OVERVIEW
Genuine VW/Audi 5J0-853-573 is an individual retaining clip for the assigned wheel-arch molding attachment. It renews a missing or damaged clip during original exterior-trim service on the confirmed Audi configurations below.
Technical details and what is included
- Factory number: 5J0-853-573 / 5J0853573.
- Component: wheel-arch molding retaining clip.
- Quantity supplied: one individual clip.
- The original archive photo shows the black clip's retaining head and stem.
- The exact attachment point must specify this clip number; adjacent grommets and other retaining clips are separate.
- Original dealer information identifies this clip as hardware that cannot be reused or reinstalled.
Replacement quantity for the confirmed Q3 repair
Audi's original front wheel-arch trim service bulletin identifies 5J0853573 for 2019–2024 Q3 models. That repair calls for nine clips per affected front wheel-arch molding and renewal of all clips on that molding. This listing supplies one clip, so order the quantity required for the work being performed.
The clip supports correct molding retention at the assigned attachment point. It does not replace the wheel-arch molding, inner wheelhouse liner, body panel or another style of trim retainer. Match the installed molding and receiving attachment arrangement before ordering.
Common reasons to replace
- The original clip is missing or broken.
- A retaining element has been damaged during molding removal.
- The correct fresh clips are required when reinstalling the original wheel-arch trim.
- Inspection confirms a damaged retaining connection at an assigned molding point.
A visible gap can also result from incomplete seating or damaged trim or receiving points. For the confirmed Q3 bulletin repair, the original procedure addresses the clips on the affected molding. Inspect the trim and body attachment points before deciding which components need replacement; a new clip alone does not repair a cracked molding.
Vehicle fitment
Use the vehicle and original trim restrictions below. Clip quantities and attachment points vary between models. The Q3 front-molding service assignment does not establish that every clip elsewhere on the vehicle is the same part.
| Vehicle | Model years | Engine | Configuration | Application restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audi Q3 | 2019–2024 | 2.0L turbocharged gasoline inline-four | F3 SUV; quattro; original front wheel-arch trim; 8-speed Tiptronic automatic | Original front wheel-arch molding clip assignment in Audi TSB 2067881/3. Bulletin specifies nine clips per affected front molding. This listing supplies one clip. Excludes overseas Q3 Sportback / RS Q3 configurations. |
| Audi Q5 | 2018 | 2.0L turbocharged gasoline inline-four | FY SUV; quattro; original wheel-arch molding; 7-speed S tronic DSG | Original outer wheel-arch molding clip point assigned 5J0853573. Match installed molding and clip position; other retainers and grommets are separate parts. |
| Audi SQ5 | 2018 | 3.0L turbocharged gasoline V6 | FY SUV; quattro; original wheel-arch molding; 8-speed Tiptronic automatic | Assigned outer wheel-arch molding clip. Confirm original molding and clip point; excludes other inner retaining clips and separate molding grommets. |
Installation and service guidance
Follow the factory molding-removal procedure and use the appropriate trim tools to protect the painted surfaces. Support the molding while releasing its retainers, remove damaged pieces from the receiving points and inspect the attachment arrangement before fitting fresh clips.
Install each clip in the required orientation and align the molding before engaging it. Confirm that the retention elements seat completely at the body surface rather than stopping with a gap. Avoid forcing the molding against a misaligned or damaged receiving point.
For the applicable Q3 front-molding repair, follow the model-specific service procedure and required clip quantity. Check the finished trim for secure, even seating. This listing supplies one clip; moldings, grommets, cleaning products and other hardware are separate.