2000-2026 Audi Vehicle Vibration TSB 2074846/1

Owners of 2000-2026 Audi vehicles may experience an Audi vehicle vibration that can be felt throughout the cabin. This issue, detailed in Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2074846/1, specifically refers to vibrations and rotational steering wheel vibrations that occur within certain speed ranges.

This bulletin provides comprehensive guidance for technicians to diagnose and resolve these vibrations, ensuring a smoother driving experience for Audi owners.

Symptoms of Audi Vehicle Vibration

If you own a 2000-2026 Audi, you might notice vibrations occurring at speeds between 35 and 70 mph. These vibrations can manifest in several ways, making the driving experience uncomfortable. Vehicle occupants may feel these vibrations in the seat surface, the vehicle floor, the footwell, the pedal cluster, or the steering wheel. The intensity of the vibrations may also vary, sometimes being stronger during braking or acceleration, or only appearing during specific driving phases.

Understanding the Cause: Radial Force Variation and Flat Spots

Audi's TSB 2074846/1 explains two primary technical reasons for these vibrations:

Radial Force Variation

Tires inherently have softer and stiffer areas around their circumference due to their construction and production characteristics. This variation in the tire's compression force as it rotates is known as radial force variation. To measure this, a specialized vibration control system, VAS6230(A), is used to simulate the tire rolling on the road. The difference between the maximum and minimum radial force (peak-to-peak value) should be 120N or less. The first harmonic vibration, which is the most significant contributor to vibrations, must be 80N or less.

Flat Spots Caused by Storage

Even after a short period of being stationary, especially when the warm tire cools down, flat spots can develop. The severity of these flat spots depends on the tire type, dimension, and manufacturer. These flat spots can significantly affect radial force variation measurements and must be addressed before any wheel balancing procedure.

Important Warnings for Owners

Audi emphasizes several key points for owners regarding this Audi vehicle vibration issue:

• Flat spots are normal and not faults covered under warranty. This means that if vibrations are caused solely by flat spots from storage, the repair may not be covered under your vehicle's warranty.
• It is very important to drive them out prior to every wheel balancing procedure. Before any wheel balancing or vibration diagnosis, tires that have developed flat spots should be driven to allow them to round out.
• If the first harmonic vibration of the radial force cannot be brought to the specified limit of 80N by matching, a new tire must be used. In cases where tire matching cannot resolve the radial force variation to acceptable levels, tire replacement is necessary.
• Only repairs on components which were part of the vehicle when it was delivered can be claimed under warranty. This clarifies that warranty coverage applies only to original equipment components.

Repair Procedure Summary

To address the Audi vehicle vibration described in TSB 2074846/1, technicians follow a specific seven-step procedure:

1. Test Drive: Perform a test drive of up to 20 miles (up to 65 mph) across various speed ranges to confirm the vibration symptoms.
2. Vehicle Preparation: Immediately after the test drive, raise the vehicle so the wheels are off the ground.
3. Wheel Mounting: Remove the wheels and mount them on the vibration control system VAS6230(A).
4. Measurement and Balancing: Measure, balance, and, if necessary, match the wheels according to the instructions provided by the equipment. The goal is to achieve a peak-to-peak value of 120N or less and a first harmonic vibration of 80N or less.
5. Wheel Installation: Fit the wheels back onto the vehicle following Hunter equipment instructions.
6. Tire Pressure Adjustment: Restore the vehicle's required tire pressure.
7. Final Assessment: Re-assess the vehicle in the speed range where the vibrations were initially reported to confirm the repair's effectiveness.

Required Tools and Labor Operations

Specialized tools are required for accurate diagnosis and repair of the Audi vehicle vibration:

• VAS 6230 (GSP9700): Road Force Measurement System
• VAS 6243: Clamping Plate

Technicians will use specific labor operation codes for warranty claims, including:

• 4405 9300: 1 wheel balanced
• 4405 9351: 1 wheel matched
• 4405 940x: 2/3/4 wheels balanced
• 4405 945x: 2/3/4 wheels matched
• 4440 5550: Replace 1 tire
• 4440 565x: Replace 2/3/4 tires

Diagnostic time codes include 0121 0002 (10 TU) for a road test prior to service and 0121 0004 (10 TU) for a road test after service.

Warranty Information

All warranty claims related to TSB 2074846/1 must adhere to the Audi Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual. Claims are subject to review and audit by Audi Warranty. Only repairs on components that were original to the vehicle at the time of delivery are eligible for warranty claims.