SQ5 Roof Rack: Possible to disable the ride change? (Plus pics of SQ5 w/ new 22's)
 

Hey Guys,

I leave my OEM racks on and never take them off. I only use them to carry a surfboard or two and would like to find out if it's possible to disable the change they apply to the ride.

I'm not sure exactly what change happens to the ride of the SUV, but since I only use the rack one day on the weekends, and it's only 25lbs on the rack (if that), I'd like to disable any changes to the ride and suspension.

Can this be completed through a VAG code?

or

Can I do this manually by removing a part in the rack clamp?


Thanks!

https://forums.audiworld.com/picture...ctureid=242044

https://forums.audiworld.com/picture...ctureid=242045

No you can not do anything with VCDs, do not play with the ABS system where everything is stored - danger that shall corrupt

Some ideas
 

1. I don't know if it's moddable via VAG-COM. Apparently it is driven though the ABS electronically.

2. What it does is back off the ESP settings to a lower threshold, basically assuming there is weight on the roof up to its max rating (75kg in my 2013 owners manual, but 100 kg per the Audi Q5 Intro SSP publication). Since that weight would be well above the normal center of gravity, presumably ESP would back off "the limits" a fair amount. There is nothing special about the SQ suspension or how it's tuned, so presumably it backs it off like any other Q5. As I think about my A8 with 275/35-20's, I'm not at all sure ESP settings even distinguish for actual wheels/tires installed on a vehicle, so it might even be lowest common denominator Q5 fitments.

3. Per the Q5 Intro SSP, the Hall sensor that drives this thing is integrated into the roof rail on the driver's side. It picks up a magnet that is in the front cross bar base on the driver' side. Up to you and your own risk if you want to dive in there or try to mod it. Obviously the magnet side is the removable and reversible part and doesn't involve cutting or hacking anything electronic. Or, if you use a spare: crossbars are also often on Ebay or Craigslist--some dirt cheap, some big $. You can find a clean set for $50 or less (some still in the factory packaging) if you get lucky.

4. In the small world dept, I see you are up the road from me on the SF Peninsula. I just bought a set of 20" S Line 2013 wheels last week from a guy who in turn had traded up to 21's coming off an SQ5 from what he said. Wonder if those were yours...

Thanks for the information on the rack. So you're saying the magnet is inside the cross bar? Or inside the foot base?

That might be the easiest way to trick the SUV there are no racks on the roof.

Regarding the wheels, did he have a white S-line Q5? It sounds like the same guy, he's down in San Jose. I sold him my 21" SQ5 wheels & tires about 2 weeks ago for $2,350. They only had 700 miles on the tires.

Thanks for the information on my hitch post too. I don't think there really is a clean hidden option for the hitch and I'll end up going with an aftermarket hitch, one that sits below the bumper.

Do you know anyone in the area who has a VAG? I think I have a few tweaks I'd like to do...

Thanks!

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Although I do not understand why do you want to do that ( do not drive a Ferrari or Lamborghini)

Not sure what's worse - the gap in the wheel well? Or the gap around those brakes! ;)

22s... WOW!
I got a chuckle at where they had to mount the valve stems. :D


All kidding aside, very nice ride!
Are you planning on lowering at all?

Interestingly, you wrote dimensions rims 22x9,5
On the official website not exist, than 22x9 and 22x10,5

http://www.vossenwheels.com/wheels/vvscv3.aspx
or
http://wheelsperformancecom.stores.y.../vovvmagr.html

I love the color of the wheels. How about some pics of the Carbon Fiber package? Steve

Just like my Q7 S-line, these SUV's can come with OEM 21" wheels, so the gap has always been there, and the wheel and tire size change is minimal. I liked the Q5 S-line Titanium package which comes with matte gray wheels, so this was the same look I was going for.

The SQ5 comes 1.2" lower than a standard Q5, and I'll leave the suspension as it is.

Here is a pic with the OEM 21" wheels:
https://forums.audiworld.com/picture...ctureid=242053

Ahh... Good catch! I made a mistake in my signature.

When I spoke to Vossen, they originally told me the 22x10.5 wheels are the ones I need to go with. But when I went to the tire dealer to get them installed, I noticed they shipped 22x9 wheels. So I made a quick call to Vossen right before the install, they told me the 22x9's are what I need to go with, unless I want to add a spacer on the front wheels so they can clear the suspension. I'm actually glad the 22x9's worked out and I like the look. Thanks for catching my mistake in the size.