2021 Audi A6/A7/S6/S7 Creaking Noise TSB 2061672/4

Owners of certain 2021 Audi A6, A7, S6, and S7 models may notice a distinct creaking noise emanating from the floor area, particularly during braking or steering maneuvers. This issue, detailed in Audi Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2061672/4, describes a condition where the vehicle's body twists, causing internal components to rub together and produce an audible creak.

This TSB, identified as 50 23 13 2061672/4, supersedes previous bulletin Group 50 number 23-11, dated February 21, 2023, and was last revised on June 9, 2023. It provides a comprehensive diagnostic and repair procedure for technicians to address the 2021 Audi A6 creaking noise and similar issues in related models.

Symptoms of Creaking Noise

Owners typically report a creaking-type noise originating from the floor area of their vehicle. This noise is most noticeable and can be generated during strong braking or steering maneuvers, which cause the vehicle body to twist. The sound is often localized, radiating from the footwell to the area under the seat.

Technical Background

The root cause of the creaking noise is identified as the longitudinal members of the vehicle making contact with their internal support plates. This contact occurs when the vehicle's body undergoes twisting forces, such as those experienced during cornering or hard braking. The repair outlined in TSB 2061672/4 aims to create clearance between these components to eliminate the friction and subsequent noise.

Important Warnings

Audi specifies that if your vehicle is outside of its warranty period (up to 48 months/50,000 miles), this Technical Service Bulletin is for informational purposes only. This implies that repairs for the 2021 Audi A6 creaking noise may not be covered under warranty if your vehicle exceeds these limits, and you may be responsible for the cost.

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair process for the 2021 Audi A6 creaking noise involves several steps designed to identify and rectify the source of the noise:

1. Noise Duplication and Confirmation: Technicians will first perform a test drive, ideally with the customer, to reliably reproduce the creaking noise. This step is crucial to confirm that the noise originates from the longitudinal member and that the TSB's repair will be effective.
2. Initial Diagnosis: The diagnosis begins by slightly loosening, but not removing, the front-most bolt on the subframe mounting. If this action alters or eliminates the noise, it confirms the longitudinal member as the source.
3. Warming for Duplication (if necessary): If the noise is difficult to reproduce when the vehicle is cold, technicians may warm the longitudinal member/body area near the rear transverse link connection to approximately 149°F (65°C) using a hot air blower. After cooling to about 86°F (30°C), the vehicle is test-driven again. Lowering the vehicle from a hoist can also help elicit the symptom.
4. Accessing the Longitudinal Member: The center cover plate on the affected side is lowered, and a specific body plug (part number 8K0 805 267) aft of the transverse link connection is removed. Sections of the acoustic foam inside the longitudinal member are also removed using long needle-nosed pliers to gain access to the problem area.
5. Tool Fabrication and Modification: A specialized, improvised tool is required. This involves fabricating a steel rod, 8mm in diameter and 60cm long, with one end ground into a chisel shape (approximately 15mm +/-3mm on each side).
6. Modifying the Longitudinal Member: The chisel end of the fabricated steel rod is inserted into the body opening, through the remaining acoustic foam, and engaged with the longitudinal member support. The tool is then driven 4-5 cm into the longitudinal member support using a hammer, creating the necessary clearance between the longitudinal member and its internal support plates.
7. Final Test Drive: A final test drive is performed to ensure the creaking noise has been completely eliminated to the customer's satisfaction.

Required Parts and Tools

Technicians will need the following parts and tools for this repair:

• Body Plug: 8K0 805 267 (1 per side, maximum 2)
• Bolt Hex Head: N 91247202 (1 per side, maximum 2)
• Fasteners, Bolts, Nuts, and Screws: As needed per the repair manual (See ETKA/ELSA)
• Fabricated Steel Rod: 8mm diameter, 60cm long, with a chisel-shaped tip (15mm +/-3mm grind length)

Warranty Information

This repair is covered under Audi's warranty for up to 48 months or 50,000 miles. Warranty claims must adhere to the Audi Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual. The specific codes for this repair are:

• Service Number: 5079
• Damage Code: 0010
• Labor Operations:
  • Center cover plate remove and reinstall: 5193 1900 (with associated operations)
  • Modify longitudinal member: 5079 4999 (80 TU)
  • Alternatively, for both sides:
    • Center cover plate remove and reinstall - Both sides: 5193 2000 (with associated operations)
    • Modify both longitudinal members: 5079 5099 (130 TU)
• Diagnostic Time:
  • GFF: No allowance (0 TU)
  • 3 Road tests prior to service procedure: 0121 0199 (30 TU)
  • Road test after service procedure: 0121 0004 (10 TU)
• Claim Comment: As per TSB 2061672/4

All warranty claims are subject to review or audit by Audi Warranty.

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Source: NHTSA ID: 10238165