2021-2023 Audi e-tron Gear Oil Drain Plug Leaking TSB

Owners of 2021-2023 Audi e-tron and e-tron Sportback vehicles may notice gear oil leaks from the rear underbody or oil stains on the garage floor. This issue, identified by Audi in TSB 2076149/3, points to a corroded oil seal on the rear gear oil drain plug as the root cause. Addressing the Audi e-tron gear oil drain plug leaking promptly can prevent further complications and maintain vehicle performance.

Symptoms

Owners typically observe the following indicators of a gear oil leak:

• Leaks detected on the rear underbody of the vehicle.
• Oil stains appearing on the floor where the vehicle is parked.

Workshop findings consistently confirm that the gear oil drain plug on the rear gearbox is the source of the leak.

Technical Background

Audi has determined that the oil seal for the rear gear oil drain plug is prone to corrosion, leading to a compromised seal and subsequent gear oil leakage. This corrosion allows gear oil to escape, resulting in the observed symptoms.

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair for the Audi e-tron gear oil drain plug leaking involves a straightforward replacement process. Technicians will first clean the affected area thoroughly to remove any residual oil. The existing gear oil drain plug will then be removed and replaced with a new one. It is crucial to use the specified new gear oil drain plug (part number WHT 012 968) and apply a modified tightening torque of 10 Nm + 90 degrees. After replacement, the gearbox must be refilled with new gear oil. Finally, anti-corrosion wax D 308 SP5 M1 is applied to the new gear oil drain plug to prevent future corrosion and ensure a long-lasting seal.

Required Parts

To perform this repair, the following specific parts are required:

• New Gear Oil Drain Plug: Part number WHT 012 968. This new plug can be distinguished by its copper seal with G600 glossy silver, replacing the old aluminum matt silver seal.
• Anti-corrosion Wax: D 308 SP5 M1.

Owner Action

If you notice any signs of gear oil leakage from your 2021-2023 Audi e-tron or e-tron Sportback, it is recommended to contact your authorized Audi dealership. Reference TSB 2076149/3 when discussing the issue. If your vehicle is still under warranty, this repair may be covered. For vehicles outside of warranty, this Technical Service Bulletin serves as an informational guide, and repair costs may apply. The service involves specific labor operations (e.g., 5194 1900 for cover removal, 3401 175x for drain and fill, 3457 5299 for seal replacement) and damage code 0050.

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Source: NHTSA ID: 11029382