OVERVIEW
Original flat washer for specified mounting joints
The N-015-401-3 Genuine VW/Audi flat washer is used where the original mounting diagram calls for this exact washer. Its 8.4 mm bore, 21 mm outside diameter and 4 mm thickness define a substantial bearing piece that must be matched to the original joint. Confirm the attachment position before ordering: the applications below include specific Audi support arrangements and the manual convertible-top strut assembly on older Volkswagen convertibles, plus specified cylinder-head stud positions on the listed air-cooled Volkswagen engines.
Technical details
- Original number: N-015-401-3 / N0154013.
- Inside diameter: 8.4 mm.
- Outside diameter: 21 mm.
- Thickness: 4 mm.
- Form: flat washer with parallel bearing faces.
- Quantity: one washer. Bolts, nuts, retaining clips and supports are sold separately.
A washer’s outside diameter and thickness can affect the bearing area, spacing and assembled height of a joint. Another washer that fits over the same fastener is not automatically an equivalent replacement. Retain the specified stack and original attachment design.
Common reasons to replace
- Missing washer: earlier repair work may leave a mounting joint or retaining stack incomplete.
- Deformation or surface damage: a bent, dished or damaged bearing face may not sit correctly against the adjoining component.
- Corrosion: significant corrosion can damage the washer or its contact surface.
- Incorrect substitute: a thinner washer or one with a different outside diameter may alter spacing and contact at the original joint.
- Support or strut service: inspect the washer and adjoining fasteners when the specified mounting assembly is dismantled.
Inspect the complete joint rather than assuming a new washer will correct a loose support or worn retaining arrangement. Repair damaged brackets, fastener threads or mounting surfaces before reassembly.
On the listed air-cooled engines, this washer provides the specified bearing surface beneath an 8 mm cylinder-head stud nut. Inspect removed washers for distortion or damaged bearing faces during head service. Verify the installed stud diameter and original hardware arrangement, particularly on rebuilt engines, and follow the engine-specific head-tightening sequence. The washer does not repair a pulled case stud or damaged cylinder-head seat.
Fitment data sheet
| Vehicle | Model years | Engine | Configuration | Application restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audi A4 | 2002–2005 | 1.8L turbo gasoline | B6 Sedan / Avant; 2005 B6 body only; Original transmission support configuration | Original support/crossmember washer positions specifying N-015-401-3; confirm the complete mounting arrangement. |
| Audi A4 | 2003–2006 | 1.8L turbo gasoline | B6 Cabriolet; Original transmission support configuration | Original support/crossmember washer positions specifying N-015-401-3. |
| Audi A4 | 2002–2005 | 3.0L V6 gasoline | B6 Sedan / Avant; front-wheel drive only; 2005 B6 body only; Front-wheel drive; excludes quattro | Original support/crossmember washer positions specifying N-015-401-3. |
| Audi A4 | 2003–2005 | 3.0L V6 gasoline | B6 Cabriolet; front-wheel drive only; Front-wheel drive; excludes quattro | Original support/crossmember washer positions specifying N-015-401-3. |
| Audi S4 | 2004–2005 | 4.2L V8 gasoline | B6 Sedan / Avant; quattro; 2005 B6 body only; Manual transmission only | Original support/crossmember washer positions specifying N-015-401-3; excludes automatic-transmission mounting. |
| Audi S4 | 2004–2006 | 4.2L V8 gasoline | B6 Cabriolet; quattro; Manual transmission only | Original support/crossmember washer positions specifying N-015-401-3; excludes automatic-transmission mounting. |
| Volkswagen Rabbit Convertible | 1980–1984 | Engine independent at this body attachment | Mk1 Convertible; Transmission not applicable to the manual convertible-top support | Manually operated convertible-top strut assembly only. Washer used with the original strut, compensating piece and retaining clip; excludes different powered-top assemblies. |
| Volkswagen Cabriolet | 1985–1993 | Engine independent at this body attachment | Mk1 Convertible; Transmission not applicable to the manual convertible-top support | Manually operated convertible-top strut assembly only. Confirm the original strut retention arrangement; excludes different powered-top assemblies. |
| Volkswagen Beetle | 1971–1977 | 1.6L air-cooled gasoline | Classic sedan / Super Beetle; factory air-cooled configuration; Engine hardware dependent; verify installed cylinder-head studs | Cylinder-head nut washer only on the original arrangement specifying this washer and 8 mm studs. Excludes 10 mm studs, Type 4 engines and incompatible replacement engine hardware. |
| Volkswagen Beetle | 1971–1979 | 1.6L air-cooled gasoline | Classic convertible; factory air-cooled configuration; Engine hardware dependent; verify installed cylinder-head studs | Cylinder-head nut washer only on the original arrangement specifying this washer and 8 mm studs. Excludes 10 mm studs, Type 4 engines and incompatible replacement engine hardware. |
| Volkswagen Karmann Ghia | 1971–1974 | 1.6L air-cooled gasoline | Coupe / convertible; Engine hardware dependent; verify installed cylinder-head studs | Cylinder-head nut washer only on the original arrangement specifying this washer and 8 mm studs. Excludes 10 mm studs, Type 4 engines and incompatible replacement engine hardware. |
| Volkswagen Type 3 | 1971–1973 | 1.6L air-cooled gasoline | Fastback / Squareback; Engine hardware dependent; verify installed cylinder-head studs | Cylinder-head nut washer only on the original arrangement specifying this washer and 8 mm studs. Excludes 10 mm studs, Type 4 engines and incompatible replacement engine hardware. |
Application and installation notes
Match N-015-401-3 to the original diagram for the vehicle identification number and attachment. Audi transmission-support applications can depend on engine, drive configuration and transmission type. The 3.0L profiles listed here are front-wheel drive, and the listed S4 support profiles require a manual transmission. Do not extend those restrictions to unlisted support arrangements.
On the Volkswagen manual convertible-top strut assembly, preserve the original washer, compensating-piece and retaining-clip arrangement. Order the quantity needed for the serviced attachment; this item is a single washer and not a complete top-strut kit. Support the top correctly during service and follow the original repair procedure.
Fit the washer with the specified mating hardware and tightening sequence. Do not add extra washers to compensate for a damaged component or an incorrect fastener length. Check that the completed assembly has its intended seating and clearance.