2021-2023 Audi A3, S3, RS 3, Q3 Front End Creaking TSB

TSB Revision History

Audi Technical Service Bulletin 40 22 48 2043424/13, issued on October 12, 2022, supersedes an earlier bulletin, Group 40 number 21-28, dated September 16, 2021. This revision (Revision 13) included updates to the header, adding more models and model years, and revising warranty information, specifically labor operations. Previous revisions also corrected warranty labor operations on September 16, 2021 (Revision 12) and December 7, 2020 (Revision 11).

Symptoms

Owners of certain Audi models may experience persistent creaking or squeaking noises originating from the front end of their vehicle. This noise is typically noticeable when driving on uneven roads and can be heard from either the left or right front area. The specific owner-facing symptom described is: "Creaking/squeaking noises are heard from the left front or right front area of the vehicle when it is driven on uneven roads."

Diagnosis and Trigger Conditions

Audi Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2043424/13 explains that the source of the creaking and squeaking noises is the rear bonded rubber bushings of the front lower control arms. These bushings feature kidney-shaped slits, as illustrated in Figure 2 of the TSB. When the vehicle encounters uneven road surfaces, specific areas (labeled A and B in Figure 2) within these slits can come into contact, generating the audible creaking or squeaking sound. To confirm this, technicians are instructed to try and duplicate the condition exactly before proceeding with the repair.

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair outlined in Audi TSB 2043424/13 involves lubricating the affected lower control arm bushings. The process begins with the removal of both front lower control arms. Technicians must follow detailed instructions found 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. An overview of the lower control arm and bushing components is provided in Figure 1 of the TSB.

Once the control arms are removed, 0.1 grams of lithium grease (part number G 052 150 A2) is to be evenly applied to the kidney-shaped slits of the bonded rubber bushing. This application should be done from above, using a paintbrush, and only to the red-highlighted areas shown in Figure 3 of the TSB. After the grease application, all components are reinstalled according to the guidelines provided in Elsa. This procedure aims to eliminate the Audi S3 creaking front end noise.

Required Tools or Parts

To perform this repair, the following specific parts and tools are required:

• Lithium grease: Part number G 052 150 A2 (0.1g quantity)
• One-time use hardware: As needed, refer to ETKA and Elsa
• Fasteners, Bolts, Nuts, and Screws: As needed, refer to the Repair Manual and ETKA/Elsa

Warranty Information and Labor Operations

This repair is typically covered under Audi's new vehicle limited warranty for up to 48 months or 50,000 miles. It is also covered for CPO (Certified Pre-Owned) vehicles under claim type G10, requiring owner verification. If the vehicle is outside of any warranty, this Technical Service Bulletin is for informational purposes only, and repair costs may not be covered.

The Service Number for this TSB is 4020, and the Damage Code is 0020. All warranty claims must adhere to the Audi Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual. Labor operations vary by model and specific tasks, with time units (TU) assigned for each. Examples of labor operations include:

• Front wheel track adjusted: 4488 1550
• Front wheel camber adjusted: 4489 1550
• Noise dampening pan removed + reinstalled (Except A3 Cabriolet): 1082 1900
• Lowering subframe (for engine code CNSB with transmission QYZ): 4007 1999 (100 TU)
• Grease the bonded rubber bushings (A3 Sedan/Q3): 4017 4199 (10 TU)
• Grease the bonded rubber bushings (A3 Cabriolet): 4020 4199 (10 TU)
• Grease the bonded rubber bushings (A3 e-tron): 4020 4199 (10 TU)
• Road test prior to service procedure: 0121 0002 (10 TU)
• Road test after service procedure: 0121 0004 (10 TU)

Diagnostic time (GFF, if applicable) is 0150 0000, with a maximum of 50 TU as stated on the diagnostic protocol.

Important Warnings

Owners and technicians should be aware of the following critical information from TSB 2043424/13:

• Condition Duplication: "Try to duplicate this condition exactly. If you cannot, do not perform this TSB." This ensures the repair is only carried out when the specific noise is present.
• Grease Application: "The lithium grease must only be applied to the areas shown in red." This prevents incorrect application that could lead to other issues.
• Warranty Coverage: "If vehicle is outside any warranty, this Technical Service Bulletin is informational only." This indicates that the repair may not be covered if the vehicle is no longer under warranty.

Owner Action

If you are experiencing a creaking or squeaking noise from the front end of your 2021-2023 Audi A3, S3, RS 3, or Q3, it is recommended to schedule an appointment with an authorized Audi service center. Inform them about the specific noise and the conditions under which it occurs. Reference TSB 2043424/13, which provides the necessary repair steps for the Audi S3 creaking front end issue. The repair is typically covered under warranty for vehicles up to 48 months or 50,000 miles, or for CPO (Certified Pre-Owned) vehicles.

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Source: NHTSA ID: 10224791