2021-2026 Audi Steering Wheel & Vehicle Vibrations TSB

Symptoms of Audi Vehicle Vibrations

Owners of 2021-2026 Audi vehicles, including the 2021 Audi e-tron, may report experiencing noticeable vibrations. These vibrations typically occur at speeds between 35 and 70 mph. Drivers and passengers might feel these vibrations in various parts of the vehicle, including the seat surface, the vehicle floor, the footwell, the pedal cluster, or the steering wheel itself. The TSB notes that these vibrations can sometimes intensify during braking or acceleration, or they may only manifest during specific driving phases.

Understanding the Causes: Radial Force Variation and Flat Spots

Audi TSB 2074846/3 identifies two primary causes for these vibrations:

Radial Force Variation

Tires are not perfectly uniform; they possess softer and stiffer areas in their radial direction due to manufacturing characteristics. This variation in stiffness leads to what is known as radial force variation. When a tire rolls, the compression force it exerts changes, causing vibrations. To accurately measure this, a vibration control system like the VAS6230(A) is used. The TSB specifies that the tire's peak-to-peak radial force value "must be 120N or less," and 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 relatively short period of being stationary (just a few hours), tires can develop temporary flat spots, especially when they cool down after being warm. The severity of these flat spots varies depending on the tire type, dimensions, and manufacturer. These flat spots can significantly distort radial force variation measurements. The TSB emphasizes that it is "very important to drive them out prior to every wheel balancing procedure." Owners should also be aware that "Flat spots are normal and not faults covered under warranty." For more detailed information, technicians are directed to the "Workshop Manual > Wheels and tires/Flat spots caused by storage or handling."

Important Warnings for Owners and Technicians

This Technical Service Bulletin contains several critical advisories:

• Tire Replacement: 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. This indicates that balancing alone may not always resolve the issue, and tire replacement becomes necessary.
• Wheel Tightening: When tightening the wheel on the vibration control system, technicians must ensure that the flange and wheel contact surfaces are clean, the wheel is correctly centered, and that a suitable taper and tensioning device is used. Audi specifically recommends the use of a "five-finger tensioning device" for optimal results.
• Warranty Coverage: "If the vehicle is outside of any warranty, this Technical Service Bulletin is informational only." Furthermore, "Only repairs on components which were part of the vehicle when it was delivered can be claimed under warranty." Owners should understand that flat spots are generally not covered under warranty.

Repair Procedure Summary

Addressing the 2021 Audi e-tron steering wheel vibrations and other vehicle vibrations involves a precise, multi-step process outlined in TSB 2074846/3. This procedure ensures accurate diagnosis and effective resolution of tire-related vibration issues:

1. Perform a Test Drive: Conduct a test drive of up to 20 miles, covering various speed ranges up to 65 mph. This step is crucial to verify the customer's complaint and identify the specific conditions under which the vibrations occur.
2. Raise the Vehicle: Immediately after the test drive, raise the vehicle to ensure the wheels are off the ground, preparing it for wheel removal.
3. Mount Wheels on Vibration Control System: After removing the wheels from the vehicle, mount them onto the specialized VAS6230(A) vibration control system. This system is designed to simulate road conditions and measure tire characteristics accurately.
4. Measure, Balance, and Match Wheels: Using the instructions provided by the VAS6230(A) equipment, measure, balance, and, if necessary, match the wheels. The goal is to bring the radial force variation within the specified limits: a peak-to-peak value of 120N or less, and a first harmonic vibration of 80N or less.
5. Fit Wheels to Vehicle: Reinstall the wheels onto the vehicle, following the specific instructions provided by the Hunter equipment to ensure proper mounting and torque.
6. Restore Tire Pressure: Adjust the tire pressure in all wheels to the manufacturer's recommended specifications for the vehicle.
7. Assess Vehicle Performance: Conduct a final assessment of the vehicle in the speed range where the original complaints occurred to confirm that the vibrations have been resolved.

Required Tools and Parts

To perform the diagnostic and repair procedures described in TSB 2074846/3, specific specialized tools are required:

• VAS 6230 (GSP9700): This is a Road Force Measurement System, essential for accurately diagnosing radial force variation in tires and ensuring precise balancing and matching.
• VAS 6243: This is a Clamping Plate, used to properly secure wheels to the vibration control system during the measurement and balancing process, ensuring accurate readings and safe operation.

Warranty Information and Revision History

For eligible vehicles, repairs performed under TSB 2074846/3 may be covered under warranty, provided the vehicle is still within its warranty period. The Service Number for this issue is 4440, and the Damage Code is 0013. Technicians will use specific labor operation codes for billing, which are detailed as follows:

Labor Operation	Code	Description
1 wheel balanced	4405 9300	See SRT with associated operations
1 wheel matched	4405 9351	See SRT with associated operations
2/3/4 wheels balanced	4405 940x	See SRT with associated operations
2/3/4 wheels matched	4405 945x	See SRT with associated operations
Replace 1 tire	4440 5550	See SRT with associated operations
Replace 2/3/4 tires	4440 565X	See SRT with associated operations
Road test, prior to the service procedure	0121 0002	10 TU
Road test after the service procedure	0121 0004	10 TU
GFF	No allowance	0 TU

Warranty claims must adhere to the Audi Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual. It's crucial that VAS6230 logs for each wheel, along with information sheets, are marked with the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and attached to the warranty claim for proper processing. The claim comment should reference "As per TSB 2074846/3".

This TSB has undergone several revisions:

• Revision 3: Updated the header to reflect model year changes.
• Revision 2: Revised warranty information, specifically updating labor operations.
• Revision 1 (September 18, 2024): Also revised warranty information and labor operations.
• Initial Publication (August 9, 2024): The original release of the bulletin.

The TSB is officially released for publishing on October 17, 2025.

Production Solution

Audi implemented a production solution for this issue, with 100% wheel balancing being performed from week 01/2008 onwards. This indicates that newer vehicles should ideally have reduced instances of these vibration issues from the factory due to improved manufacturing processes.

What Owners Should Do

If you own a 2021-2026 Audi, such as a 2021 Audi e-tron, and are experiencing steering wheel vibrations or other vehicle vibrations, it is recommended to contact your authorized Audi dealership. Clearly describe the symptoms you are experiencing, including the speeds at which the vibrations occur and where they are felt. The dealership technicians can then follow the precise procedures outlined in TSB 2074846/3 to diagnose and resolve the issue, utilizing specialized equipment like the VAS 6230 Road Force Measurement System. Remember that while flat spots are a common cause, they are generally not covered under warranty.

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Source: NHTSA ID: 11025340, Transaction No. 2074846/3