Audi Q5 Roof Racks – “How do I install roof racks on my Q5″ The Portland Audi Expert
Aug 12
As time passes I find that I get asked the same questions more than a few times a week and I love to give the answers because showing people the Audi Brand and technologies is one of my true passions. A question that has been asked of me in a number of times in emails by people all around the country is “How do I install my Audi Q5 Roof Racks ?” I really enjoy helping and working at Sunset Imports gives me an opportunity to do this every day. The Audi Q5 comes standard with adaptive cross bars that can be installed in less then ten minutes and will actually change the driving characteristics of the vehicle to counteract the top heaviness caused by the roof load. With up to 220 pounds of load capacity on the crossbars of the Q5 it really is nice to have the ability to put bikes, kayaks, surfboards, skies, snowboards or anything else you can think of on the roof. The roof rails will not interfere with the open sky system (panorama glass roof) as long as you use Audi genuine adapters for whatever it is you are carrying. Now to start with, in order to install the Q5 Cross bars you will need to find the tool; it is usually located in the back in the spare tire well. After you have laid out the cross bars and located the tool (pictured) you will need to find the cross bar end with three prongs, this is important. Take the cross bar end with three prongs and make sure it goes in front and the three prongs go over the drivers front side. After that it is simple. You will lift the caps on the end of the bars up, the installation is easier the first time with two people, lay the Q5 cross bars across the roof (carefully) and line up the prongs on the inside of the roof rails. After the alignment of the roof rails is done you can tighten them down, make sure not to tighten them too much, you only need about 3.5 pounds of force, like softly squeezing an orange. (If you overtighten the roof rails it can strip out the threads.) After you have installed your roof rails stand back and take a look at the dynamic lines of the Audi Q5 and give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done!
RELATED POSTS
Well done,please continue to keep us informed.
From Stephen on August 16th, 2009
I have ordered a base model 2010 Q5 and I intend to use the stock 18″ wheel for winter wheels. I wanted to know how much would it cost per wheel for the new 2010 S-lind 20″ wheel. if the price is reasonable, i may want to buy a set for my summer tires. By the way, I am located in Toronto, Canada. Thanks for your assistance.
From Ken Chan on August 21st, 2009
Hi, I purchased an Audi Q7 (2010) and was wondering if the cross bars from the Q5 would fit my Q7? I was disappointed to learn that the cross bars are a standard feature for the Q5 and not the Q7 (in my area- Germany). Thanks a lot!
From Marisa on September 29th, 2009
Marisa, Sorry the crossbars from the Q5 will not fit the Q7, if I can be of any help let me know.
From Scott Mitchell on October 2nd, 2009
Just bought a 2010 Q5 and loving it! However, I did not get the cross bars. I thought it was a standard item for Q5. Am I wrong or did my dealer steal it from me?
From Sam on December 3rd, 2009
Sam,
Yes you should have got cross bars they are standard feature, just ask your dealer I am sure they simply forgot.
From Scott Mitchell on December 4th, 2009
If I buy the Audi crossbars for my Q7, how different/similar is the installation process? The bars are a bit different i.e. flush and I think there are only 2 holes on rails in both front and back. Is the same tool provided with my Q7? Can the Q7 crossbars be used with open sky system?
From Christian on May 26th, 2010
will the bars from q5 2010 fit a4 2010 avant
thansk
From ed on June 20th, 2010
Sorry, no they are not interchangeable and will not work on the Audi A4 Avant.
Scott
From Scott Mitchell on June 20th, 2010
Despite putting the bars on correctly it appears that my roof box is tilted upward on my Q5. I have tried Yakama Skybox and Thule Atlantis 1600. Any ideas?
From John on June 27th, 2010