Parts for your 2020 Audi Q5-Control arms

2020 Audi Q5 Control Arms: what they do and how to look after them

Control arms are absolutely used on the 2020 Audi Q5. According to Audi’s Self‑Study Programme on the MLB evo five‑link front suspension (SSP 645) and the factory ElsaWin/ElsaPro workshop manuals for the Q5 (FY, 2018–2020), the vehicle runs a lightweight aluminium five‑link (multi‑link) front axle and a multi‑link rear axle. Both ends use multiple control arms (links) with bonded rubber bushes and ball joints to manage wheel location and alignment under load.

On this Q5, the control arms connect the wheel hubs to the subframe, guiding the wheel through its travel while keeping geometry like camber and toe where it should be. That’s how it steers cleanly, tracks straight, and soaks up bumps without chewing tyres. The aluminium arms keep unsprung mass down, while the hydro‑rubber bushes and low‑friction ball joints isolate vibration and maintain precision.

As part of routine servicing in Australia and New Zealand, it’s smart to inspect the control arms at each service interval. Workshop guidance calls for checking bushes for cracking or separation, ball joints for play, and arms for impact or corrosion damage. Local road conditions, heat, and regular towing can accelerate wear. Many owners will see 60,000–120,000 km from bushes, but high loads or rough roads can shorten that.

• Watch for clunks over bumps, shimmy at highway speeds, brake shudder, vague steering, or inner/outer tyre wear.
• If any arm or bush is worn, replace affected components and carry out a full four‑wheel alignment.
• Use new stretch bolts/nuts where specified and torque with the suspension at normal ride height to avoid bush pre‑load.
• Consider replacing arms in pairs on the same axle side for balanced handling.

Quality OEM‑equivalent arms and bushes restore the tight, refined feel the Q5 is known for. After fitment, an alignment is non‑negotiable, even small geometry changes can lead to rapid tyre wear. For longevity, keep tyres properly inflated, avoid hard kerb hits, and have the suspension checked after any pothole or off‑road knock. A tidy set of control arms keeps the 2020 Q5 riding quietly, steering sharply, and looking after its tyres—exactly as Audi engineered it.

Popular questions on 2020 Audi Q5 control arms

Does the 2020 Audi Q5 have control arms?
Yes. Audi technical literature (SSP 645 for MLB evo) and the ElsaWin workshop manual confirm a five‑link front axle and multi‑link rear axle, both using multiple aluminium control arms with bushes and ball joints.

How long do the control‑arm bushes last?
Typically 60,000–120,000 km depending on roads, load, and driving style. City kerbs, rough rural routes, and hot climates can shorten life. Regular inspections during services help catch wear early.

Do you need an alignment after replacing control arms?
Definitely. Any change to arms or bushes affects geometry. A proper four‑wheel alignment after installation protects tyres and brings back the Q5’s sharp steering feel.