2022-2025 Audi quattro Ultra Vibrations or Binding TSB

Audi has released Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 39 24 70 2059057/11 to address customer concerns regarding vibrations, humming, droning, or binding sensations in various quattro Ultra-equipped models from 2022 to 2025. This bulletin, dated August 30, 2024, supersedes previous TSB Group 39 number 24-65.

Symptoms of Audi quattro Ultra Vibrations

Owners of affected Audi vehicles may notice several symptoms related to the quattro Ultra system, often described as Audi quattro Ultra vibrations or binding. These can include:

• Noises from the drive train, such as the S tronic gearbox, manual gearbox, propshaft, or rear final drive, when accelerating quickly from a stop with the wheels turned.
• Vibrations, humming, droning, or rubbing sensations felt in the vehicle interior or rear seats, particularly when fully turning the steering wheel.
• Vibrations, humming, droning, or rubbing felt in the vehicle interior or on the rear seats when driving in a straight line, especially in wet conditions.
• Noises that change as the operating temperature increases.
• Noises originating from the all-wheel drive coupling 1 of the S-tronic gearbox or manual gearbox.
• General noises from the rear of the vehicle, which might be traced to the rear final drive or propshaft.
• A knocking sound perceived from the rear of the vehicle.

Technical Background

The root cause of these Audi quattro Ultra vibrations and binding issues is attributed to the different speeds between the front axle differential and the rear final drive. This can lead to varying degrees of humming, droning, vibrations, or rubbing when the vehicle is taking very tight corners, driving in a straight line (especially on wet roads), and when the all-wheel drive coupling 1 is closed.

Important Notice for Owners

Audi notes that this repair measure will become effective within the next 60 miles after the service procedure is completed. It's also important to understand that if your vehicle is outside of warranty, this Technical Service Bulletin is informational only, and any repairs may not be covered.

Repair Procedure Summary

To resolve the Audi quattro Ultra vibrations and binding issues, technicians are instructed to follow a specific procedure outlined in TSB 39 24 70 2059057/11. The steps include:

1. Reproducing the customer's stated concern to confirm the issue.
2. Ensuring the S-tronic or manual transmission is at its operating temperature.
3. Completely draining and collecting the Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) from the all-wheel drive coupling 1.
4. Adding new ATF (part number G 055 515 A2) and setting the fluid level according to the repair manual.
5. Re-checking that the S-tronic or manual transmission is at operating temperature.
6. Allowing the vehicle to cool down.
7. Performing a basic setting to "Reset learnt values for oil ageing" using the ODIS Guided Functions or Self Diagnosis system. This involves navigating to All-Wheel Drive Electronics (address 0022) > Control Module Functions > Basic Settings > Reset learnt values for oil ageing.

Required Parts and Tools

The primary part required for this repair is the Transfer box gear oil (ATF), specified by part number G 055 515 A2. Two units of this ATF are typically needed. Additionally, fasteners, bolts, nuts, and screws may be required as per the repair manual, and technicians should consult ETKA/ELSA for specific details.

Warranty Information

For vehicles under warranty, the repair can be claimed using Service Number 3960 and Damage Code 0020. The claim comment should reference TSB 2059057/11. Various labor operations are specified for different aspects of the repair, including removing and installing rear noise insulation, working with the front propshaft flange and damper weight (if equipped), draining and filling the all-wheel drive coupling oil, and an extended road test after the measure.

NHTSA ID: 11007231