2017-2022 Audi Q7/Q8 Noises in Tight Turns TSB

Owners of 2017-2022 Audi Q7, 2019-2022 Audi Q8, and 2021-2022 Audi SQ7, SQ8, and RS Q8 models may notice unusual noises or vibrations when making tight turns, such as in parking lots or during U-turns. This condition, often described as a comfort issue, is detailed in Audi Technical Service Bulletin 39 22 50 2059129/3.

This TSB, issued on November 18, 2022, supersedes an earlier bulletin, Group 39 number 21-41 dated March 2, 2021. The bulletin provides guidance for technicians to diagnose and address the Audi Q8 noises tight turns symptom, which can also affect other models.

Revision History

Technical Service Bulletin 39 22 50 2059129/3 has undergone several revisions:

• Revision 3 (November 18, 2022): Revised the header to include additional model years (2021 and 2022).
• Revision 2 (March 2, 2021): Revised warranty information and updated the labor operation code.
• Revision 1 (April 29, 2020): Initial publication of the bulletin.

Symptoms

Customers report experiencing "Noises and/or vibrations in tight turns (parking lots or U-turns)." Workshop findings indicate that these noises and vibrations can be consistently reproduced. When compared to an identical comparison vehicle (matching model, tire size, and body style), the concern on the affected vehicle is significantly more noticeable under the same conditions.

Technical Background

The root cause of these noises and vibrations stems from the differing speeds between the front and rear differentials. When the steering is at full or nearly full lock during tight bends, the center differential's locking effect can create tension within the drivetrain. This tension is what leads to the reported noises or vibrations.

Important Owner Information

Audi emphasizes that this concern is primarily a comfort issue and does not indicate damaged parts. The tension within the drivetrain, which causes the Audi Q8 noises tight turns, does not negatively affect the service life of the vehicle's components. Furthermore, if your vehicle is outside of its warranty period, this Technical Service Bulletin is provided for informational purposes only.

Diagnosis and Trigger Conditions

Before proceeding with a repair, technicians must first duplicate the concern and confirm it is more pronounced than in a similar vehicle. Several other factors can cause similar conditions and must be ruled out:

• Wheels/Tires: Inspect for worn-out tires, significant differences in tread depth between tires, variations in tire hardness or width, use of summer or winter wheels, or tires from different manufacturers than original equipment.
• Wheel Alignment: Check for additional tension in the drivetrain due to improper wheel alignment.
• Drivetrain Components: Investigate possible noise transmission from drivetrain mounts, subframe mounts, or noisy wheel bearings.
• Body Type Acoustics: Acknowledge that different body types (Sedan, Avant, and SUV) can exhibit varying acoustic characteristics.

If these factors are ruled out, the next step is to change the oil of the center differential according to the repair manual.

Repair Procedure Summary

The primary repair involves changing the oil in the center differential. It is important to note that after the oil change, it may take up to 600 miles for the condition to improve, as the new oil contains additives that require time to integrate fully. If the noises or vibrations return after 600 miles of driving, an Audi Technical Assistance Center case should be opened.

Required Parts

For the repair, the following part is specifically listed:

• G 055145A2: Axle oil for the transfer box (Quantity: 01)

Fasteners, bolts, nuts, and screws should be sourced as needed per the Repair Manual, referencing ETKA and ELSA for specific details.

Warranty Information

Warranty claims for this issue are processed under the following details:

• Service Number: 3936
• Damage Code: 0020
• Labor Operations:
  • Change oil for the center differential: 3990 5599 (110 Time Units)
  • Diagnostic Time (GFF): No allowance (0 Time Units)
  • Road test prior to service procedure: 0121 0002 (10 Time Units)
  • Road test after service procedure: 0121 0004 (10 Time Units)
• Claim Comment: As per TSB 2059129/3

Claims are typically covered under warranty for up to 48 months or 50,000 miles (Claim Type 110). For Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles, Claim Type G10 applies, requiring verification of owner eligibility.

NHTSA ID: 10228741