DSG-equipped Audis — the B8/B8.5 (A4/S4/RS4, A5/S5/RS5, Q5/SQ5, Allroad) and B9/B9.5 (A4/S4, A5/S5, Q5/SQ5) generations — both use a factory transmission mount with a rubber insert that softens noticeably with age and mileage, showing up as extra vibration through the cabin and a looser, less connected feel on gear changes under load. Like the MQB engine mount insert, the fix is a direct insert swap rather than a full mount replacement.
Tools You'll Need
Make sure you're ordering the correct generation for your car — the B8/B8.5 and B9/B9.5 mounts are not interchangeable even though the symptom and installation process are nearly identical. You'll also need a jack and stands, a floor jack with a padded block, and standard hand tools for the mount bracket fasteners.
How to Tell If It's the Mount
With the engine idling in neutral, a helper watching from the engine bay while you blip the throttle should see excess movement concentrated at the transmission mount if it's worn. A clunk or extra vibration specifically on gear changes under load, rather than a constant vibration at all times, points toward the mount rather than an engine mount or driveline issue.
Step 1: Support the Transmission
With the car raised and supported, position a padded jack under the transmission and take up just enough weight to unload the mount — not lift the whole powertrain.
Step 2: Remove the Mount Bracket
Unbolt the mount bracket from the transmission and/or subframe per your specific generation's fastener layout, supporting the mount housing as you separate it.
Step 3: Press Out the Old Insert
Remove the worn rubber insert from the housing and inspect the housing itself for cracks or corrosion before installing the new one.
Step 4: Install the New Insert
Seat the correct-generation aluminum insert fully and evenly into the housing, reinstall the bracket, and torque all fasteners to factory spec.
Step 5: Remove Support and Road Test
Lower the jack slowly, confirm the mount is taking load smoothly, and drive through the same conditions that originally showed the symptom to confirm it's resolved.
Torque Specs
Value below applies to the Audi B8 and B8.5 A4/A5 transmission mount insert. We have not verified a figure for the B9/B9.5, so use your service manual for that generation.
| Fastener | Torque | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission mount insert bolts (M10 triple square) | 20 Nm (14.8 ft-lb) | Fit new bolts |
- One supplier treats these bolts as torque-to-yield and supplies new ones; another reuses the originals with threadlocker. Fitting new bolts is the safer choice.
Sources: ECS Tuning: Audi B8 transmission mount insert install; 034Motorsport: B8 transmission mount insert instructions.
Always verify torque values against the service manual for your exact model year and engine before final tightening. These figures are provided as a reference and Wrench Haus is not responsible for damage resulting from incorrect torque.
Common Mistakes
- Ordering the wrong generation insert — confirm B8/B8.5 vs. B9/B9.5 before purchasing; they look similar but don't interchange
- Fully lifting the powertrain instead of just unloading the mount — can stress other mounts and hoses
- Reusing stretched or corroded mount bolts — cheap insurance against a repeat job
See our full Audi tool lineup for more B8 and B9-specific chassis parts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the symptoms of a worn Audi B8 or B9 transmission mount?
The factory rubber insert softens with age and mileage, causing extra vibration through the cabin and a looser, less connected feel on gear changes under load. A clunk or vibration specifically on loaded gear changes, rather than constant vibration, points to the transmission mount rather than an engine mount or driveline issue. A helper can watch for excess movement at the mount while you blip the throttle.
Are B8/B8.5 and B9/B9.5 transmission mount inserts interchangeable?
No. Although the symptom and installation process are nearly identical, the B8/B8.5 and B9/B9.5 mounts are not interchangeable even though they look similar. Confirm your car's generation before ordering the aluminum insert. Ordering the wrong generation is listed as one of the most common mistakes on this job.
What is the torque spec for the Audi B8 transmission mount insert bolts?
For the B8 and B8.5 A4/A5, the M10 triple-square transmission mount insert bolts are torqued to 20 Nm (14.8 ft-lb), and fitting new bolts is the safer choice since one supplier treats them as torque-to-yield. No figure has been verified here for the B9/B9.5, so use your service manual for that generation, and always verify values for your exact car.
Do I need to remove the whole transmission mount to install the insert?
No. The fix is a direct insert swap rather than a full mount replacement. Support the transmission with a padded jack, taking up only enough weight to unload the mount, remove the mount bracket, press out the old rubber insert, inspect the housing for cracks or corrosion, then seat the new insert evenly and reinstall the bracket.