edges of wheel

Dimensions in inches

B - Wheel rim diameter

Distance between tyre contact surfaces on opposite tyre shoulders

Dimensions in inches

C - Wheel offset

Vertical distance between centre of wheel and wheel inner contact surface

Dimensions in mm

D - Pitch circle diameter

Diameter of circle for wheel bolt holes

Dimensions in mm

E - Centre hole

Used to centralize

Dimensions in mm

Identification

There are several items of information on rims. The following example shows the information needed for clear identification of the rim:
Part number: 6E0 601 027 A
Wheel size: 6 J x 15 6 - Rim width in inches J - Shape of wheel rim flange 15 - Rim diameter in inches
Wheel offset in mm: 43
Data on hump of rim shoulder: EH2 Extended Hump 1)
1) Raised round hump on both rim shoulders. These ensure that when run-flat tyres are used without air pressure, they will not slip from rim shoulder. EH2 wheel rims are required only if run-flat tyres are fitted → Chapter!

Composite wheels

Split rim alloy wheels consist of several parts.

The major parts are the rim and the wheel centre. These parts are bolted together with special bolts using a special process. This ensures that the wheel functions properly, that it is sealed and safe and that it runs true. These requirements are not guaranteed with workshop materials and under workshop conditions.
WARNING

You must not dismantle or repair composite wheels!

Care and maintenance of alloy wheel rims

Regular care is required to maintain the decorative appearance of alloy wheels over a long period of time. In particular road salt and dust from brake abrasion must be thoroughly washed off every 2 weeks; otherwise the finish of the alloy wheel will suffer.

Cleaning agents

Suitable cleaning agents:

Plain water or water with soft soap

Water and essence of vinegar

Alloy wheel cleansers without acids or strong solvents

Do not exceed the soaking time of the cleaning agent.

The shorter the recommended soaking time, the harsher and more aggressive the cleaning agent.

Damage to finish

If the finish is damaged, for example by stones, the damage must be repaired as quickly as possible → Chapter.

Removing adhesive residue from glued balance weights on alloy rims

Strong solvents and acids attack the finish on alloy wheels and the surface of the wheel becomes matt and milky. Therefore, these substances should not be used. To remove adhesive residue on alloy wheels, use alloy cleansers or a petrol-based cleanser. Do not exceed the soaking time of the cleaning agent.

After cleaning or removing adhesive residue from wheels, rinse them with water.

Restoring alloy wheels

WARNING Repairing a damaged wheel using heat treatment such as welding or the addition or removal of material is absolutely forbidden. Damaged or deformed wheel rims or wheel rims with cracked or deformed wheel bolt holes may not be repaired.

Restoration may only be undertaken using approved and genuine paint materials.

The manufactures guarantee no longer applies once a wheel rim has been restored.
Wheel rims with cracks along the edges may not be repaired and must be replaced immediately.

Remachining, heat treatment and welding of all types is not permitted.

Material reforming is not permissible.

Before restoring, the radial runout and lateral runout must not exceed the manufactures tolerance of 0.8 mm. Only cast alloy wheel rims may be filled using a filler putty. These wheels have the material identification AlSi xx stamped in the inner side.

Forged wheels may not be painted.

The restoration is limited to the painted surfaces.

Bright machined wheels, which only have a clear coating, may not be repaired.

Only surface damage on the viewed side (design surface) of the wheel may be restored.

Restoring a damaged surface depth of 1 mm must not be exceeded.

Only up to 50 mm may be removed/ filler filled on the outer boss.

Removing and installing hub cover for alloy wheels with open threaded connection

Removing

Wheel removed

Note

Hold cover cap -1- when driving out with hammer.

Installing
Removing and installing hub cover for alloy wheels with open threaded connection
  • Hold cover cap -1- flush against opening in alloy wheel rim.
  • Align the Volkswagen emblem on the cover cap to the tyre inflation valve so that the emblem seats centrally over the valve -2-.
  • Apply light hand pressure until the cover cap is pushed into the opening of the alloy wheel rim and is secure.
  • Check cover cap has no play and that it is seated correctly in the alloy wheel rim.
Removing and installing hub cover for alloy wheels with open threaded connection

Test yourself

A quick Volkswagen Golf quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.