2021-2023 Audi Q8 Noises/Vibrations in Tight Turns TSB

Audi has released Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2059129/4, titled "39 Noises and/or vibrations in tight turns," to address a common concern among owners of various Audi models, including the 2021-2023 Audi Q8. This TSB, issued on September 7, 2023, supersedes an earlier bulletin, 39 22-50, and provides updated information regarding the diagnosis and repair of these specific Audi Q8 noises vibrations.

The bulletin clarifies that the issue is primarily a comfort problem and not indicative of damaged components. It outlines a procedure for technicians to follow if a customer reports noises and/or vibrations when making tight turns, such as in parking lots or during U-turns.

Symptoms

Owners may notice "Noises and/or vibrations in tight turns," particularly at full or nearly full steering lock. These symptoms are often reproducible and may be significantly more noticeable compared to an identical vehicle under similar conditions (model, tire size, and body style).

Technical Background

The root cause of these noises and vibrations stems from the different speeds between the front and rear differentials. In tight bends, the center differential's locking effect can create significant drivetrain tension. This tension manifests as the reported noises or vibrations during tight turns. Audi emphasizes that this drivetrain tension does not negatively affect the service life of the vehicle's components.

Diagnosis and Exclusions

Before proceeding with a repair, technicians are instructed to rule out several other factors that could contribute to similar symptoms. These include:

• Wheels/Tires: Differences in tread depth (worn out tires, significant variations between tires), tire hardness, wheel or tire width, use of summer or winter wheels, or non-original equipment tire manufacturers.
• Wheel Alignment: Additional tension in the drivetrain caused by improper wheel alignment.
• Mounts and Bearings: Possible noise transmission from drivetrain mounts, subframe mounts, or noisy wheel bearings.
• Acoustics: Different noise characteristics depending on the vehicle's body type (Sedan, Avant, or SUV).

If these factors are ruled out and the Audi Q8 noises vibrations are confirmed to be worse than a comparable vehicle, the center differential oil change procedure can be performed.

Repair Procedure Summary

The primary repair involves changing the oil for the center differential, following the instructions in the repair manual. Audi notes that it can take up to 600 miles of driving for the condition to improve after the oil change, due to additives in the new oil. If the noises or vibrations return after this break-in period, technicians should open an Audi Technical Assistance Center case.

Required Parts

For the center differential oil change, the following part is specified:

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

Additionally, any fasteners, bolts, nuts, and screws required should be sourced according to ETKA or the repair manual.

Important Warnings

Owners should be aware that if their vehicle is outside of its warranty period, this Technical Service Bulletin is for informational purposes only. This means that while the information helps diagnose and resolve the Audi Q8 noises vibrations, the repair may not be covered by Audi.

Warranty Information

Warranty claims for this issue fall under Claim Type 110, applicable for vehicles up to 48 months or 50,000 miles. The service number for this bulletin is 3936, with a damage code of 0020. Specific labor operations include:

• Change oil for the center differential: Labor Operation 3990 5599 (70 Time Units)
• Road test prior to service procedure: Labor Operation 0121 0002 (10 Time Units)
• Road test after service procedure: Labor Operation 0121 0004 (10 Time Units)

Diagnostic time (GFF) is listed as 0150 0000 (0 Time Units).