Parts for your 2013 Audi Q5-Drive belt tensioner

2013 Audi Q5 drive belt tensioner — what it does and when to sort it

According to Audi’s factory repair information (ElsaWin) for the 8R-series Q5 and the VAG ETKA parts catalogue, all 2013 Audi Q5 engines are fitted with an automatic auxiliary (serpentine) drive belt tensioner. That includes the 2.0 TFSI petrol and 3.0 TDI diesel. The 3.0 TFSI supercharged V6 also runs a separate tensioner for its supercharger belt, in addition to the main accessory-belt tensioner. So yes, a drive belt tensioner is absolutely relevant on the 2013 Audi Q5.

The tensioner’s job is to keep the ribbed belt at the right tension as it spins the alternator, power steering (where applicable), air-con compressor and water pump. It takes up slack as the belt wears and dampens vibrations, which keeps everything quiet and stops the belt from slipping, squealing or shredding. When the tensioner gets tired, the belt can flap about, accessories can underperform and the bearings can get noisy.

For regular servicing, it’s smart to inspect the belt and tensioner together. With the engine off, look for pulley wobble, off-centre tracking, cracks in the belt ribs, or shiny glazing. Spin the tensioner pulley by hand and listen for roughness. On start-up, a brief chirp can be normal, but ongoing squeal, rattling from the tensioner arm, or visible belt flutter at idle are red flags.

As a rule of thumb, many owners replace the tensioner when fitting a new serpentine belt, typically around 90,000–120,000 kilometres or 6–8 years in Aussie and NZ conditions. On the 3.0 TFSI, the supercharger belt and its tensioner often get done a touch earlier (around 80,000–100,000 kilometres), especially if there’s any chirping on cold starts.

• If access is tight, moving the Q5’s front end to the “service position” makes life easier, though skilled techs can sometimes swap the tensioner in situ with the right low-profile tools.
• Always use a quality OEM-equivalent tensioner and new mounting bolt where specified. A smooth, controlled return of the arm when you release your spanner is a good sign the damper’s doing its job.
• After fitting, run the engine and check belt tracking across all pulleys. Any edge-wear or wandering points to misalignment or a tired idler.

Popular questions

Does the 2013 Audi Q5 3.0 TFSI have two belt tensioners?
Yes. The 3.0 TFSI uses one tensioner for the main accessory (serpentine) belt and a separate tensioner for the supercharger belt. Both should be checked during servicing, as either unit can cause noise or slip if it’s worn.

What are the signs a Q5 belt tensioner needs replacing?
Persistent belt squeal, a chattering or rattling noise from the tensioner area, visible belt flutter at idle, or a pulley that wobbles or feels rough when spun by hand. Charging issues or intermittent air-con engagement can also point to poor belt tension.

Can the belt tensioner be replaced without putting the front in service position?
On some engines it’s possible with slim tools and patience, but many workshops prefer the service position for better access and a cleaner fit-up. It helps ensure correct torque on fasteners and perfect belt routing first go.