Parts for your 2011 Audi Q5-Sump plug washers

2011 Audi Q5 Sump Plug Washers

Factory documentation confirms the 2011 Audi Q5 uses a sump plug sealing washer. Audi’s workshop information (ElsaWin/erWin, Lubrication system) and the ETKA parts catalogue for the 8R Q5 list a replaceable crush-type sealing ring for the oil drain plug on common 2011 engines (2.0 TFSI, 3.2 FSI, 2.0 TDI, 3.0 TDI). A typical listing is an aluminium M14 sealing ring such as N 013 815 7, some variants use a drain plug with a captive seal that’s replaced as a complete plug. Either way, there’s a dedicated sealing interface at the sump plug, so a sump plug washer is absolutely relevant on a 2011 Audi Q5.

What does it do? The sump plug washer is a soft, sacrificial seal that crushes slightly when torqued, taking up tiny imperfections between the steel plug and the aluminium sump. That creates a reliable, oil-tight seal that won’t seep as the engine heats and cools. Because it deforms on first use, it’s designed to be replaced whenever the engine oil is changed.

As part of routine servicing on a 2011 Q5, it’s smart practice to fit a new washer with every oil change. It’s a low-cost item that helps prevent annoying drips on the driveway and saves the hassle of redoing the job. When fitting:

• Clean the sump’s sealing face and the plug head, remove old washer fragments or sealant.
• Install a correct-size washer (usually M14 for Q5 engines) or a new captive-seal plug if that’s what the engine specifies.
• Tighten the plug to the factory torque spec (check the exact value in ElsaWin, many M14 Audi/VW plugs are around 30 Nm). Don’t over-tighten—stripped threads in an alloy sump are no fun.
• Avoid thread tape or liquid sealants, they’re not required and can contaminate the oil system.
• After the first heat cycle, have a quick look under the bonnet and underneath for any weeping.

How often? Every oil service. If an owner discovers a seep from the drain area between services, a fresh crush washer and correct torque usually sorts it. For Q5s that specify a one-piece plug with an integrated seal, replace the whole plug at service—same idea, just a different part style. When in doubt, check the VIN against Audi’s parts catalogue to confirm the exact washer or plug type for that engine code.

Popular questions about 2011 Audi Q5 sump plug washers

Does a 2011 Audi Q5 need a new sump plug washer at every oil change?
Yes. Audi’s workshop guidance calls for replacing the sealing ring (or the complete plug if it has a captive seal) at each service. The washer is designed to crush once for a perfect seal, reusing it increases the chance of seepage.

What size sump plug washer does a 2011 Audi Q5 use?
Most 2011 Q5 engines use an M14 aluminium crush washer commonly referenced in ETKA (for example, N 013 815 7). Some engines may specify a plug with an integrated seal instead. It’s best to confirm by VIN and engine code to ensure the correct part lands in the toolkit.

Can thread sealant be used instead of a new washer?
Not recommended. The sealing is achieved by the crush washer (or captive seal) and correct torque. Thread sealants or PTFE tape can interfere with torque accuracy and may shed debris into the oil, which isn’t ideal for the Q5’s lubrication system.