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Front Subframe/Crossbrace Upgrade (Audi Q5 part fits)
So I recently did my PDK fluid and filter service, had to remove the factory crossbrace to remove the transmission pan (and the filter behind it).
Took the opportunity to install the stouter ECS Tuning crossbrace, a machined aluminum one-piece unit that replaces the welded steel factory part.
It is advertised to improve steering precision through an improvement of chassis rigidity.
Seems to be an improvement, slight, perhaps just the placebo effect, but it certainly can't hurt (other than your wallet).
These billet crossbraces are made by three vendors, ECS Tuning, 034 Motorsports, and Eurocode Tuning. Basically all the same, different prices.
These were originally designed to fit the gen-1 B8 Audi Q5 (2009-2017), but they also fit the Macan, which is based on the same chassis platform.
You need to use six new bolts to install, as these are torque-to-yield. The ECS crossbrace includes the six new bolts.
Note that the car must be supported by the frame, no weight on the front wheels, when the crossbrace is removed and reinstalled.
VAGfan, why did you choose the ECS brace over the other two options? Looks like the ECS price is a lot lower, but each vendor seems to offer a slightly different design and I wonder which one works best. I did notice that the ECS part uses slots for two of the mounting bolts, whereas the other two designs don't use slots. Does it seem like the slots are necessary based on how everything lines up? I wonder if the slots have any impact on the overall level of rigidity that the part provides.
Price....I paid $316. I don't think there is any structural difference between the small design differences between the three vendors.
Not sure why they put slots on two of the holes, everything lined up perfectly for the other four holes.
Price....I paid $316. I don't think there is any structural difference between the small design differences between the three vendors.
Not sure why they put slots on two of the holes, everything lined up perfectly for the other four holes.
Thanks. What year is your Macan? I have a 2023 GTS, but I assume the suspension mounting points on all Macans are the same regardless of year and trim level.
Does this cover the oil drainplug? Looks like it does. Have to use oil extractor...does the V6 have a dipstick tube? I know the 4-cyl does but not sure about the V6.
It covers the transmission pan drain plug. This does not matter to me, as I always change the internal transmission filter, fluid, and external filter, when I do the PDK service every 20,000 miles. It is not difficult to remove the cross-brace, but you need to use new bolts every time.
It covers the transmission pan drain plug. This does not matter to me, as I always change the internal transmission filter, fluid, and external filter, when I do the PDK service every 20,000 miles. It is not difficult to remove the cross-brace, but you need to use new bolts every time.
Aah I see. That's not a big deal. I just saw the drainplug there in the pic. I have not had occasion to get under our 22 GTS yet so no familiarity about what is where.
Eurocode Tuning has their crossbrace on-sale for $378 (20% off), but you need to also buy the stretch-bolt kit for another $20. You need the "B8.5" version for a Macan.
ECS Tuning has their version on-sale for $330 (15% off), but it includes the stretch-bolt kit.
I found out that the slots on two of the holes are because the ECS brace fits early production (B8) Audis and late production (B8.5) cars. Audi moved the position of those two bolts. The Macan is the same as the late production (B8.5) cars.
I had one of these on my b8.5 sq5 for a bit and removed it and sold it.
- zero evidence it is actually stiffer. Pretty cool we actually have an engineered cross brace from factory.
- no insight into whether the factory brace is designed to be part of the crash structure deformation
- and the major one: the screws for attaching the underbelly were fiddly, inferior to oem and iirc likely to rust
Not sure by what you mean "engineered cross brace from the factory".....everything on the car is engineered.....
Is this the best-bang-for-the buck mod for the Macan?....no, but I don't see any downside, other than the outlay of $$...but look at all the other stupid stuff people pay money for....leather sunvisors?????
Not sure by what you mean "engineered cross brace from the factory".....everything on the car is engineered.....
Is this the best-bang-for-the buck mod for the Macan?....no, but I don't see any downside, other than the outlay of $$...but look at all the other stupid stuff people pay money for....leather sunvisors?????
Correct -- everything on the car is engineered.
We assume that stiffer is better w/this bracing position. What if Porsche/Audi intentionally have flex built in here? And, what evidence do we have that the ECS brace is actually stiffer than the OEM?
And, for me the biggest PITA was the bell pan connectors. YMMV.
11-17-2022, 12:30 PM
Front Subframe/Crossbrace Upgrade (Audi Q5 part fits)
