2021-2023 Audi Creaking/Squeaking Front End Noise TSB

Symptoms

Owners of affected Audi vehicles may notice a distinct creaking or squeaking noise emanating from the left front or right front area of the vehicle. This Audi front end creaking noise is typically heard when driving on uneven roads. This symptom indicates a potential issue with the front suspension components.

Technical Background

Audi Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2043424/15 explains that the rear bonded rubber bushings of the front lower control arms are designed with kidney-shaped slits. Under certain conditions, particularly when the vehicle is driven on uneven surfaces, specific areas within these bushings can come into contact. This contact is the direct cause of the creaking/squeaking noise experienced by drivers.

Important Warning

Before proceeding with any repair, it is crucial to accurately diagnose the condition. Technicians are advised to try and duplicate the Audi front end creaking noise exactly as described by the customer. If the condition cannot be reliably reproduced, this TSB should not be performed.

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair procedure outlined in TSB 2043424/15 involves lubricating the affected lower control arm bushings. The steps are as follows:

1. Remove Lower Control Arms: Both front lower control arms must be removed from the vehicle. Technicians should follow the detailed instructions provided in the Elsa Repair Manual, specifically under "Chassis >> Suspension, Wheels, Steering >> Front Suspension >> Lower Control Arm and Ball Joint >> Lower Control Arm, Removing and Installing."
2. Apply Lithium Grease: Once the control arms are removed, 0.1 grams of lithium grease (part number G 052 150 A2) must be evenly applied to the kidney-shaped slits of the bonded rubber bushings. A paintbrush should be used for precise application, ensuring the grease is only applied to the highlighted areas shown in Figure 3 of the TSB.
3. Reinstall Components: After lubrication, all components, including the front lower control arms, are to be reinstalled according to the instructions in the Elsa Repair Manual.

Required Parts and Tools

To perform this repair, specific parts and materials are required:

• Lithium Grease: Part number G 052 150 A2. For warranty claims submitted through SAGA, use part number G 052 150 S0.
• One-time use hardware: As specified in ETKA.
• Fasteners, Bolts, Nuts, and Screws: As needed, per the Repair Manual (refer to ETKA/ELSA).

Warranty Information

This repair is covered under Audi's warranty for up to 48 months or 50,000 miles. For Audi Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles, the claim type is G10, requiring verification of ownership. If the vehicle is outside of its warranty period, this Technical Service Bulletin is for informational purposes only. The service number for this operation is 4020, with a damage code of 0020. The claim comment should reference "As per TSB 2043424/15."

Various labor operations are associated with this TSB, depending on the specific model and necessary adjustments, such as:

• Front wheel track adjusted: 4488 1550
• Front wheel camber adjusted: 4489 1550
• Lowering subframe (for engine code CNSB with transmission QYZ): 4007 1999
• Grease the bonded rubber bushings: 4017 4199 or 4020 4199
• Disable HV system voltage (for A3 e-tron, A3 e-tron Sportback): 9310 0050