2021-2025 Audi A3, S3, RS 3, Q3 Front End Creaking Noises TSB

Audi Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2043424/19 addresses a common concern among owners of certain 2021-2025 Audi A3, S3, RS 3, and Q3 models: creaking and squeaking noises emanating from the front end, particularly when driving on uneven roads. This bulletin, released on January 30, 2026, provides a detailed explanation of the root cause and the prescribed repair procedure for the Audi A3 front end creaking noise.

Symptoms

Owners of affected Audi vehicles may notice "Creaking/squeaking noises are heard from the left front or right front area of the vehicle when it is driven on uneven roads." These noises are typically audible when the vehicle encounters bumps, potholes, or other irregularities in the road surface.

Technical Background

The root cause of the creaking and squeaking noises is identified as the rear elastomer bush of the control arm on the front axle. This bush features kidney-shaped slits. When the vehicle drives over uneven roads, relative movements within these elastomer bushes can occur, leading to the undesirable noise.

Repair Procedure Summary

To address the Audi A3 front end creaking noise, technicians are instructed to follow a specific lubrication procedure. The repair should only be performed if the customer complaint can be reproduced and clearly assigned to TSB 2043424/19.

1. Reproduce Complaint: Verify the customer's complaint by driving the vehicle on uneven roads to confirm the presence of creaking/squeaking noises.
2. Control Arm Removal: For a permanent remedy, the control arm must be removed from the vehicle. Refer to the Workshop Manual for detailed instructions on parts replacement and additional work.
3. Grease Application: Apply Lithium Grease (part number G052 150 A2) to the kidney-shaped slits of the rear elastomer bush. The grease must be applied from above, with the bush removed, and only within the specific areas highlighted in Figure 1 of the TSB.
4. Quantity: A total of "20 g lithium grease (part number G052 150 A2) is needed for both control arms."
5. Both Sides: This procedure must be performed on both the left and right front control arms.
6. A3 Sportback e-tron Specific Step: For A3 Sportback e-tron models, deactivating and reactivating the High Voltage (HV) system voltage is a required step during the repair process. The labor operation code for this is 9310 8350.

Required Parts and Tools

To complete this repair, the following parts are necessary:

• Lithium grease: Part number G052 150 A2 (Quantity: 1). For warranty claims processed through the SAGA system, use part number G052 150S0.
• One-time use hardware: As needed, according to Elsa.
• Fasteners, Bolts, Nuts, and Screws: As needed, per the Repair Manual, to be sourced via ETKA.

Technicians should always check with their Parts Department and/or ETKA for the latest information and parts bulletins.

Warranty Information

This Technical Service Bulletin outlines specific warranty claim details:

• Claim Type: If the vehicle is outside any warranty, this TSB is for informational purposes only.
• Service Number: 4020
• Damage Code: 0020
• Labor Operations:
  • Both lower control arms remove + reinstall: Code 4017 20XX (10 TU)
  • Deactivate/Activate HV system voltage (A3 e-tron Only): Code 9310 8350 (10 TU)
• Claim Comment: Claims should include "As per TSB 2043424/19".

All warranty claims must comply with the Audi Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual and are subject to review and audit by Audi Warranty.

Important Revision History

TSB 2043424/19 has undergone several revisions to ensure accuracy and completeness:

• Revision 19: Revised Condition (Updated information).
• Revision 18: Revised Technical Background (Updated Information), Revised header (Added Model Year), and Revised Service (Updated Information).
• Revision 17 (Dated 06/29/2023): Revised header (Added Model Year).

NHTSA ID: 11028480