OVERVIEW
Genuine VW/Audi rear lower coil spring insulator
5Q0-512-297-F is the original lower insulator for the assigned rear coil-spring seat. It sits between the spring end and its lower perch, locating the spring at the prescribed interface and separating the spring from direct contact with the supporting seat.
The insulator is sold individually. It is the lower seat component; the upper spring insulator, coil spring and shock absorber are separate. Select the correct original spring and perch arrangement rather than using this component as a universal spacer.
Technical details and supplied quantity
- Manufacturer part number: 5Q0-512-297-F; compact reference 5Q0512297F.
- Brand: Genuine VW/Audi.
- Component: rear lower coil-spring insulator.
- Position: the assigned lower spring seat, left or right where specified.
- Locating features and spring-end profile must match the receiving perch.
- Quantity: one individual insulator. Other suspension components are separate.
The lower seat design can change during vehicle production. The Tiguan build-date restrictions below must be checked against the original assembly. The upper seat uses a different part, and a later lower-seat revision should not be assumed interchangeable without the prescribed replacement information.
Common reasons to replace
- The insulator is cracked, torn or damaged at the spring-contact area.
- The original lower seat is missing during spring or control-arm service.
- Wear or deterioration prevents the spring from seating correctly.
- The locating feature is damaged and the original spring position cannot be restored.
A deteriorated spring insulator can contribute to noise at the spring seat, but suspension noise or a ride-height concern requires diagnosis. The insulator will not repair a broken spring, worn shock absorber or damaged control arm. Inspect the spring ends, receiving perch and related hardware during service.
Vehicle fitment
Fitment requires the original rear lower spring seat assigned 5Q0512297F. Check the installed perch and production date, particularly around the Tiguan seat-design change.
| Vehicle | Model years | Engine | Configuration | Application restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volkswagen Tiguan | 2018–2020 | 2.0L turbocharged TSI gasoline I4 | MQB SUV; front-wheel drive; 8-speed automatic; original rear coil-spring arrangement | Production through May 20, 2019; confirm VIN/build date, including any early 2020 catalog assignment. Only the original rear coil-spring lower seat assigned 5Q0512297F. Match spring end, lower perch and locating features. One insulator supplied; upper seat, spring and shock components are separate. Not a lift spacer or air-spring component. |
| Volkswagen Tiguan | 2018–2020 | 2.0L turbocharged TSI gasoline I4 | MQB SUV; 4Motion; 8-speed automatic; original rear coil-spring arrangement | Authorized original catalog cutoff through May 21, 2019 for AWD; verify VIN at the May 20–21 changeover and confirm the installed lower seat. Only the original rear coil-spring lower seat assigned 5Q0512297F. Match spring end, lower perch and locating features. One insulator supplied; upper seat, spring and shock components are separate. Not a lift spacer or air-spring component. |
| Audi Q3 | 2019–2024 | 2.0L turbocharged TFSI gasoline I4 | F3 SUV; quattro; original rear coil-spring arrangement; 8-speed automatic | Only the original rear coil-spring lower seat assigned 5Q0512297F. Match spring end, lower perch and locating features. One insulator supplied; upper seat, spring and shock components are separate. Not a lift spacer or air-spring component. Excludes earlier 8U Q3. |
Installation and service guidance
Follow the factory rear-suspension procedure and use the prescribed support and spring-handling equipment. Coil springs retain stored force, so unload the spring and support the suspension in the required sequence before removing the seat.
Inspect the spring and lower perch, then position the matching insulator using its locating features. Seat the spring end in the prescribed orientation without trapping or distorting the insulator. Renew the separately specified mounting hardware and other components required by the repair procedure.
After reassembly, verify correct spring seating and the specified clearances. Complete any required suspension, alignment and operational checks. Investigate any remaining noise or ride-height concern separately.