2021-2023 Audi Q8 Cracking Roof Noise TSB 2060145/6

Owners of 2021-2023 Audi Q8, SQ8, and RS Q8 models may experience an intermittent cracking or snapping noise emanating from the right rear roof area of the cabin. This issue, detailed in Audi Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2060145/6, typically occurs during abrupt steering maneuvers or when the vehicle's body flexes.

Symptoms

Drivers of affected 2021-2023 Audi Q8, SQ8, and RS Q8 vehicles report hearing a distinct noise from the right rear roof area. This noise is often described as a "cracking" or "snap" type of sound. It is most noticeable during specific driving conditions, such as an abrupt steering thrust or when the vehicle's body flexes.

Diagnosis / Trigger Conditions

According to TSB 2060145/6, the noise is diagnosed as originating from the right rear-most area of the sunroof opening, specifically within the roof structure. For a proper diagnosis, the customer must be able to consistently duplicate the symptom during a test drive with a technician. The noise type and its location must clearly match the issue described in the TSB's technical background.

Important Warning: If the cracking roof noise cannot be duplicated during a test drive with the customer, the repair outlined in this TSB should not be performed. The work procedure is only to be carried out if the symptom is duplicated and confirmed to be from the described source.

Technical Background

Audi has identified that the intermittent cracking roof noise is due to current structural tolerances between the roof panel and the roof support sheet metal. These tolerances can allow the body to flex under certain driving conditions, such as acute steering maneuvers, leading to the generation of these noises.

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair for the Audi Q8 cracking roof noise involves a multi-step process focused on the right rear roof area. Technicians begin by removing the headliner and the sliding sunroof assembly. The outer roof sheet metal is then carefully separated from the inner roof support, as illustrated in the TSB's figures. This separation may involve lightly striking the roof sheet metal with a plastic mallet or, if necessary, using a small screwdriver or chisel to break any adhesive.

Once separated by approximately 1mm, the cavity created is filled with 3M 08852 Cavity Wax Plus. After applying the wax, the vehicle is test-driven to ensure the noises have been eliminated. Finally, the vehicle is reassembled, and the sunroof panel and rollershade end stop adaptation must be reset. This adaptation process requires referring to a separate document, TSB 2054505, which provides instructions for sunroof operation.

Required Parts and Tools

To perform the repair described in TSB 2060145/6, the primary material required is:

• 3M 08852 Cavity Wax Plus: This is a shop supply item, available through the Audi Top Service Supplies & Touch Up Paint eStore.

Additionally, fasteners, bolts, nuts, and screws may be needed as per the repair manual, which can be sourced via ETKA/ELSA.

Warranty Information

This Technical Service Bulletin 2060145/6 repair is covered under warranty for vehicles up to 48 months or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. If the vehicle is outside of this warranty period, the TSB serves as informational guidance only. All warranty claims must adhere to the Audi Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual.

Key warranty codes for this procedure include:

• Service Number: 5103
• Damage Code: 0020
• Labor Operations:
  • Sunroof frame remove and reinstall: 6028 1950
  • Perform roof rework: 5103 5099 (30 Time Units)
  • Cavity wax applied: 5101 7552
• 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)

Important Warnings

Owners and technicians should be aware of the following critical advisories from Audi:

• "Ask the customer if they can duplicate the symptom by accompanying them for a test drive. If the noise cannot be duplicated during a test drive with the customer do not perform the repair in this TSB."
• "Be certain that the noise type and the location are clearly attributable to the issue described in the Technical Background section of this TSB."
• "The following work procedure must only be carried out if the symptom described has been duplicated and the source of the noise is as described in the Technical Background."
• "Use extreme caution in the following steps so as not to damage the outer roof sheet metal in any way."

This TSB (2060145/6) supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 51 number 23-27, dated April 27, 2023, which addressed similar concerns.

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Source: NHTSA ID: 11002231