Audi Q5 Panoramic Glass Removal: A Step-By-Step Guide

Removing the rear panoramic glass from an Audi Q5 is a complex process that requires careful attention to detail. It is important to note that the panoramic roof is different from a standard sunroof, and the removal process will vary accordingly. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you with the process:

1. Prepare the Vehicle: Cover the front seats, floorboards, dashboard, and steering wheel with drop cloths or plastic covers to protect them from any potential damage. Tape up vulnerable areas and defroster vents to prevent debris from falling into them.

2. Remove Rearview Mirror: Remove the decorative covers at the base of the rearview mirror, as well as the wire cover. Then, twist the mirror and its base counterclockwise to detach it.

3. Disconnect Rain Sensor: If your Audi Q5 has a rain sensor, test its operation by sprinkling water on the sensor area and observing if the wipers activate. If it works, carefully peel off the sensor from the glass, as it is held in place with an adhesive pad. Do not touch the lens or clean it unless necessary.

4. Remove Windshield Wiper Nuts: The wipers on the Audi Q5 are side-specific, with a curved one on the passenger side and a straight one on the driver's side. Remove the wiper nut covers and then use a 13-millimeter wrench or socket to remove the nuts. Move the wiper arm up and down to loosen it from the post, or use a wiper puller for easier removal.

5. Pry Off Side Moldings: The side moldings are attached with rivets and can be pried off using gloved fingers or a door pad tool. Be careful not to damage the moldings during this step.

6. Remove Cowl Panel: The cowl panel is attached to a retainer at the bottom of the glass. Start by prying up the corners of the cowl panel with a plastic stick. There are 10-millimeter nuts in each corner that do not need to be removed. Release the four clips built into the front leading edge of the cowl panel by pushing them in and up, then slide the panel upwards and set it aside.

7. Prepare for Windshield Removal: Verify that you have the correct replacement windshield and that the urethanes and primers you will be using are up-to-date. Make sure to wear eye and hand protection throughout the process.

8. Remove Windshield: Cut out the windshield using sharp cutting blades, taking care not to damage the vehicle. Tape the entire top edge of the vehicle's pinch weld to protect it during the process. Stretch the urethane downward while cutting the top bead, which may require a second technician. Alternatively, use a length of wire to cut the top bead carefully.

9. Install New Windshield: Clean the pinch weld and dashboard, then dry fit the new windshield to ensure proper alignment. Use vacuum cups to lift and position the new windshield onto the old urethane. Adjust the sides and mark the passenger and driver sides for reference.

10. Apply Urethane: Follow the urethane manufacturer's recommendations for installation. Clean the inside of the windshield and wear powder-free Nitrile gloves to protect against harsh chemicals. Apply glass prep and primer as instructed.

11. Remove Old Urethane: Remove the original urethane bead, leaving 1-2 mm on the pinch weld. Clean the area and apply pinch weld primer as needed. Allow preps and primers to dry as recommended.

12. Apply New Urethane Bead: Cut the tip off your urethane nozzle and measure it against the roofline. Notch the nozzle to create a triangular bead. Lift the new windshield using vacuum cups and set it in place, lining it up with your previous marks.

13. Deck the Windshield: Press firmly to ensure a good seal. Check for leaks using a leak detector and apply more urethane or pressure as needed. Reattach the rain sensor using a new adhesive pad or liquid rain sensor gel, ensuring it is attached securely and functioning properly.

14. Reinstall Removed Parts: Reinstall the rearview mirror, wiper nuts, side moldings, and cowl panel in the reverse order of removal. Allow the urethane to cure according to the manufacturer's instructions before returning the vehicle to the customer.

This process requires a good understanding of automotive repair and glass handling. If you are unsure about any steps or feel uncomfortable performing them, it is best to consult a professional auto glass technician or mechanic.

Removing the rear door glass

This guide will take you through the process of removing the rear door glass from an Audi Q5. The rear door glass is attached using two hollow plastic expansion fasteners that need to be removed before the glass can be lifted out easily.

Tools you will need:

• Plastic pry tool
• T30 Torx screwdriver
• Door panel retainers
• Vacuum cups
• Gloves

Steps:

• Make sure you have the correct replacement glass for your Q5. The rear door glass part number is FD24286-87 R-L.
• Using a plastic pry tool, gently pry out the woodgrain decorative trim panel on the upper portion of the door panel. There are three clips holding the panel in place, starting at the pointed end and working forward.
• Remove the two T30 Torx screws underneath the decorative panel.
• Remove the two additional T30 Torx screws from the bottom of the door panel, located under the door pull.
• There are seven door panel retainers around the perimeter of the panel: four on the rear, angled side, and three on the front, straight side. Release these retainers and lift the panel off the doorframe.
• Align the door glass fasteners with the access holes in the door.
• To release the door glass, push out the centre of the fastener. Keep the centre piece as you may need to reuse it. Removing the fastener will loosen the door glass, allowing you to lift it out easily.
• Set the door panel in a safe place.

Installation:

• Clean any debris out of the door that could cause rattles or injury.
• Lower the regulator to the full down position.
• Insert the new or salvaged fasteners into the holes in the glass.
• Insert the door glass into the frame nose-first, ensuring the two sides are firmly inserted into the vertical run guides, front and back.
• Run the glass up and down with your hands to ensure proper installation and check for any hidden broken glass in the weatherstrip.
• Bring the regulator to the midway position and align with the access holes. Snap the door glass into the receptacles and check that it is firmly attached.
• If the glass regulator went beyond its normal path of travel while the window was broken, you may need to re-initialise the door glass anti-pinch feature.
• If the door glass does not fully close, or if it reaches the top of the doorframe and reverses, you must complete the re-initialisation procedure:

• After the glass has been installed and the wires connected, turn the ignition on and off again.
• Turn the ignition back on and close the window completely while holding the window switch. Keep holding the switch up for approximately two seconds after the window is fully closed.
• Check the "Auto Down" and "Auto Up" features. Make sure the window closes completely with the "Auto Up" feature.
• Check the anti-pinch feature. Take a rubber mallet and place it between the top glass edge and the top of the doorframe on the interior. Push the "Auto Up" switch. The glass should make contact with the rubber mallet head and reverse. If it does not, push the "Auto Down" to release the mallet and repeat the procedure.

Reinstall the remaining parts in reverse order of removal.

Installing the rear door glass

To install the rear door glass on an Audi Q5, you will need to first order the correct replacement glass for your car. Once you have the new glass, gather the necessary tools, which may include VAG Tool parts No. T40231 and T40254.

Before beginning the installation, carefully review the instructions that came with your replacement glass, or seek out online resources such as forums or videos that can guide you through the process.

Begin by ensuring that the old glass has been completely removed, including any broken pieces, and that the area is clean and free of debris. Carefully slide the new glass into place, following any specific instructions provided by the manufacturer or your chosen resource. Take your time and be gentle to avoid any damage to the new glass or the door frame.

Once the glass is in place, secure it according to the instructions provided. This may involve using specific tools or techniques to ensure a proper fit and seal. Be sure to test the window's functionality by opening and closing it a few times to ensure it is operating smoothly.

Finally, if your car has been damaged due to a break-in or vandalism, it is a good idea to inspect the rest of the vehicle for any other issues and address them as needed. This may include repairing any damage to the door locks or other components, ensuring that your car is secure and safe to drive.

Removing the front door glass

Tools required:

• Plastic pry tool
• T30 Torx screwdriver
• Vacuum cups
• Gloves
• A second technician (optional)

Steps:

• Make sure you have the correct replacement glass for your Audi Q5. The front door glass part numbers are FD24284-85 R-L.
• Using a plastic pry tool, gently pry out the woodgrain decorative trim panel on the upper portion of the door panel. There are three clips holding the panel in place – start at the pointed end and work forward.
• Remove the two T30 Torx screws underneath the decorative panel.
• Remove the two additional T30 Torx screws from the bottom of the door panel, under the door pull.
• There are eight door-panel retainers around the perimeter of the panel: four on the rear side and four on the front. Release the retainers and lift the panel off the doorframe.
• The door glass is attached by a hollow plastic expansion fastener inserted into the holes in the glass and snapped into receptacles on the riser mechanism of the regulator.
• Align the receptacles with the access holes in the door.
• To release the door glass, push out the centre of the fastener. Keep the centre piece, as you may need to reuse it. Removing the fastener will loosen the door glass from the regulator, allowing you to lift the glass out easily.
• Set the door panel in a safe place.
• Clean any debris out of the door that could cause rattles or injury.
• Lower the regulator to the full down position.
• Insert the new or salvaged fasteners into the holes in the glass.
• Insert the door glass into the frame nose-first. Make sure the two sides are firmly inserted into the vertical run guides, front and back. Run the glass up and down with your hands to ensure proper installation, and check for any other hidden broken glass in the weatherstrip.
• Bring the regulator up to the midway position and align with the access holes. Snap the door glass into the receptacles and check that it is firmly attached.
• If the glass regulator went beyond its normal path of travel while the window was broken, you must re-initialise it to reset the door glass anti-pinch feature. To do so:

• After the glass has been installed and the wires connected, turn the ignition on and off again.
• Turn the ignition back on and close the window completely while holding the window switch. Keep holding the switch up for approximately two seconds after the window is fully closed.
• Check the "Auto Down" and the "Auto Up" features. Make sure the window closes completely with the "Auto Up" feature.
• Check the anti-pinch feature. Take a rubber mallet and place it between the top glass edge and the top of the doorframe on the interior. Push the "Auto Up" switch. The glass should make contact with the rubber mallet head and reverse. If it does not, push the "Auto Down" to release the mallet and repeat the procedure above.

• Reinstall the remaining parts in reverse order of removal.
• You have now completed the removal and replacement of the front door glass.

Installing the front door glass

To install the front door glass of your Audi Q5, you will need to first purchase a replacement. You can find these online, or at a dealership.

Once you have the replacement to hand, you will need to slide the new glass into the door. There are custom tools you may need for installing the glass on the doors (VAG Tool parts No. T40231 & T40254).

If you are having trouble sliding the new glass in, you can refer to the instructions provided by Audi, or seek advice from a mechanic or car glass specialist.

Removing the rear window glass

The rear window glass is also referred to as the back windshield or rear windshield. It is typically made from tempered glass, which must be replaced if damaged. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to remove and replace the rear window glass of an Audi Q5:

Preparation

• Cover the back seats, floorboards, and any other vulnerable areas with a clean drop cloth or disposable plastic covers. Always wear eye and hand protection when working with glass.
• Tape up any other vulnerable areas on the vehicle to protect against possible damage. Tape up the defroster vents to prevent debris from falling into the openings.
• If your Audi Q5 has a rear wiper, remove the cap carefully. Under the cap, you will find a two-nozzle washer diverter that sits on a hollowed-out bolt that dispenses washer fluid. The 13-millimetre wiper nut threads onto this hollowed bolt, so be careful not to lose or damage it, or the washer will not work properly.
• Disconnect all electrical connectors.

Removal

• Tape up the exterior paint of the car before cutting out the glass. When using any power tools, lubricate the cutting area with water. Spray the top and sides, and then make your cuts.
• Cut out the glass using the tool of your choice. The urethane bead is relatively thin and positioned at the edges of the part, so the cutout will be smooth and easy.

Installation

• After cutting out the glass, remove any dirt, moisture, or other debris from the pinchweld.
• Dry fit the new glass to the opening. Mark your glass using a grease pencil or retention moulding tape.
• Place vacuum cups on the new glass in the appropriate location.
• Set the glass onto the old urethane.
• With the glass resting in the opening, make sure it is in the right spot.
• Adjust both sides to the correct setting, marking the passenger side first, and then the driver side.
• Lift the glass and place it on a windshield stand or suitable workstation.
• Follow the urethane manufacturer's recommendations for installation.
• Clean the inside of the glass using a urethane manufacturer-recommended product. Do not touch the bonding area after cleaning, prepping, or priming.
• Wear powder-free Nitrile gloves to protect against harsh chemicals.
• Apply the glass prep and primer following the urethane manufacturer's recommendations.
• Using a pinchweld scraper, remove as much of the original urethane as the urethane manufacturer recommends. Make sure there are no contaminants, and do not touch the pinchweld after prepping the area.
• Apply the pinchweld primer only to the areas where it is needed, following the urethane manufacturer's recommendations. Allow preps and primers to dry as recommended.
• Apply a triangular bead of urethane to the same path as the freshly cut urethane on the pinchweld. Before cutting your V-notch, cut the tip off of your nozzle with a nozzle-cutter. With the cut nozzle, measure to the top of the roofline, and then make a mark on the nozzle 1/16-inch higher than the roofline. Notch the nozzle up to the marked line; this will give you the appropriate triangular bead.
• Place your vacuum cups on the glass in the appropriate location.
• Lift the glass from the workstation using the vacuum cups.
• Set the glass in the opening.
• The glass is now ready to be decked. Press firmly to ensure a good seal.
• Before reinstalling the parts, check for leaks. Use a leak detector to go over the perimeter of the glass. If you find a leak, apply more pressure or add more urethane to the spot, ensuring the glass makes contact with the wet urethane.
• Allow the urethane to cure according to the urethane manufacturer's recommended cure time before returning the vehicle to the customer.
• You have now completed the removal and replacement of the rear window glass.

Frequently asked questions