2017-2023 Audi Q7/Q8 B-Pillar Noise TSB 2048430/3

Owners of 2017-2023 Audi Q7, SQ7, Q8, SQ8, and RS Q8 models may experience various noises emanating from the B-pillar or door area. This issue, often described as an Audi Q8 B-pillar noise, typically occurs when driving on rough roads or when the vehicle chassis flexes.

This Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 70 22 75 2048430/3, dated September 1, 2022, supersedes an earlier bulletin, Group 70 number 17-63, from August 17, 2017. The revision clarifies the root cause and updates the repair procedure to use adhesive tapes instead of lubricant.

Symptoms

Customers report hearing various noises from the B-pillar or door area. This Audi Q8 B-pillar noise is most noticeable under specific driving conditions, such as:

• Driving on rough or uneven road surfaces.
• When the vehicle body experiences flexing or twisting.

Technical Background

The root cause of the Audi Q8 B-pillar noise has been identified as relative movement between the upper B-pillar trim and the vehicle's body. This friction or slight shifting of components can generate audible sounds that owners perceive as bothersome noises.

Repair Procedure Summary

To resolve the B-pillar noise, technicians will perform the following steps as outlined in TSB 70 22 75 2048430/3:

1. Remove the B-pillar trim: The affected upper B-pillar trim panel will be carefully removed following the instructions in the Elsa repair manual (specifically, Body >> Body Interior >> 70 Interior Trim >> Vehicle Interior Trim Panels >> B-Pillar Trim Panel, Removing and Installing).
2. Apply webbing adhesive tape: Two pieces of webbing adhesive tape, part number D004350A2, are applied to the upper mounting points of the B-pillar trim. For optimal adhesion, the tape is cut long enough to fold over the mounting points.
3. Apply fleece adhesive tape: Two pieces of fleece adhesive tape, part number D373125A2, are applied to the lower mounting points of the B-pillar trim. Similar to the webbing tape, it is cut to allow folding over the mounting points for better adhesion.
4. Reinstall B-pillar trim: The upper B-pillar trim is then reinstalled according to the Elsa repair manual.
5. Repeat for other side (if necessary): If noises are present from both the right and left inner B-pillar trims, the repair solution is applied to the other side as well.
6. Test drive: A test drive is performed to confirm that the noises from the upper B-pillar trim are no longer present.

Required Parts and Tools

The following materials are required for this repair:

• Webbing adhesive tape: D004350A2 (for upper mounting points of upper B-pillar trim)
• Fleece adhesive tape: D373125A2 (for lower mounting points of upper B-pillar trim)
• Fasteners, Bolts, Nuts, and Screws: As needed, refer to ETKA/ELSA Manual.

Warranty Information

This repair is covered under warranty for up to 48 months or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first, under Claim Type 110. The Service Number for this operation is 7067, and the Damage Code is 0020. Specific labor operations and diagnostic times include:

• B-pillar trim remove and reinstall, one side: Labor operation 7067 1900
• Rework one B-pillar trim: Labor operation 7067 4999 (10 TU)
• B-pillar trim remove and reinstall, both sides: Labor operation 7067 2000
• Rework both B-pillar trims: Labor operation 7067 5099 (20 TU)
• Road test prior to service procedure: Labor operation 0121 0002 (10 TU)
• Road test after service procedure: Labor operation 0121 0004 (10 TU)

All warranty claims must comply with the Audi Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual. The claim comment should reference TSB 2048430/3.

Important Warnings

• If your vehicle is outside of its warranty period, this Technical Service Bulletin is for informational purposes only.

NHTSA ID: 10220389