2021-2022 Audi A3/S3/TT Whining/Howling Noise TSB

Symptoms of Whining/Howling Noises

Owners of 2021-2022 Audi A3, S3, TT, and TTS models may experience distinct whining/howling noises emanating from the front of the vehicle or engine compartment. These noises typically occur under specific driving conditions:

• When driving in 7th gear at speeds between 74 mph and 100 mph, provided the engine oil temperature is approximately 80 °C.
• Alternatively, the noises may be heard when driving in 3rd gear at engine speeds between 1200 rpm and 2500 rpm, also with the engine oil temperature around 80 °C.

If you are experiencing these Audi S3 whining howling noises, your vehicle may be affected by the condition described in this Technical Service Bulletin.

Technical Background

Audi has identified the root cause of these whining/howling noises as harmonic rotational transmission noise. This noise is transferred through the driver's side drive axle, leading to the audible symptoms reported by customers.

Repair Procedure Summary

To address the whining/howling noises, Audi Technical Service Bulletin 2066784/1 outlines a procedure to install a damper weight on the shaft of the front driver's side drive axle. This installation aims to counteract the harmonic vibrations causing the noise.

1. Mark Installation Position: The technician will first identify and mark the precise installation position for the damper weight on the driver's side drive axle, specifically 26 ± 2 mm from a reference point (as shown in Figure 1 of the TSB).
2. Secure Damper Weight: The damper weight is then positioned at the marked location and temporarily secured using a commercially available screw-type hose clamp.
3. Insert Roll Pin: A roll pin is carefully inserted into the damper weight using suitable pliers to permanently fix it in place.
4. Remove Temporary Clamp: The temporary screw-type hose clamp used to secure the damper weight is then removed.
5. Test Drive: Finally, the vehicle is test-driven to confirm that the repair has successfully eliminated the noise.

Important Warnings

Technicians are advised to follow specific precautions during this repair:

• "The roll pin must not be driven into the damper weight with a hammer or it will damage the damper."
• "Remove screw-type hose clamp (securing damper weight) from damper weight. Do not leave the screw-type hose clamp installed or a new vibration will be created."

Required Parts and Tools

To perform the repair outlined in TSB 2066784/1, the following parts are required:

• Damper weight: Part Number 5WA 407 267 (Quantity: 1)
• Roll pin: Part Number N 108 779 01 (Quantity: 1)
• Screw Type Hose Clamp: (Quantity: 1, Shop Supply)
• Fasteners, Bolts, Nuts, and Screws as needed per the Repair Manual (See ETKA/ELSA)

Warranty Information

This repair may be covered under warranty, depending on the vehicle's status. The following details apply:

• Claim Type: 110 (up to 48 Months/50,000 Miles) or G10 (for CPO Covered Vehicles – Verify Owner).
• Service Number: 3435
• Damage Code: 0020
• Labor Operations: Attaching weight to drive shaft (Labor Code 4041 4999, 40 Time Units).
• Diagnostic Time: GFF (No allowance), 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 2066784/1.

If your vehicle is outside any applicable warranty, this Technical Service Bulletin serves as informational guidance for the repair.

Source: NHTSA ID 10210446