2021-2026 Audi Brake Noises TSB 2069904/2

Owners of various 2021-2026 Audi models may experience Audi brake noises such as squeaking, vibrating, or general noise during braking. This issue is addressed in Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2069904/2, which provides detailed information on the causes and recommended solutions for these brake-related complaints.

This TSB, initially published on April 18, 2023, and revised on October 22, 2025, clarifies that such noises are often not indicative of a fault requiring part replacement but rather stem from common conditions related to brake usage and environment.

Revision History

Technical Service Bulletin 2069904/2 has undergone revisions to ensure the most current information is available:

• Revision 1 (April 18, 2023): Initial publication of the bulletin.
• Revision 2 (October 22, 2025): Revised header to include additional model years.

Symptoms and Owner Complaints

Customers typically report various Audi brake noises when applying the brakes. These can manifest as a range of sounds and sensations, often localized to specific areas of the vehicle. Common complaints include:

• Noises and Vibrations: Reported from the vehicle's rear or front areas, specifically linked to the foot brake system.
• Squeaking Sounds: Frequently originating from the front or rear brakes during application.
• Vibrating Sensations: Experienced during braking, affecting either the front or rear of the vehicle.

In addition to audible and tactile symptoms, visual inspections can sometimes reveal contributing factors. These include:

• Corrosion/Rust: Appearance of surface corrosion or rust on brake pads (disc brake) or rotors.
• Contamination: Evidence of dirty brake pads (disc brake) or brake rotors.

Workshop Findings

When technicians investigate customer complaints of Audi brake noises, they typically find that noises are generated at either the front and/or rear brakes during braking. A key finding is that brake pad thickness is usually within specifications, indicating that the noise is not due to worn-out pads requiring immediate replacement. The bulletin also notes that there is no further TSB on this specific topic, making 2069904/2 the primary reference for these brake noise issues.

Technical Background: Why Brake Noises Occur

TSB 2069904/2 explains that Audi brake noises are often not due to a mechanical defect but rather a result of various external factors and driving habits. Understanding these causes is crucial for proper diagnosis and resolution:

• Contamination: Brake noises are frequently related to contamination of brake components. This can include common substances like brake dust, rust, or road grit, which accumulate on the friction surfaces.
• Driving Habits and Low Mileage: Noises are more likely to occur in vehicles with low mileage, those primarily driven short distances, or where braking application is consistently very light. These conditions prevent the brakes from cleaning themselves sufficiently or building optimum friction on the friction faces.
• Bedding-in Process: For new vehicles or those with low mileage, brake noises can arise because the friction faces of the pads and rotors have not yet properly bedded in. The bedding-in process is essential for generating an optimal friction value between the pad and rotor. The specific mileage required for proper bedding-in varies significantly depending on the driving profile.
• Glazed Friction Surfaces: Glazed friction surfaces on the brake pads are another common cause of noise. This phenomenon typically indicates that the brakes have experienced strong or excessive thermal load, leading to a hardened, shiny surface that can generate noise instead of smooth friction.

Visual Indicators of Brake Issues

The TSB includes visual examples to help technicians identify the conditions described:

• Figure 1: Example of a dirty friction surface on the brake pad. This image illustrates how accumulated debris or uneven wear can appear on the brake pad surface.
• Figure 2: Example of a dirty friction surface on the brake disc. This image shows a brake disc with visible contamination or surface irregularities that contribute to noise.
• Figure 3: Example of brake pads with glazed friction surface. This image depicts brake pads where the friction material has become hardened and shiny due to excessive heat, a common cause of squealing or grinding noises.

Repair Procedure Summary: Addressing Brake Noise

Addressing Audi brake noises primarily involves proper maintenance and driving practices, rather than part replacement. The service procedure outlined in TSB 2069904/2 emphasizes the following:

1. Proper Bedding-in: It is crucial that the brakes are adequately bedded in using a driving style suited to the traffic conditions. This process helps the brake pads and rotors to mate correctly, optimizing their friction performance and reducing noise. Information on this topic is also available in the vehicle's Owner's Manual.
2. Regular Braking: Brakes should be