Parts for your 2016 Audi Q5-Strut mounts

2016 Audi Q5 strut-mounts: are they used, or not?

For the 2016 Audi Q5 (8R), traditional strut-mounts aren’t actually used. Audi engineered this model with a five‑link front axle and a trapezoidal‑link rear axle. In the front, the damper and spring sit as a coilover unit, but crucially the damper isn’t a steering member, so there’s no need for a MacPherson‑style strut bearing or classic “strut‑mount”. This setup is detailed in Audi’s technical literature, including the Self‑Study Programmes for the Q5 platform (e.g., SSPs covering the 8R chassis and running gear), and is reinforced by the Audi ElsaWin repair manuals and ETKA parts catalogue, which list a shock absorber upper mount/bush rather than a strut top bearing.

What the Q5 does have are shock absorber mounts (top mounts) front and rear. These are rubber‑bonded mounts that isolate vibration and hold the shock in place, but they don’t incorporate a thrust bearing because the steering movement happens through the control arms and wheel carrier, not by turning the damper. So if someone’s hunting for “2016‑Audi‑Q5 strut‑mounts”, the correct parts to look for are the front shock absorber top mounts and the rear shock upper mounts, along with related hardware.

Why the difference matters? Using the right terminology avoids ordering the wrong bits and speeds up servicing. If the Q5 had MacPherson struts, the upper “strut‑mounts” would carry both the vehicle’s weight and handle steering rotation through a bearing. On the Q5, the mounts are load‑bearing and for isolation only, which changes both the part design and the common wear symptoms.

When it’s time for maintenance, a technician will typically inspect:

• Front shock top mounts and bushings for cracking, collapse, or perished rubber
• Rear shock upper mounts for knocks over sharp bumps
• Front control arm bushes and ball joints, which more commonly cause clunks or vague steering on this chassis

Signs the mounts may be tired include a dull thud over potholes, minor ride harshness, or imprecise steering feel. Many workshops recommend checking these mounts every 40,000–60,000 km and replacing them with the shocks if they’re worn. Fresh hardware (nuts/bolts) is usually required per the ElsaWin procedures due to torque‑to‑yield fasteners. Using quality OE‑equivalent mounts keeps tyre wear tidy and the Q5 riding quietly, just the way it left the factory.

Popular questions about 2016‑Audi‑Q5 strut‑mounts

Does a 2016 Audi Q5 have strut‑mounts?
No. The Q5 (8R) uses a five‑link front axle where the damper doesn’t steer, so there’s no MacPherson‑style strut‑mount with a thrust bearing. Instead, it has shock absorber upper mounts. This layout is described in Audi Self‑Study Programmes for the Q5 and shown in ElsaWin repair procedures and ETKA parts listings.

What should be replaced instead of strut‑mounts on a 2016 Q5?
Look for front shock absorber top mounts and rear shock upper mounts, plus any required hardware. It’s also smart to assess the front control arm bushes and ball joints, as they’re common wear items that can mimic mount noises.

How can someone tell if the Q5’s mounts are worn?
Typical signs include clunks over speed humps, a sharper thud on sharp edges, or slight steering shake. A visual inspection may show cracked or collapsed rubber at the top mounts. If shocks are being replaced, mounts should be checked and renewed if there’s play or deterioration.