Parts for your 2008 Audi Q5-Sump plug washers

2008 Audi Q5 sump plug washers – what they do and when to replace them

Yes, the 2008 Audi Q5 uses a sump plug sealing washer. Audi’s factory Repair Manual for the Q5 (8R) in Rep. Group 17 – Engine Lubrication states “always replace sealing washer” when refitting the drain plug, and gives an M14 plug torque of about 30 Nm. The Audi ETKA parts catalogue for Q5 8R lists a 14 x 20 sealing ring (commonly N 013 815 7) for M14x1.5 drain plugs, with some engines using a drain plug that has an integrated seal (e.g., N 908 132 02). General guides like the Haynes Audi A4/A5/Q5 (2008–2015) manual also instruct replacement of the sealing washer at each oil change. So, if it’s a 2008 Q5, a sump plug washer (or a plug with a captive seal) is part of the job.

On the Q5, the sump plug washer is a small, crush-type seal that sits under the drain plug head and compresses as the plug is tightened. Its sole job is to prevent engine oil weeping past the threads and out of the sump, which keeps the driveway clean and the engine safe from low-oil dramas. Most 2008 Q5 variants run an M14 plug that uses either a single-use aluminium or copper crush washer, or a drain plug that has a built-in sealing ring. Both options are designed to deform once, so reusing them is false economy.

Best practice is to replace the washer (or the captive-seal drain plug) at every oil change. After draining the oil, clean the sump’s sealing face with a lint-free rag, fit the correct new washer, and torque the plug to spec—around 30 Nm for the common M14 plug, as per the Audi workshop procedure for these engines. Over-tightening can distort the washer or damage the alloy sump threads, and under-tightening can leave a slow leak that only shows up once the oil is hot.

Two quick notes for owners: first, use the right size washer—typically 14 mm inner diameter (often 14 x 20 mm OD) for the Q5’s M14 plug. Second, some engines in the range were supplied with a drain plug that has a captive rubberised seal, in that case, replace the whole plug rather than hunting for a separate washer. If in doubt, check by VIN or engine code against the parts catalogue. After the service, it’s smart to run the engine, let it warm, and then have a look underneath for any tell-tale drips around the plug.

• Replace the washer (or captive-seal plug) at every oil change
• Use the correct M14 washer size (commonly 14 x 20 mm)
• Tighten to about 30 Nm per the Audi workshop manual
• Inspect for leaks after the first drive

Popular questions about 2008 Audi Q5 sump plug washers

What size sump plug washer does a 2008 Audi Q5 use?
Most 2008 Q5 engines use an M14x1.5 drain plug with a 14 mm ID washer, typically 14 x 20 mm in aluminium or copper. Audi ETKA lists a common sealing ring like N 013 815 7 for these applications. Some variants use a drain plug with an integrated seal instead of a separate washer—if that’s fitted, replace the whole plug.

How often should the sump plug washer be replaced on a Q5?
Every oil change. The washer is a crush item designed for single use, reusing it risks seepage once the oil is hot. Audi’s repair literature explicitly says to replace the sealing washer during refit of the drain plug, and that’s the safest way to keep the sump dry and the service tidy.

What’s the torque spec for the Q5 sump plug?
For the common M14 drain plug used on 2008 Q5 engines, the workshop manual calls for about 30 Nm. Confirm by engine code if you want to be extra careful, but 30 Nm is the typical spec across the Q5’s petrol and diesel options of that era.