2023-2026 Audi Wheel Alignment TSB 2056386/11

Symptoms

Owners of 2023-2026 Audi vehicles may experience several symptoms related to wheel alignment issues. These include:

• The steering wheel is not straight, even when driving in a straight line.
• The vehicle pulls to the left or right while driving straight ahead.
• The steering wheel zero position appears adjusted incorrectly.
• Issues with directional stability, where the vehicle functions on one side (left or right).
• Concerns with camber, caster, or toe adjustment being incorrect.

Diagnosis / Trigger Conditions

Audi outlines a specific diagnostic process for technicians to identify and address wheel alignment concerns:

• Initial Assessment: Technicians should perform a test drive with the customer to reproduce the reported symptoms. During this test, it's crucial to observe the vehicle's behavior, paying attention to road camber, which can significantly influence handling.
• Driver Assist Systems: Temporarily switch off lane departure warning and other driver assist systems that might affect straight-line driving. This helps isolate the steering issue.
• Steering Wheel Handling: Emphasize that both hands must remain on the steering wheel during the road test. Assessing straight-line travel by removing hands from the steering wheel is not reliable due to low friction in axle components and steering rack design.
• External Factors: Before concluding a wheel alignment issue, technicians should check tire pressures and inspect tire profiles for irregularities. Also, consider if the vehicle pulling to one side during acceleration or braking is caused by the tires.
• Tolerance for Misalignment: A steering wheel deviation of up to ±2° is considered within permitted tolerances for individual toe settings and does not necessarily indicate a fault. When assessing, ensure the steering column is in its top position and pushed fully towards the dash panel.
• Warranty Considerations: Wheel alignment can only be billed under warranty if specific conditions are met. If the total toe is within specification but individual toe settings on the rear axles are not, this is not a valid reason for a warranty-covered alignment.

Repair Procedure Summary

Audi outlines a detailed procedure for technicians to address wheel alignment concerns, ensuring a thorough diagnosis and correction:

1. Reproduce Complaint: Conduct a road test with the customer to confirm the issue and observe the vehicle's behavior.
2. Observe Road Camber: Note how road surface camber influences vehicle handling during the test, as this can give the impression of a steering issue.
3. Proper Steering Wheel Handling: Instruct technicians to keep both hands on the steering wheel during the road test for accurate assessment of straight-line driving.
4. Check for Tire Issues: Investigate if the vehicle pulling to one side during acceleration or braking is caused by the tires, as this is a common non-alignment factor.
5. Consult Repair Manual: Refer to the Elsa Repair Manual section: Chassis >> Suspension, Wheels, Steering >> 44 Wheels, Tires, Wheel Alignment for detailed guidance.
6. Use Specialized Tools: Utilize the steering wheel scale VAS 6826, if available, for precise measurements of steering wheel position.
7. Software Update: Check and update the wheel alignment computer's software version before proceeding with any alignment to ensure the latest calibration data.
8. Exclude Other Factors: Perform a wheel alignment only after ruling out all other potential causes for the symptoms, ensuring the repair addresses the root cause.
9. Initial Measurement: Conduct an initial measurement during which the individual toe settings of the front wheels are aligned by turning the steering wheel.
10. Document Misalignment: Take a photo of any steering wheel misalignment with the steering wheel scales attached for documentation.
11. Save Initial Data: Record and save these initial measurements, labeling them with the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and a description like "Initial measurements."
12. Straighten Steering Wheel: Straighten the steering wheel and then measure the individual toe values again.
13. Save Final Data: Record and save these final measurements, also labeled with the VIN and a description like "Final measurements."
14. Upload Documentation: Upload all collected documents and measurements related to the VIN to the DOC-IT system for record-keeping.

Required Tools or Parts

To properly diagnose and perform the necessary adjustments for an Audi e-tron wheel alignment issue, technicians will use specific tools:

• VAS 6458: Steering Wheel scale
• VAS 6826: Steering Wheel Scale
• VAS 61XX: Vehicle Diagnostic Tester

Owner Action

If your 2023-2026 Audi is experiencing a steering wheel that isn't straight or is pulling to one side, it's recommended to contact an authorized Audi service center. Clearly describe the symptoms to the technician. Be aware that minor steering wheel deviations (up to ±2°) are considered within normal operating tolerances. The service center will perform a thorough diagnosis, including a test drive, to determine if a wheel alignment or other repairs are necessary. This TSB is informational and not directly covered by all Audi warranties unless specific conditions are met.

NHTSA ID: 11025326