2010-2026 Audi Steering Wheel Not Straight TSB 2056386/10

Audi has released Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 44 24 09 2056386/10 to address customer concerns regarding an Audi steering wheel not straight or the vehicle pulling to one side. This bulletin, which supersedes TSB Group 44 number 23-99 dated April 19, 2023, outlines a comprehensive diagnostic and repair process for technicians.

Symptoms

Owners of affected Audi vehicles may experience one or more of the following conditions:

• "The steering wheel is not straight."
• "The steering wheel is not straight when driving in a straight line."
• "When driving the vehicle pulls to the left or right."
• "When driving straight ahead, vehicle pulls to the left or right."
• "When driving, the vehicle pulls to the left or the right although the steering wheel is in the straight ahead position."

Important Warnings for Owners

Audi has issued several important advisories for owners and technicians regarding these steering and alignment concerns:

• Tolerance for Steering Wheel Position: Deviations of ±2° in the steering wheel position are considered within permitted tolerances for individual toe settings and do not constitute a fault. A perceived Audi steering wheel not straight might be within normal operating parameters.
• Steering Column Position: When evaluating a customer complaint about a steering wheel not being straight, ensure the steering column is in its top position and pushed as far as it will go toward the dash panel. Misalignment within the ±2° tolerance can occur if the steering wheel/steering column is in a different position.
• Warranty Coverage for Rear Axle Toe: If the total toe on the rear axle is within specification but individual toe settings are not, this is not a valid reason to perform a wheel alignment under warranty.
• Warranty Applicability: This Technical Service Bulletin (TSB 2056386/10) is for informational purposes only and is not applicable to any Audi Warranty. Owners should be aware that related repairs may not be covered.
• Driving Assessment: Never attempt to assess whether the vehicle travels in a straight line by taking your hands off the steering wheel. Always hold the steering wheel with both hands. Due to low friction in axle components and the design of the steering rack, such an assessment is not possible.

Diagnosis and Trigger Conditions

Before performing any wheel alignment, technicians are instructed to conduct a thorough diagnosis:

1. Customer Test Drive: Perform a test drive with the customer to accurately reproduce and understand the complaint. The customer should demonstrate the issue.
2. Driver Assist Systems: Temporarily switch off the lane departure warning and any other driver assist systems that could influence the vehicle's straight-line running.
3. Road Camber: Consider the effect of road camber (the slope of the road surface for drainage) as this can cause the vehicle to follow the slope, requiring slight steering input and potentially giving the impression that the steering wheel is not straight.
4. Tire Inspection: Check tire pressures and inspect the profiles and running surfaces of the tires for any irregularities.
5. Pulling During Acceleration/Braking: If the vehicle pulls to one side specifically when accelerating or braking, the tires might be the cause.

Repair Procedure Summary

Once diagnostic steps are completed, the TSB 2056386/10 outlines the following repair procedure for addressing an Audi steering wheel not straight or pulling issue:

1. Reproduce Complaint: Conduct a road test to confirm the customer's complaint.
2. Consider Road Camber: Account for road camber's influence on vehicle handling.
3. Hands-On Steering: Always keep both hands on the steering wheel during assessment.
4. Tire Check: Investigate tires if the vehicle pulls during acceleration or braking.
5. Repair Manual Review: Consult the Elsa Repair Manual under Chassis >> Suspension, Wheels, Steering >> 44 Wheels, Tires, Wheel Alignment for detailed guidance.
6. Special Tool Use: Utilize the steering wheel scale VAS 6826 if available.
7. Software Update: Check and update the software version of the wheel alignment computer before proceeding with alignment.
8. Exclude Other Factors: Perform wheel alignment only after ruling out all other potential causes.
9. Initial Measurement: Conduct an initial measurement to align the individual toe settings of the front wheels by turning the steering wheel.
10. Document Misalignment: Take a photograph of the steering wheel misalignment with the steering wheel scales attached (as shown in Figures 1 to 5 of the TSB).
11. Save Initial Data: Save the initial measurements with the vehicle's VIN.
12. Straighten Steering Wheel: Straighten the steering wheel and measure the individual toe values.
13. Save Final Data: Save these final measurements, also with the VIN.
14. Upload Documentation: Upload all related documents to DOC-IT.

Required Tools

Technicians will require specific tools to perform the diagnostic and repair procedures outlined in TSB 2056386/10:

Tool Number	Tool Description
VAS 6458	Steering Wheel scale
VAS 6826	Steering Wheel Scale
VAS 61XX	Vehicle Diagnostic Tester

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Source: NHTSA ID 11012490