Audi Q5: Taking the wheel off/installing the inflatable spare tire

Follow these instructions step-by-step for changing the wheel

Fig. 221 Changing a wheel: using the screwdriver handle (with the blade removed) to turn the bolts

Fig. 222 Changing a wheel: alignment pin inside the top hole

After you have loosened all wheel bolts and raised the vehicle off the ground, remove and replace the wheel as follows:

Removing the wheel

• Use the hexagonal socket in the screwdriver handle to completely remove the topmost wheel bolt and set it aside on a clean surface > fig. 221.
• Screw the threaded end of the alignment pin from the tool kit hand-tight into the empty bolt hole > fig. 222.
• Then remove the other wheel bolts as described above.
• Take off the wheel leaving the alignment pin in the bolt hole.

Putting on the inflatable spare tire

• Inflate the inflatable spare tire and push the wheel over the alignment pin.
• Use the hexagonal socket in the screwdriver handle to screw in and tighten all wheel bolts slightly.
• Remove the alignment pin and insert and tighten the remaining wheel bolt slightly like the rest.
• Turn the jack handle counter-clockwise to lower the vehicle until the jack is fully released.
• Use the wheel bolt wrench to tighten all wheel bolts firmly. Tighten them crosswise, from one bolt to the (approximately) opposite one, to keep the wheel centered.

Note

When removing or installing the wheel, the rim could hit the brake rotor and damage the rotor. Work carefully and have a second person help you.

Tips

Never use the hexagonal socket in the handle of the screwdriver to loosen or tighten the wheel bolts.

• Pull the reversible blade from the screwdriver before you use the hexagonal socket in the handle to turn the wheel bolts.
• When mounting tires with unidirectional tread design make sure the tread pattern is pointed the right way.
• The wheel bolts should be clean and easy to turn. Check for dirt and corrosion on the mating surfaces of both the wheel and the hub. Remove all dirt from these surfaces before remounting the wheel.

Tires with unidirectional tread design

Tires with unidirectional tread design must be mounted with their tread pattern pointed in the right direction.

Using a spare tire with a tread pattern intended for use in a specific direction

When using a spare tire with a tread pattern intended for use in a specific direction, please note the following:

• The direction of rotation is marked by an arrow on the side of the tire.
• If the spare tire has to be installed in the incorrect direction, use the spare tire only temporarily since the tire will not be able to achieve its optimum performance characteristics with regard to aquaplaning, noise and wear.
• We recommend that you pay particular attention to this fact during wet weather and that you adjust your speed to match road conditions.
• Replace the flat tire with a new one and have it installed on your vehicle as soon as possible to restore the handling advantages of a unidirectional tire.

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