Buy Audi Q5 Radiator Support

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Quick Summary

The radiator support-also called the core support, front lock carrier, or rad support-forms the "backbone" of the Audi Q5's nose. It keeps the radiator, A/C condenser, intercooler, crash sensors, headlights, and hood latch lined up, while adding strength to the front crash zone. When it bends or cracks, cooling efficiency drops, body gaps shift, and safety systems can mis-read impacts. Below is every key fact, tip, and question shoppers usually ask about this hidden but vital frame piece.

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Purpose

• Holds the radiator, fans, and condenser steady so coolant can shed heat quickly. (CarParts)
• Ties the left and right front fenders together, boosting torsional rigidity. (CompositesWorld)
• Carries the hood latch and front radar/parking sensors, keeping them aimed. (Audi USA)
• Absorbs first energy in low-speed bumps before the main rails see force. (Wikipedia)

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Location

The Audi Q5 radiator support sits directly behind the bumper cover. It stretches from headlight to headlight and bolts to the side aprons and lower rail. Once the bumper skin is off, four to eight bolts let the whole "lock carrier" slide forward into the factory "service position," creating room for engine work. (Audizine, YouTube)

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Build & Materials

• 1st-gen (2009-2017) parts are mainly stamped aluminum with some plastic cross-braces to save weight. (Wikipedia)
• 2nd-gen (2018-2024) moves to a hybrid design: glass-fiber-reinforced plastic bonded to aluminum crash tubes, trimming roughly 2 kg. (CompositesWorld)
• Mounting bosses are molded in for sensors and headlamp brackets-no drilling needed.
• Integrated guides route ambient-air and coolant temp wires away from fan blades.

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Fitment Years

← scroll table horizontally →

*Minor bracket changes occur after face-lifts; verify by VIN. (Wikipedia)

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Signs of Trouble

• Front coolant leak after a light hit.
• Radiator wiggles by hand or looks tilted. (YourMechanic)
• Hood latch won't align or hood pops up on bumps.
• Headlights seem to "cross-eyed" or sit too low.
• Clunking noise behind grille at idle.

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Replacement Basics

1. Disconnect battery (air-bag sensors mount on the carrier).
2. Remove bumper cover, impact bar, and headlights.
3. Slide carrier to service position-leave A/C lines connected to avoid evac. (YouTube, YouTube)
4. Support radiator and condenser; unbolt from old frame.
5. Transfer clips, cameras, and wiring looms to new support.
6. Torque main carrier bolts to 30 Nm (22 lb-ft) on aluminum rails. (RepairPal.com)
7. Re-fill coolant, clear fault codes, recalibrate front sensors if equipped.

Average DIY time: 3-4 hours for experienced mechanics; add wheel-alignment if rails were shifted.

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Safety Notes

• The carrier holds front radar and Audi pre-sense camera; mis-alignment can disable AEB. (Audi USA)
• Never hammer an aluminum support straight-cracks spread fast.
• Always recycle damaged plastic/composite pieces; they can be re-ground for new parts. (CompositesWorld)

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Cost Guide

• Parts range roughly $250 - $650 USD depending on year, material, and added brackets. (CarParts)
• Labor at a shop typically adds 2-4 hours, so out-the-door totals land near $600 - $1,200 in most U.S. markets. (RepairPal.com)
• Extra costs: coolant, fasteners, radar calibration, and possible paint for exposed brackets.

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Recycling

Aluminum carriers fetch scrap value; composite sections are accepted at plastic-reclaim centers that handle glass-fiber mixes. Re-use keeps nearly 5 kg of material out of landfills on each Q5. (CompositesWorld)

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Related Parts

When a support is damaged, inspect these neighbors too:

• Radiator and A/C condenser fins
• Intercooler (on 2.0 TFSI & SQ5)
• Front impact bar & crash boxes
• Hood latch and release cable
• Headlight mounts and adaptive-lighting sensors
• Active grille-shutter motor (FY models) (Reuters)

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Q: What's the difference between a radiator support and a sub-frame?
A: A sub-frame carries the engine and suspension; the radiator support only holds cooling and front-end body parts. (CarParts)

Q: Do I have to drain the A/C system to change the carrier?
A: No. The condenser stays bolted to the carrier with Torx screws. Remove those screws and hang the condenser with zip-ties so the lines stay sealed. (Audizine)

Q: Will driving with a cracked support overheat the engine?
A: It can. If the radiator tilts, airflow drops and the fan may rub the shroud, leading to high coolant temps. (YourMechanic)

Q: Are plastic carriers strong enough in a crash?
A: Yes. Audi bonds plastic to aluminum crash tubes. The aluminum absorbs energy first, while the composite frame keeps components from flying loose. (CompositesWorld)

Q: How often does Audi recall the Q5 for front-end issues?
A: Recalls usually target electronics, but a 2024 campaign addressed battery-fire risk on plug-in Q5s-not the support itself. (Reuters)

Q: Can I paint a replacement core support?
A: Painting isn't required, but light coats of chassis-safe paint can cut corrosion on steel brackets. Avoid thick layers around sensor mounts. (CarParts)

Q: Does replacing the support void my warranty?
A: Using a quality, crash-tested aftermarket carrier and following factory torque specs does not affect power-train coverage, but collision-structure warranties may differ-check your policy. (Wikipedia)

Q: What torque spec should I use on headlight bolts after re-install?
A: Tighten to 6 Nm (about hand-tight with a ¼-inch drive). Over-torque can crack the plastic tabs. (RepairPal.com)

Q: How do I know if my Q5 has the active grille shutter tied to the carrier?
A: All FY (2018-2024) 2.0 T engines with start-stop have it. Look for a slatted panel in front of the radiator that opens electronically. (Audi Technology Portal)

Q: Can I reuse the crash sensors?
A: Yes, if they weren't triggered. They clip into slots on the new support. If any airbag deployed, replace the sensor per Audi's repair bulletin. (NHTSA Static)

(All links above open to informational sources such as technical articles, manuals, forums, or government safety notices-never to competing parts retailers.)