OVERVIEW
Genuine VW/Audi Piston Wrist Pin Circlip
N-012-278-1 is the genuine retaining clip used to locate the piston wrist pin in its assigned piston assembly. The clip seats in the piston’s machined retaining groove and limits axial movement of the pin. Correct retention keeps the pin in its intended position while the piston and connecting rod move through the engine’s operating cycle.
One individual circlip is supplied per purchased unit. The archive photograph shows multiple clips together for presentation; the quantity pictured is not the quantity included. Pistons, connecting rods, wrist pins and other engine rebuild components are supplied separately.
Technical details
- OEM number: N-012-278-1 / N0122781.
- Function: Piston wrist pin retention at the original retaining groove.
- Factory catalog designation: 22 × 1.5; specialist application catalogs identify this as the 22mm wrist pin circlip.
- Quantity: One clip per purchased unit.
- Confirmed six-cylinder applications: The catalog specifies 12 clips per complete engine. Check the repair scope before ordering.
- Application control: Exact engine, piston, wrist pin and retaining groove specification.
The nominal catalog size is an identification specification, not a measured shipping dimension. A clip with a similar appearance may have a different section, diameter or seating requirement. An engine that has been rebuilt with aftermarket pistons may require the piston manufacturer’s own retaining hardware rather than the original factory clip.
Common reasons to replace
New clips may be needed during piston removal, connecting rod service, wrist pin replacement or a complete engine rebuild. Replace a clip that has been bent, overexpanded, distorted, damaged during removal or lost. Follow the applicable engine repair procedure wherever it requires new clips after disassembly.
Inspect the retaining groove, piston pin bore and wrist pin at the same time. A damaged groove or piston cannot be repaired by fitting a fresh clip alone. A clip that is incompletely seated or unsuitable for the groove can allow the wrist pin to move out of its intended position and damage the cylinder bore. Confirm the complete assembly rather than treating this small retaining component as interchangeable general hardware.
Fitment
The following table covers confirmed gasoline V6 applications using the original piston and wrist pin arrangement. Match the exact engine and installed piston specification before ordering. Modified or replacement piston assemblies need their own hardware verification.
| Vehicle | Model years | Engine | Configuration | Application restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audi A6 | 2012–2018 | 3.0L supercharged gasoline V6 | C7; quattro sedan; No transmission-specific restriction listed for this internal engine retaining clip | Original piston and wrist-pin arrangement assigned N0122781; nominal 22mm circlip. Match engine and piston specification, especially after rebuilding. One clip supplied; catalog quantity is 12 per six-cylinder engine. |
| Audi A7 | 2012–2018 | 3.0L supercharged gasoline V6 | C7; quattro Sportback; No transmission-specific restriction listed for this internal engine retaining clip | Original piston and wrist-pin arrangement assigned N0122781; nominal 22mm circlip. Match engine and piston specification, especially after rebuilding. One clip supplied; catalog quantity is 12 per six-cylinder engine. |
| Audi A8 | 2013–2015 | 3.0L supercharged gasoline V6 | D4; standard wheelbase quattro sedan; No transmission-specific restriction listed for this internal engine retaining clip | Original piston and wrist-pin arrangement assigned N0122781; nominal 22mm circlip. Match engine and piston specification, especially after rebuilding. One clip supplied; catalog quantity is 12 per six-cylinder engine. |
| Audi A8 | 2013–2018 | 3.0L supercharged gasoline V6 | D4; L long-wheelbase quattro sedan; No transmission-specific restriction listed for this internal engine retaining clip | Original piston and wrist-pin arrangement assigned N0122781; nominal 22mm circlip. Match engine and piston specification, especially after rebuilding. One clip supplied; catalog quantity is 12 per six-cylinder engine. |
| Audi Q5 | 2013–2017 | 3.0L supercharged gasoline V6 | 8R; quattro SUV; Premium Plus or Prestige; No transmission-specific restriction listed for this internal engine retaining clip | Original piston and wrist-pin arrangement assigned N0122781; nominal 22mm circlip. Match engine and piston specification, especially after rebuilding. One clip supplied; catalog quantity is 12 per six-cylinder engine. |
| Audi Q7 | 2011–2015 | 3.0L supercharged gasoline V6 | 4L; quattro SUV; No transmission-specific restriction listed for this internal engine retaining clip | Original piston and wrist-pin arrangement assigned N0122781; nominal 22mm circlip. Match engine and piston specification, especially after rebuilding. One clip supplied; catalog quantity is 12 per six-cylinder engine. |
| Audi Q7 | 2017–2018 | 3.0L supercharged gasoline V6 | 4M; quattro SUV; No transmission-specific restriction listed for this internal engine retaining clip | Original piston and wrist-pin arrangement assigned N0122781; nominal 22mm circlip. Match engine and piston specification, especially after rebuilding. One clip supplied; catalog quantity is 12 per six-cylinder engine. |
| Audi S4 | 2010–2016 | 3.0L supercharged gasoline V6 | B8/B8.5; quattro sedan; No transmission-specific restriction listed for this internal engine retaining clip | Original piston and wrist-pin arrangement assigned N0122781; nominal 22mm circlip. Match engine and piston specification, especially after rebuilding. One clip supplied; catalog quantity is 12 per six-cylinder engine. |
| Audi S5 | 2010–2017 | 3.0L supercharged gasoline V6 | B8/B8.5; quattro Cabriolet; No transmission-specific restriction listed for this internal engine retaining clip | Original piston and wrist-pin arrangement assigned N0122781; nominal 22mm circlip. Match engine and piston specification, especially after rebuilding. One clip supplied; catalog quantity is 12 per six-cylinder engine. |
| Audi S5 | 2013–2017 | 3.0L supercharged gasoline V6 | B8.5; quattro Coupe; No transmission-specific restriction listed for this internal engine retaining clip | Original piston and wrist-pin arrangement assigned N0122781; nominal 22mm circlip. Match engine and piston specification, especially after rebuilding. One clip supplied; catalog quantity is 12 per six-cylinder engine. |
Installation and service guidance
Use the factory engine repair procedure for piston and wrist pin service. Keep the work area and internal components clean, and prevent loose clips or debris from entering the engine. Inspect the groove for damage and ensure that the correct wrist pin and piston are being assembled.
Use the installation method and tools specified for the piston design. Avoid overstretching, twisting or deforming the clip. After installation, inspect its complete seating in the groove and verify wrist pin retention before proceeding with the engine assembly. Follow the factory requirements for clip orientation and replacement; do not substitute a generic orientation or tightening instruction.
Internal engine work also requires the relevant procedures for piston rings, bearing clearances, lubrication and all disturbed fasteners. This circlip does not correct wear in the piston pin bore, connecting rod small end or cylinder wall. Assess those parts separately during the repair and order the required quantity of clips for the actual number of piston assemblies being serviced.