Parts for your 2009 Audi Q5-Strut mounts

2009 Audi Q5 strut-mounts: what they do and when to replace them

Based on Audi’s technical literature for the Q5 (Typ 8R, 2009 MY)—including the Audi Self‑Study Programme on the Q5 chassis and the ElsaWin/erWin workshop procedures for the front and rear axles—the vehicle does use upper mounts for the shock/strut assemblies. The front is a five‑link setup with a coil‑over damper that seats in an upper rubber‑metal mount (often called a strut-mount), and the rear shock absorbers also use upper mounts. So, strut-mounts are absolutely relevant on the 2009 Audi Q5.

On this model, the front strut-mount doesn’t act as a steering bearing like a classic MacPherson setup, the multi‑link arms define the steering axis. Instead, the mount’s job is to locate the damper and spring, isolate noise and vibration, and keep the Q5 feeling tight and composed over rough roads. Up the back, the shock mounts do similar isolation work so the cabin stays quiet and the tyres keep confident contact with the tarmac.

Over time, Aussie and Kiwi road conditions—heat, corrugations, potholes—can harden or crack the rubber in these mounts. Tell‑tales include dull thuds over speed bumps, creaks at low speed, a slightly floaty front end, or accelerated tyre shoulder wear. If the shock is being replaced, doing the mounts at the same time is good practice, labour overlaps and fresh mounts help the new dampers perform properly.

Recommended care for a 2009 Q5 strut-mounts setup:

• Inspect at each service or at least every 20,000–30,000 km for perished rubber, torn bonding, or collapsed height.
• Plan replacement around 80,000–120,000 km, sooner if there’s noise, ride harshness, or alignment changes after bumps.
• Replace in axle pairs to keep handling balance neat and predictable.
• Use quality OE‑equivalent mounts and new self‑locking hardware, several fasteners are one‑time‑use in Audi procedures.
• If the damper is removed, book a wheel alignment—geometry can shift when the strut stack is disturbed.
• For vehicles with load‑levelling or sensor wiring nearby, take care with routing and torque values per workshop specs.

A proper spring compressor and the right torque sequence matter, this isn’t a job to wing. Done right, fresh mounts bring back that tight, quiet Q5 feel and help the tyres wear evenly, which is money well spent over the long haul.

Popular questions about 2009 Audi Q5 strut-mounts

Does the 2009 Audi Q5 actually have strut-mounts or just shock mounts?
Yes. The front coil‑over damper uses an upper rubber‑metal mount commonly called a strut-mount, and the rear shocks have upper mounts too. On the front multi‑link setup it’s a mount without a steering bearing, but it’s still critical for locating the damper and isolating vibration.

How long do the Q5’s strut-mounts typically last?
In local conditions, expect 80,000–120,000 km, but rough roads, heat, and heavy loads can shorten that. If there’s clunking, creaking, or a drop in ride quality, inspect and replace sooner—ideally when doing shocks.

Can worn strut-mounts affect alignment or tyre wear?
They can. Excess compliance or a collapsed mount lets geometry shift under load, which can show up as vague steering and uneven tyre shoulders. After mount or damper work, a proper alignment is a smart move.