2021-2023 Audi S3, A3, TT Front Shock Absorber Noise TSB

Owners of certain 2021-2023 Audi S3, A3, TT, and other models may notice unusual "cracking noises/spring jumps when steering or when maneuvering." This issue is addressed by Audi Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 40 22 46 2047758/8, which supersedes an earlier bulletin, 40 21-29, dated December 14, 2021.

This TSB provides a specific repair procedure involving lubrication to eliminate the noise, ensuring a smoother and quieter driving experience for affected vehicles.

Symptoms

Owners might experience the following symptoms:

• "Cracking noises/spring jumps when steering or when maneuvering."

These noises are often reproducible, especially when at least two people are in the vehicle and the steering wheel is turned just before reaching its right or left stop. If you notice your 2023 Audi S3 exhibiting these symptoms, it's likely related to this bulletin.

Technical Background

The root cause of the "cracking noises/spring jumps" is identified as the buffer stop for the front shock absorber making contact with the front shock absorber cap. This friction between these two components generates the audible noise during steering or maneuvering actions.

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair outlined in TSB 40 22 46 2047758/8 is straightforward and involves lubricating the problematic contact surface. Technicians are instructed to lightly lubricate the contact area between the buffer stop for the shock absorber and the front shock absorber cap.

Approximately 5 grams of silicon grease G 000 405 A2 should be applied to each side. Additionally, it is important to check the protective sleeve of the front shock absorber to ensure it is correctly fitted and can turn easily within the axial deep-groove ball bearing/sleeve bearing.

Required Parts and Tools

To perform this repair, the primary material required is:

• Silicon grease: Part Number G 000 405 A2 (Quantity: 01)

Fasteners, bolts, nuts, and screws may also be needed as per the repair manual, and technicians should consult ETKA/ELSA for the latest information and parts bulletins.

Warranty Information

This repair falls under Claim Type 110 and is covered for vehicles up to 48 months or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. The Service Number for this procedure is 4098, with a Damage Code of 0020.

Labor operations include lubricating both front rubber stops (Labor Operation 4098 5099, 30 Time Units), diagnostic time (GFF, no allowance), road test prior to service procedure (Labor Operation 0121 0002, 10 Time Units), and road test after service procedure (Labor Operation 0121 0004, 10 Time Units). All warranty claims must comply with the Audi Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual.

Important Warnings

If your vehicle is outside the specified warranty period (48 months/50,000 miles), this Technical Service Bulletin is for informational purposes only. In such cases, any repair costs would typically be the owner's responsibility.

Revision History

This bulletin has undergone several revisions to ensure accuracy and updated model year applicability:

• Revision 8 (July 29, 2022): Revised header to include added models and model years.
• Revision 7 (December 14, 2021): Revised title and header to include added models and model years.
• Revision 6 (November 25, 2020): Revised header to include added models and model years.

This ensures that the information remains current and applicable to the widest range of affected vehicles, including the 2023 Audi S3.

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Source: NHTSA ID: 10216843