2006-2026 Audi Brakes Rubbing and Vibration TSB

Audi has issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2075120/1, titled "45 Brakes rubbing, general approach - all Audi vehicles," to provide guidance on diagnosing and resolving customer complaints related to brake rubbing and vibration. This TSB, dated September 10, 2024, applies to a wide range of Audi vehicles from model years 2006 through 2026. If you're experiencing an Audi e-tron brakes rubbing sensation, this bulletin outlines the potential causes.

Symptoms

The primary symptom addressed by this TSB is "brakes rubbing - vehicle vibrates when braking." Owners may notice a distinct rubbing sound or a noticeable vibration felt through the steering wheel or brake pedal when applying the brakes. This can indicate an underlying issue with the braking system.

Diagnosis / Trigger Conditions

The rubbing or vibrating of brakes can stem from various factors, often influenced by driving style, brake disc temperatures, and ambient conditions. TSB 2075120/1 identifies several criteria that can lead to this condition:

• Corrosion of the brake disc: Over time, brake discs can develop rust or corrosion, especially in areas with high humidity or after periods of inactivity. This uneven surface can cause the brake pads to rub inconsistently, leading to vibration and noise.
• Corrosion marks through sticking (corroded) brake pads on the brake disc: Brake pads can sometimes stick to the disc, particularly if the vehicle sits for extended periods. This can leave corrosion marks on the disc surface, which then cause rubbing and vibration during braking.
• Deposits on the brake disc due to thermal load: High temperatures generated during heavy braking can cause brake pad material or other contaminants to transfer and deposit unevenly onto the brake disc. These deposits create high spots that lead to pulsation and rubbing when the brakes are applied.
• Droning noises because of reduced damping characteristics if brake pads are too heavily worn: Severely worn brake pads can lose their damping properties, leading to increased noise and vibration. The reduced material can also cause the brake caliper components to interact differently with the disc, resulting in a droning sound.
• Very high thermal load on the brakes, indicated by blue tempering of the brake discs and possibly heat marks: Excessive heat can permanently alter the structure of the brake disc, visible as blue discoloration (tempering) or other heat marks. This can lead to uneven hardness and warping, causing the Audi e-tron brakes rubbing sensation and vibration.
• Thickness variations of the brake discs after a certain mileage, which cannot be detected using normal workshop measuring methods: Even slight variations in brake disc thickness, often imperceptible with standard tools, can cause significant brake pulsation and rubbing. These variations typically develop after considerable mileage due to uneven wear or thermal stress.
• Imbalance or radial run-out of the wheels can significantly increase the rubbing or cause body vibrations which only occur when braking: If a wheel is out of balance or has excessive radial run-out (meaning it's not perfectly round or centered), it can induce vibrations that are amplified during braking, mimicking a brake issue. This can cause the entire vehicle body to vibrate.
• Changes to the running gear, such as wider track: Modifications to the vehicle's running gear, such as installing wider wheels or spacers that increase the track width, can sometimes alter the stress on braking components or introduce new vibration modes, contributing to brake rubbing.

Repair Procedure Summary

To address the "brakes rubbing - vehicle vibrates when braking" complaint, technicians are instructed to first confirm the customer's concern through a test drive. Following confirmation, they should utilize an attached flow chart (not included in the public bulletin) to systematically diagnose the root cause. Once the specific issue is identified from the technical background criteria, the appropriate repair should be performed. This diagnostic approach ensures that the underlying problem is correctly identified and resolved, rather than simply replacing components without understanding the cause.

Important Warnings

Owners and technicians should be aware of specific warranty guidelines related to this bulletin. Audi states: "Billing for replacement parts and repair operations via this TSB is neither possible nor justified." This means that while TSB 2075120/1 provides diagnostic information, it does not authorize warranty claims for parts or labor. For warranty claims, detailed information, including photos and axial run-out values, must be attached to the Technical Assistance Center (TAC) report. Additionally, technicians should refer to TSB 2022584 for further guidance.

Owner Action

If you are experiencing an Audi e-tron brakes rubbing sensation or vibration when braking, it is recommended to schedule an appointment with an authorized Audi service center. Be prepared to describe the symptoms in detail, including when the rubbing or vibration occurs. While this TSB provides diagnostic information, the specific repair costs and warranty coverage will depend on the identified cause and your vehicle's warranty status. Your dealer will follow the diagnostic steps outlined in this bulletin to accurately pinpoint and rectify the issue.

Source: NHTSA ID: 11009351