2017-2024 Audi Tight Turn Noises and Vibrations TSB

Audi Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 39 24 57 2059129/5 addresses customer complaints regarding Audi tight turn noises and vibrations experienced in various 2017-2024 Audi models. This bulletin, dated January 25, 2024, supersedes a previous bulletin, Group 39 number 23-55, and provides guidance for diagnosing and resolving this specific condition.

Symptoms

Owners may notice the following symptoms:

• "Noises and/or vibrations in tight turns (parking lots or U-turns)"

These Audi tight turn noises and vibrations are typically reproducible during maneuvers that involve a full or nearly full steering lock.

Technical Background

The TSB explains that the noises and vibrations stem from the drivetrain's design. During tight turns, the front and rear differentials operate at different speeds. This causes the center differential's locking effect to vary significantly, leading to tension within the drivetrain. This tension manifests as the reported noises or vibrations.

It's important to note that this drivetrain tension is a design characteristic and does not negatively impact the service life of the components.

Diagnosis and Trigger Conditions

Before attempting any repairs, technicians are instructed to first confirm the customer's complaint by reproducing the Audi tight turn noises or vibrations. The concern should be noticeably worse compared to an identical comparison vehicle (same model, tire size, and body style) under the same conditions.

Several other factors must be ruled out as potential causes for the noises or vibrations. These include:

• Wheels/Tires: Issues such as almost worn-out tires, significant tread depth differences between tires, varying tire hardness, different tire or wheel widths, or the use of non-original equipment summer or winter tires.
• Wheel Alignment: Any 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.
• Body Type Acoustics: Differences in acoustics depending on the vehicle's body type (e.g., Sedan, Avant, or SUV).

Repair Procedure Summary

If all other potential causes are ruled out and the Audi tight turn noises persist, the recommended repair involves changing the oil for the center differential. This procedure should be performed according to the repair manual. The TSB 39 24 57 2059129/5 specifies a Damage Code of 0020 for this repair.

After the oil change, it's crucial to inform the owner that it may take up to 600 miles of driving for the condition to fully improve due to the additives in the new oil. If the concern returns after 600 miles, an Audi Technical Assistance Center case should be opened.

Required Parts and Tools

For the center differential oil change, the following part is specifically listed:

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

Fasteners, bolts, nuts, and screws should be obtained as needed per the repair manual, checking with ETKA/ELSA for the latest information.

Warranty Information

Warranty claims for this issue fall under specific claim types:

• Claim Type 110: Covers vehicles up to 48 months or 50,000 miles.
• Claim Type G10: Applies to CPO (Certified Pre-Owned) covered vehicles, requiring verification of owner status.

If the vehicle is outside any warranty coverage, this Technical Service Bulletin is for informational purposes only. The Service Number associated with this bulletin is 3936. Labor operations include specific time units for changing the oil, diagnostic time, and road tests before and after the service procedure.

Important Warnings

Owners should be aware of the following key points from this TSB:

• "This concern is only a comfort problem. This behavior is construction-related and there are no damaged parts."
• "The tension does not have a negative effect on the service life of the components."
• "If the vehicle is outside any warranty, this Technical Service Bulletin is informational only."

Source: NHTSA ID 10249214