Will 16" or 17" wheels clear the brakes on the R36?

[profrat]

I scuffed the standard alloy wheels a little with snow chains last week and i'm not too keen to use them again.

One alternative is to fit smaller, narrower, steel wheels with snow tyres so I can fit chains if needed more easily as well.

But it occurred to me that 16" or 17" wheels my not clear the large brakes. Does anyone know?

Thanks.

[Umai Naa!!]

Some 17s do, I believe.

[snerlo]

I bought snow socks for mine. Have you thought about them. That way you dont feel the bumpy ride either.

[profrat]

That would be great but they are not permitted to be used here at Mt Hotham. It's diamond pattern chains only.

[snerlo]

Oh, that sucks. Ive only driven once with chains and they were the normal ladder style on the back of a falcon. My god, it was torture! Cant comment on the ladder style.

[profrat]

The Diamond pattern chains I have used are excellent. Very much better than the old ladder chains. Unfortunately, they are an absolute pain in the arse to fit and they have scuffed my wheels slightly. On the old XR6T I had the same issues but fitted standard steel wheels to the rear when I knew I would need to fit chains. I am happy to use some 16' or 17' narrower wheels and tyres all 'round, if I they fit, just for the snow trips. And if I can do that I might as well fit specific snow tyres and hopefully never have to use the chains anyhow.

[snerlo]

Have a look on the R36 forum from overseas mate. There are a few guys that have R36's and they have specific winter tyres that they fit in the snowy months. There should be some answers there.
Passat R36 Forum - R36Owners.NET - Passat R36, 3.6 V6 DSG • Index page

[profrat]

Cheers mate. I had a look, nothing yet but will register and ask the same question. There is some discussion of snow tyres for 18's but that still ,eaves me with very tight chain clearance. I would prefer to be able to fit 7" x 17's or 16's if they clear the brakes. I'm trying to find out if the 17" steel Transporter wheels fit the R36 as well.

[Umai Naa!!]

Transporter is 5x120.

[dylan8]

Changing wheel diameter isnt going to change how the chain fits unless you decide on a smaller tyre also