Parts for your 2019 Audi Q5-Struts

2019 Audi Q5 struts: what’s actually fitted and what to service

Short answer: a 2019 Audi Q5 doesn’t use traditional MacPherson struts. Audi’s own technical literature for the FY (B9/MLB evo) Q5 — for example, the Audi Self‑Study Programme for the 2017‑on Q5 (Type FY) and the 2019 model’s technical specifications — lists a five‑link front suspension and a five‑link rear suspension. In this layout the wheel carrier is located by multiple control arms, with separate coil springs and gas‑pressure shock absorbers. The damper isn’t a structural steering member, so it’s not a “strut” in the MacPherson sense. Audi service procedures in Elsa/ETKA back this up by detailing shock absorber and control‑arm service, not strut cartridge replacement.

Why no struts? The five‑link design lets Audi tune camber and toe change more precisely through suspension travel, improving grip and tyre life while keeping road noise and vibration low — handy on coarse‑chip Kiwi and Aussie roads. It also packages neatly around the Q5’s longitudinal engine and quattro drivetrain, where a MacPherson strut tower would be more of a compromise.

If someone’s hunting “Q5 struts”, they’re really chasing the shock absorbers (dampers) and related mounting hardware. That’s the kit that actually wears and gets replaced on these cars.

• Front: coil spring over a shock absorber with an upper mount/insulator, separate upper and lower control arms locate the hub.
• Rear: separate spring and shock absorber on a five‑link layout.
• Related wear items: upper mounts, bump stops, dust boots, and control‑arm bushes/ball joints.

There’s no fixed replacement interval for shocks, condition depends on kilometres, loads and road surfaces. Many owners start to notice deterioration between 80,000 and 120,000 km. Signs include a floaty ride, nose‑dive under braking, clunks over bumps, cupped tyres and visible oil misting on the damper bodies. After any damper or control‑arm work, a four‑wheel alignment is a must. If the Q5 is optioned with adaptive damping, replacement parts and post‑fitment basic settings/calibration should match the vehicle’s PR codes, and a scan tool may be required.

The takeaway for a 2019 Q5 is simple: think “shocks and control arms”, not “struts”. Quality dampers and fresh mounts will restore body control and comfort, and they’ll let the five‑link hardware do its best work.

FAQs

Does a 2019 Audi Q5 have struts?

No. The FY‑series Q5 runs five‑link suspension front and rear with separate shock absorbers and coil springs. The front damper doesn’t serve as a structural steering member like a MacPherson strut. Some parts catalogues use “strut” loosely, but technically they’re shocks/dampers on this model.

What should be replaced when doing front shocks on a 2019 Q5?

Alongside the shock absorber, it’s smart to fit new upper mounts/insulators, bump stops and dust boots. Inspect the coil springs, and check the upper and lower control‑arm bushes and ball joints. Finish with a four‑wheel alignment to protect tyres and handling.

How can someone tell if their Q5’s shocks are worn?

Look for a bouncy or floaty ride, extra body roll, nose‑dive under braking, clunks over speed humps, uneven or cupped tyre wear, and oil misting on the shock bodies. Any of these warrant an inspection, especially past the 80,000–120,000 km mark.