2017 Q5 brake pedal travel and wheel alignment drift
 

Hi folks. I am new to this forum and to the Audi family having just purchased a 2017 Audi Q5 2.0L Quattro Technik. For the most part, I really like my new Q5. Its a huge improvement over my previous ride. However, there are two annoying features about the Q5 that I would appreciate help with. I have searched numerous threads but havent found any reference to these problems. The first is the very long brake pedal travel before the brakes engage. And when they engage, they feel spongy. The second is the steering drifts to the right no matter the road Im on. Constantly having to adjust the steering to keep the vehicle centred is very annoying. Dealer response to both problems is that there isnt a problem (must just be my imagination!!). Apparently, brake pedal travel or caliper adjustments cannot be adjusted and, without checking my wheel alignment, I am told my alignment is within specs. I have read numerous threads in a US Audi forum that referenced these problems but havent been able to find related threads in this forum. Your help would be appreciated.

Re: 2017 Q5 brake pedal travel and wheel alignment drift
 

I have a much older Q5 (2011) and a few thoughts on your query. My old Q5 has always tracked well and I suspect your alignment is not within spec. I do notice that it will drift slightly left or right if the road is slanted for drainage, which is often the case, but the drift is slight. Audi brake pads for the Q5 have often been controversial. I replaced my original pads with aftermarket pads due to an incurable squeak and prolific brake dust. I recommend Hawk, Ceramic Compound.
Mike

Re: 2017 Q5 brake pedal travel and wheel alignment drift
 

Hi Mike,
Thanks for your response. Was wondering if there are any threads on these two topics in this Canadian Audi Forum. I couldnt find any. I was on a US Audi Forum site, and there were numerous threads discussing the excessive brake pedal travel and the alignment issue. Most US threads had lots of issues but no solutions for either of these problems. Several suggested the brake travel issue was "normal" and not adjustable. Others felt the alignment drift was a design issue. I am hoping for better answers to these two issues because there are the only negatives I can find with my 2017 Q5.

Re: 2017 Q5 brake pedal travel and wheel alignment drift
 

Local dealer approved a diognostic wheel alignment test and found the right front toe-in and rear cantor out of spec. Adjustments corrected the drifting problem. Everyone was surprised that a new vehicle out of the showroom would have a wheel alignment problem.

I also found custom setting the steering to dynamic provided a more precise (direct) steering sensation, somthing I am more accustomed to with previous vehicles.

Still no option to adjust brake pedal travel.