2012 Audi TT RS Wheel Interchange

Goal

Your aim is to verify safe wheel and tire fitment for a 2012 Audi TT RS, using OEM specs as a baseline and the on-page calculator to compare donor wheels. We will work from the real constraints of the car, highlight trade-offs, and build a validation plan you can implement in the garage.

Prerequisites

Known OEM reference for 2012 Audi TT RS

Note the tire diameter line shows 18 in while the wheel diameter shows 19 in. That mismatch suggests trim or data variance. On some markets, TT RS packages differed. Use the door jamb label and owner’s manual to confirm your car’s factory tire size, then use the calculator for validation.

Tools and materials

• Floor jack, 2 jack stands, wheel chocks
• Torque wrench and 17 mm socket - Search torque wrench
• Wheel bolts that match seat type and length for your wheels, M14 x 1.5 - Search M14x1.5 wheel bolts
• Hub-centric rings to reduce aftermarket wheel bore to 57.1 mm if needed - Search 57.1 hub-centric rings

Step by step

1) Establish your OEM baseline

Check your driver door jamb for tire size. If it lists 245/40R18, set that as the baseline tire in the calculator. If it lists a 19 inch fitment, use that. This removes the assumption and aligns the comparison to your exact car.

• Open the calculator on wheelinterchange.com.
• Set “Installed on” to 2012 Audi TT RS.
• For the baseline, either pick your OEM size from the menu or enter “Custom wheel size” to match the table above and your door label.

2) Compare donor wheels

In the “Wheels from” side, enter the donor vehicle or type the custom wheel and tire setup you are considering. Changing rim diameter updates tire diameter in the comparison, so watch rolling diameter closely.

• Keep overall tire diameter change small. A common target is within about 2 percent, pending validation.
• Review inner clearance to the strut and brake lines. Positive offset moves the wheel inward. More width adds both inward and outward.
• Review outer “poke” relative to the fender lip. Excess poke risks fender contact on compression.
• Confirm bolt pattern 5x112 and hub bore 57.1 mm. Larger bores need rings. Smaller bores do not fit.

3) Account for TT RS brake clearance

The TT RS uses large front brakes. Offset and diameter alone do not guarantee spoke clearance. The calculator shows distances, but caliper profile varies. When in doubt, request a brake template from the wheel maker and compare to your car, or do a controlled test fit.

4) Match hardware and seating

• Audi uses wheel bolts, thread M14 x 1.5. Bolt seat type must match the wheel seat. Many OEM Audi wheels use a ball seat. Many aftermarket wheels use a cone seat. Do not mix seat types.
• Bolt length must account for any spacers. If you add spacers, use longer bolts matched to spacer thickness.
• If the wheel center bore is larger than 57.1 mm, install quality hub-centric rings to 57.1 mm.

5) Test fit one corner

• Safely lift one front corner. Use a jack stand under the pinch weld. Chock the opposite wheels.
• Mount the new wheel without the tire first if possible. Spin by hand to check for caliper contact.
• Mount the full wheel and tire. Hand tighten bolts in a star pattern, then snug with a wrench.
• Cycle steering lock to lock. Check inner liner, brake hose, and upright clearance.
• Lower the car and torque the bolts to the figure in your owner’s manual. Re-torque after 50 to 100 miles.

6) Finalize the set

• Repeat on the other front corner, then the rear. Rear clearance is often easier but still validate poke and inner room.
• If using TPMS, transfer or program sensors per OEM instructions. Use new service kits when applicable.

Validation

• Calculator results: Confirm bolt pattern 5x112, hub bore 57.1 mm, and thread M14 x 1.5 are respected by your chosen setup.
• Overall diameter: Aim for minimal speedometer error. The calculator will display the difference.
• Inner clearance: Maintain safe distance to strut and control arms. A few millimeters of margin may look fine static but can close under load.
• Outer poke: Ensure the tire does not extend past the fender on compression.
• Road test: Listen for rubs over bumps and during U-turns. Check for vibration at highway speed.
• Post-drive inspection: Recheck bolt torque. Inspect for witness marks inside the wheel and on suspension components.

Troubleshooting

Fender or liner rub on turns

• Cause: Excess poke or too tall a tire. Offset or diameter choice likely exceeded the available envelope.
• Fix: Reduce tire section width or diameter, or choose a higher offset. Use the calculator to quantify the change before buying another set.

Caliper contact or spoke scuffing

• Cause: Spoke design not clearing TT RS calipers.
• Fix: Different wheel model with better caliper relief, or minimal spacer with proper longer bolts. Validate hub engagement remains adequate.

High speed vibration

• Cause: Non hub-centric fit or imbalance.
• Fix: Install 57.1 mm hub-centric rings if wheel bore is larger. Road-force balance the set. Verify wheel is not bent.

Steering pull or ABS warning after changes

• Cause: Significant rolling diameter mismatch across axles or left to right.
• Fix: Ensure front and rear diameters match per axle. Keep overall diameter within a tight range of OEM. Use the calculator to validate.

Bolts do not seat correctly

• Cause: Seat type mismatch or length mismatch with spacers.
• Fix: Match cone or ball seat to the wheel manufacturer’s spec. Choose correct length for full thread engagement without bottoming.

Wrap up

The 2012 Audi TT RS accepts 5x112 wheels with a 57.1 mm hub bore and M14 x 1.5 hardware. OEM references here provide a solid starting point, but tire size can vary by package. Confirm your door label, then use the on-page calculator to measure offset, width, and diameter trade-offs before you buy. Test fit for brake clearance, align hardware to the correct seat, and validate on the road with a re-torque check. This process moves you from uncertainty to a confident, safe installation.