2011-2025 Audi quattro Noises and Vibrations in Tight Turns TSB

Audi has released Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 39 24 72 2059129/6 to provide information regarding customer reports of "noises and/or vibrations in tight turns" in vehicles equipped with quattro all-wheel drive. This TSB, dated September 6, 2024, supersedes previous bulletin Group 39 number 24-57 from January 25, 2024.

The bulletin explains that these symptoms are a normal operating characteristic and not a defect. Owners experiencing an Audi quattro tight turn noise should understand the technical background behind this behavior.

Symptoms

Owners may notice the following symptoms:

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

Workshop findings confirm that these noises and/or vibrations can be reproduced under identical conditions when compared to similar vehicles.

Technical Background and Cause

The Audi quattro tight turn noise and vibrations stem from the design of the drivetrain. In tight turns, the front and rear differentials operate at different speeds. The locking effect of the center differential adjusts to this, creating tension within the drivetrain.

While this tension positively influences the vehicle's driving dynamics, it can lead to the observed noises or vibrations during tight turns, especially at full or nearly full steering lock. This behavior is considered construction-related.

Important Warnings and What Owners Should Know

Audi explicitly states several key points regarding this condition:

• No Negative Effect on Service Life: "The tension does not have a negative effect on the service life of the components."
• Comfort Complaint, Not a Defect: "This issue is a comfort complaint. This behavior is construction-related and there are no damaged parts."
• No Repair Needed: "Replacing components will not solve the issue."
• Warranty Exemption: "This TSB is informational only and not applicable to any Audi Warranty."

Owners should be aware that this is a normal characteristic of their Audi quattro vehicle and does not indicate a fault or require a repair.

Factors Influencing Noise and Vibration

Several other factors can also contribute to or negatively affect the perception of noises and/or vibrations in tight turns:

• Wheels/Tires: Differences in tread depth, tire hardness, wheel or tire width, the use of summer or winter tires, or tires from manufacturers other than the original equipment.
• Wheel Alignment: Additional tension in the drivetrain can be caused by incorrect wheel alignment.
• Mounts: Possible noise transmission from drivetrain mounts, subframe mounts, or noisy wheel bearings.
• Body Type: Different acoustic properties depending on the vehicle's body type (Sedan, Avant, and SUV).

Service and Owner Action

Since this condition is a normal operating characteristic and not a defect, there is no specific repair procedure outlined in TSB 39 24 72 2059129/6. The primary action for service technicians is to explain this background to the customer. Owners should understand that seeking a repair for this specific Audi quattro tight turn noise will not resolve the issue, as it is inherent to the vehicle's design.

TSB Revision History

This Technical Service Bulletin has undergone several revisions:

• Revision 6: Revised header (Added Model Year)
• Revision 5 (01/25/2024): Revised header (Added Model Year)
• Revision 4 (09/07/2023): Revised header (Added Models/Model Year 2023)

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Source: NHTSA ID: 11009332