Parts for your 2013 Audi Q5-Struts

2013 Audi Q5 “Struts”: What’s actually fitted and what to service

For the 2013 Audi Q5 (type 8R), “struts” aren’t the right term. Technical sources show the Q5 runs a five‑link independent front suspension and a trapezoidal‑link independent rear suspension. That layout uses shock absorbers (dampers) and separate control arms to locate the wheel, not MacPherson struts. Refer Audi Self‑Study Programme 414 (The Audi Q5), Audi ErWin Workshop Manual for Q5 (8R) – Suspension, Wheels, Steering, and mainstream parts cataloguing for the 8R chassis, these consistently describe front coilover shock absorbers mounted to the lower control arm with multiple links providing wheel guidance, and a rear setup with separate springs and shocks. A MacPherson strut acts as a structural steering and suspension member, the Q5’s wheel location is handled by its links, so there’s no strut in the strict sense.

Why did Audi avoid struts on the Q5? Multi‑link geometry gives better camber control through the stroke, sharper steering feel, and improved ride/noise isolation – handy on a premium SUV with quattro packaging and mixed city‑to‑country duties. With the links doing the locating, the damper’s job is purely to control motion, which helps with refinement and tyre contact.

So when someone asks for “Q5 struts”, they usually mean the shock absorbers and their mounts. Servicing on a 2013 Q5 should focus on:

• Front coilover shock absorbers and top mounts, bump stops and dust boots
• Rear shock absorbers (springs are separate), plus mounts and boots
• Control arm bushes and ball joints, sway‑bar links, and alignment hardware

Typical signs it’s time to replace shocks or mounts include floaty or bouncy ride, knocking over sharp bumps, cupped or uneven tyre wear, longer stopping distances, and oil mist on the damper body. Many owners see best results inspecting every service and planning replacement somewhere around 80,000–120,000 km, earlier if towing or on rough roads. Always perform a wheel alignment after front or rear suspension work, and torque fasteners at normal ride height to avoid bush preload. On cars with Audi Drive Select adaptive dampers, use the correct electronically compatible units and follow scan‑tool procedures for fault‑clearing and calibration.

Safety tip: the front is a coilover assembly, so a quality spring compressor and proper workshop technique are a must. Done right, the Q5 keeps its tidy, confidence‑inspiring ride and handling with no dramas.

• Does a 2013 Audi Q5 have struts?
  Technically, no. It uses multi‑link suspension with shock absorbers, not MacPherson struts. Catalogues sometimes use “strut” as a catch‑all term, but Audi’s own training and workshop information list shocks/dampers and separate control arms.
• What should be replaced if a workshop quotes “front struts” on a Q5?
  They’re referring to the front coilover shock absorbers, plus associated top mounts, bump stops and boots. It’s smart to assess control arm bushes, ball joints and sway‑bar links at the same time, then finish with an alignment.
• How often should Q5 shocks be replaced?
  Inspect at every service, many vehicles benefit from replacement around 80,000–120,000 km depending on roads, load and driving style. Go sooner if there’s oil seepage, knocking, poor body control or uneven tyre wear.