Parts for your 2010 Audi Q5-Sump plug washers

2010 Audi Q5 sump plug washers — what they do and when to replace them

Based on Audi ETKA (the factory parts catalogue) for the 8R-series Q5 and the Audi ElsaWin/ElsaPro service procedures, the 2010 Audi Q5 uses a sump plug sealing washer (also called a crush washer or sealing ring). Depending on engine variant, Audi specifies either a separate aluminium sealing ring used with the drain plug or a drain plug supplied with an integrated captive seal. Common genuine references seen across 2.0 TFSI, 3.2 FSI and 3.0 TDI engines include the sealing ring A14x20 (e.g., N 013 815 7) or a drain plug with pre-fitted seal (e.g., N 908 132 02). Bentley and factory workshop manuals both instruct replacing the sealing element at every oil change.

On this Q5, the washer’s whole job is to create a one-time, gas- and oil-tight seal between the plug and the sump. The aluminium ring compresses slightly as the plug is torqued, taking up tiny imperfections in the mating surfaces. That controlled “crush” stops weeping, helps hold torque, and protects the sump threads from over-tightening dramas.

Replacement is straightforward and should be treated as a normal service item. At each oil change, fit a new genuine-equivalent sealing ring or, if the plug has a captive seal, fit a new plug. Reusing an old washer is false economy, once it’s been crushed, it won’t reliably reseal and can lead to drips on the driveway or a misted undertray. Audi procedures also call for tightening the M14 drain plug to the specified torque (typically around 30 Nm on most 8R engines—always check the engine-specific spec in the repair manual).

Good practice on the 2010 Q5 sump plug and washer during servicing includes:

• Clean the sump face and plug head, no sealant is needed with a proper washer.
• Never stack washers or mix copper and aluminium randomly—use the correct size and type.
• Replace any plug with damaged threads or a nicked captive seal.
• After refill, run the engine, then check for seepage and recheck the level.

These recommendations align with Audi ETKA part guidance and the Audi/Bentley workshop procedures, which both treat the sump plug’s sealing element as a single-use service item on the 2010 Q5.

Popular questions

Does a 2010 Audi Q5 need a new sump plug washer at every oil change?
Yes. Factory service information (ElsaWin/ElsaPro and Bentley manuals) specifies replacing the sealing element each time—either a new aluminium sealing ring or a new plug with its captive seal. That ensures a reliable seal and correct clamp load on the plug.

What size washer does the 2010 Audi Q5 use?
Most 2010 Q5 engines use an M14 drain plug with an A14x20 aluminium sealing ring. Some variants use a drain plug supplied with a pre-fitted seal instead. Checking the VIN against ETKA or an OEM parts source is the tidy way to confirm the exact arrangement on a given vehicle.

Can the old washer be reused if it looks fine?
No. A crush washer is designed to deform once. Reusing it risks weeping at the plug, gradual oil loss, and potential thread over-tightening to “chase” a seal. Always fit a fresh, correct-spec washer or a new plug with captive seal.