Alloys For Sharan

[ric220]

Hi. I'm wanting to change the very tatty alloys on my '99 sharan. I've seen a set of decent used vw ones on fleabay with 7.0j x 17 H2 marked on them. The tyres are 225 45 zr17. Can anyone advise as to whether they'll fit? If more info needed please advise what. Thanks a lot.

[JohnPic]

Hi Wheels need to be: 59 off set at 7 inch wide.  Increase the off set for wider wheels, increase by half the width increase.  Wrong off set will upset the steering balance.  Mk1 wheels may not fit Mk2.  Steels should be OK but alloys may foul the larger front discs on the Mk2.  16 in is the normal size but 17 should be fine if the offset and wheel width correct.  Off set appears to be the same for Mk1 and Mk2, varying only by wheel width.

You need to consider Tyre diameter as well, larger wheels = larger diameter which can be compensated by lower profile.  You may need to check the tyre you want is available in a suitable size and speed loading rating - limited winter tyre availability in some sizes.  To large an increase in diameter will mess up your speedo reading.  Obviously a small change is fine.  I use slightly larger which means my speedo is almost spot on and odometer reads a bit low.

Have a pair of Mk 1 16inch alloys and 2 more available if you want them.

There are tables on the net for tyre size but you will find a lot of misinformation about wheel offset. 

Only sure way is to read what is written on the wheel itself.  Alloys seem to be clearly marked on the inside.  Only sure way if the size is OK is then to fit and make sure there is sufficient clearance.