Removing and installing exhaust system — AUDI

🧭 Before you start

Fits: Audi A5 (8T, 2007–2016), Audi Q5 (8R, 2008–2017), Audi A4 B8 (8K, 2007–2015); platform code 83

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• Pull intake air noise insulation (3) sideways out of bracket to make clamp accessible.
• Depending on the design of the auxiliary heater and the vehicle equipment spec, there may be a thermal insulator on the exhaust pipe fitted between the auxiliary heater and the silencer (6) (to protect the surrounding components).
• Make sure that exhaust system is not making contact with any other component.
• When attaching the noise insulation, make sure the grommet (3) slides over the exhaust pipe (1).

📋 Procedure

1. Switch off ignition (and auxiliary heater).
2. Detach noise insulation (front) General body repairs, exterior66Noise insulation; Exploded view - noise insulation. [Note: Depending on the version of the vehicle, it may be necessary to remove the front bumper cover to make it possible to remove the noise insulation (e.g. on Audi A4 allroad) General body repairs, exterior63Bumper (front); Removing and installing bumper cover.]
3. Remove front wheel housing liner (right-side) General body repairs, exterior66Wheel housing liner; Exploded view - wheel housing liner (front).
4. Remove front right headlight (not necessary on Audi Q5; if applicable remove trim for fog light) Electrical system94Headlights; Removing and installing headlights.
5. Pull intake air noise insulation (3) sideways out of bracket (not necessary on Audi Q5). [Note: Pull intake air noise insulation (3) sideways out of bracket to make clamp accessible.]

6. Loosen bolt (7) at bracket and swivel bracket to side (not fitted on Audi Q5).
7. Unscrew nut (2).
8. Release clamp (7).
9. Unscrew bolt (5) and detach silencer (6) with exhaust pipe (1). [Note: Depending on the design of the auxiliary heater and the vehicle equipment spec, there may be a thermal insulator on the exhaust pipe fitted between the auxiliary heater and the silencer (6) (to protect the surrounding components).] [Note: If the exhaust pipe (1) and the silencer (6) are separated, make sure that the slit in the exhaust pipe is facing the arrow on the silencer on assembly.]
10. Make sure that exhaust system is not making contact with any other component.
11. When attaching the noise insulation, make sure the grommet (3) slides over the exhaust pipe (1).
12. After fitting front noise insulation, check rubber grommet (A) and exhaust pipe of auxiliary heater. Rubber grommet (A) must be positioned in noise insulation (B) so it is free of stress; exhaust pipe must be flush with rubber grommet (A) or protrude slightly out of rubber grommet (A).
13. After working on the auxiliary/supplementary heater or the noise insulation, check the mouth of the exhaust pipe (C). The mouth of the exhaust pipe (C) must be fitted at right angles to the noise encapsulation (B) where it passes through the grommet (A) in the noise encapsulation (B). [Note: The end of the exhaust pipe (C) must not face the direction of travel (arrow); otherwise the head wind could cause increased counter pressure in the exhaust system when the vehicle is in motion.A modified rubber grommet is being gradually introduced on certain vehicles in model year 2013 Electronic parts catalogue. This rubber grommet (B) is longer than the old one; this improves the flow characteristics at the exhaust pipe when the vehicle is travelling with the auxiliary heater running. It therefore protrudes somewhat further out of the noise insulation (C) than rubber grommet (A). The position of the exhaust pipe (D) is the same with both rubber grommets.]

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