2021-2023 Audi Models Creaking Brakes at Standstill TSB

Symptoms

Owners of 2021-2023 Audi models may notice specific brake noises under certain conditions. The primary symptom described in the Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) is:

• "Creaking noises when braking at almost standstill"
• These noises can also occur when "crawling when pulling away" or "briefly before standstill."

If you experience an Audi creaking brakes standstill issue, this TSB provides an explanation.

Diagnosis and Trigger Conditions

This TSB, identified as 46 21 25 2054385/2, describes the cause of the creaking noise as the "stick-slip effect." This effect is a physical phenomenon that occurs when two objects move against each other, characterized by an undesired, jerky, and pulsating slip.

Specifically, the stick-slip effect happens when the static friction between the brake components is significantly greater than the dynamic friction. This leads to a cycle where the brake pads momentarily stick to the rotor, then slip, creating vibrations. These vibrations are then transmitted through the suspension to the vehicle's body, where they are perceived as creaking noises.

The Audi creaking brakes standstill condition is particularly common when braking very slowly, especially in vehicles equipped with an automatic gearbox, just before the vehicle comes to a complete stop or when moving slowly from a standstill. While it can affect any Audi vehicle, it may be more noticeable in models with high-performance brakes, such as the SQ5, S4, S5, S6, S7, and e-tron.

What Owners Should Know

It is important for owners to understand that this creaking noise, resulting from the stick-slip effect, is considered a normal operating characteristic by Audi. The TSB clarifies that this phenomenon does not indicate a defect and does not reduce the vehicle's braking performance.

This Technical Service Bulletin is informational only. It serves to explain the cause of the noise and is not a directive for a repair or a warranty claim. Therefore, if you experience Audi creaking brakes standstill, it is generally not a cause for concern regarding safety or brake function.

Important Warnings

Audi explicitly states that this TSB is for informational purposes only:

• "This TSB is informational only and not applicable to any Audi Warranty."

This means that the creaking noise, while explained, is not considered a warrantable condition for repair. Owners should not expect a free repair under warranty for this specific noise.

Superseded Bulletin

This bulletin, 46 21 25 2054385/2, supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 46 number 19-09 dated March 21, 2019. The update includes revised header information and added model years to the scope.

NHTSA ID

10187575