2006-2026 Audi Brake Vibrations TSB 2075120/2

Experiencing unusual noises or vibrations when braking can be a concerning issue for any vehicle owner. For 2006-2026 Audi models, Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2075120/2 provides a comprehensive overview of potential causes for these Audi brake vibrations. This bulletin, released on October 21, 2025, serves as a general guide for technicians to diagnose and address various brake-related complaints across all Audi vehicles.

This TSB helps identify the root causes of brake judder and vibrations, ensuring a targeted and effective repair. It is crucial for owners to understand the potential issues and how their driving habits might contribute to these conditions, especially when dealing with Audi brake vibrations.

Symptoms of Brake Vibrations

Owners of affected Audi vehicles may notice a range of symptoms related to Audi brake vibrations. These complaints often manifest as various noises and sensations during braking or while driving. The TSB categorizes these symptoms based on the object of complaint and the type of vibration or noise:

• Vehicle Front: Owners might experience general noise or vibrating sensations originating from the front of the vehicle. This can include a general 'noise' complaint or a 'vibrating' sensation, and sometimes a 'buzzing' sound.
• Foot Brake Operation: When applying the foot brake, common complaints include 'pulsating' sensations, 'rubbing' noises, or general 'vibrations' felt through the pedal or vehicle body.
• Wheels, Tires, Tire Pressure Monitoring: Issues in this area can lead to general noises and vibrations that are felt throughout the vehicle.
• Steering, Steering Assist: Vibrations might also be felt through the steering system, indicating a potential link between braking issues and steering components.

These symptoms highlight that the issue is not always solely within the brake components but can be influenced by related systems like wheels and steering, requiring a thorough diagnostic approach.

Technical Background: Understanding Brake Judder and Vibrations

Audi TSB 2075120/2 explains that judder and vibrations in the brakes, whether from the front or rear axle, can stem from numerous factors. These include the driver's style, the resulting brake disc temperature, and environmental conditions. The bulletin outlines nine specific criteria that can lead to these Audi brake vibrations:

1. Corrosion of the brake disc: Rust or other corrosive elements on the brake disc surface can create uneven friction points, leading to inconsistent braking and vibrations. This often occurs when a vehicle sits unused for periods.
2. Corrosion marks from sticking brake pads: Brake pads that stick or are corroded can leave uneven deposits or marks on the disc surface, leading to inconsistent contact and subsequent vibrations or judder during braking.
3. Deposits on the brake disc due to thermal load: High temperatures generated during heavy braking can cause material transfer from the brake pads to the disc. These uneven deposits create localized high spots, resulting in vibrations as the pads pass over them.
4. Droning noises from reduced damping characteristics: If brake pads are excessively worn, their ability to dampen vibrations can diminish. This can lead to audible droning sounds, particularly during braking.
5. Very high thermal load on the brakes: Evidence such as blue tempering of the brake discs or visible heat marks indicates extreme heat exposure. This can lead to disc warping or structural changes, which are significant causes of vibrations.
6. Deviations in axial/lateral runout of the brake disc or wheel hub: Imperfections in the straightness or alignment of the brake disc (axial runout) or the wheel hub (lateral runout) can cause the disc to wobble. This wobble results in significant vibrations during braking. Technicians are advised to consult the "Repair Manual>Chassis>>Brake System>>Technical Data" for specific measuring instructions and limit values to assess these deviations.
7. Thickness variations of the brake discs after a certain mileage: Over time and use, brake discs can develop uneven thickness across their surface. While these variations may not be detectable with standard workshop measuring methods, they can cause noticeable vibrations as the brake pads encounter varying disc thicknesses.
8. Imbalance or radial run-out of the wheels: Issues with wheel balance or radial run-out (where the wheel is not perfectly round) can significantly increase rubbing or cause body vibrations. These vibrations are often exacerbated during braking, making them feel like a brake issue.
9. Changes to the running gear: Modifications to the vehicle's running gear, such as installing a wider track, can alter the vehicle's dynamics and potentially contribute to or amplify brake vibrations.

Diagnosis and Repair Approach

For technicians, Audi TSB 2075120/2 emphasizes the importance of confirming the customer complaint through a test drive. This initial step is crucial to accurately reproduce and understand the nature of the Audi brake vibrations. Once the symptom is verified, the TSB directs technicians to follow a specific flow chart provided in an appendix (not included in this document) to systematically narrow down the cause and perform the necessary repair.

The bulletin states that with this information and the diagnostic flow chart, identifying and repairing the complaint should be straightforward. Audi's Product Quality department has not identified any other causes for these complaints beyond those outlined in the TSB. Technicians are also reminded to consult the Repair Manual for specific instructions regarding fasteners, bolts, nuts, and screws that require replacement during any repair procedure, and to check with their Parts Department and/or ETKA for the latest information and parts bulletins.

Important Warnings for Owners

Audi TSB 2075120/2 includes critical information regarding warranty coverage and the nature of these brake issues that owners should be aware of:

• Warranty Billing: The TSB explicitly states, "Billing for replacement parts and repair operations via this TSB is not justified." This means that this service bulletin is intended for diagnostic guidance and problem-solving, not as a direct authorization for warranty claims without proper documentation. If a repair is carried out under warranty, detailed information and measured values regarding the cause of the complaint must be thoroughly documented to support the claim.
• Mileage and Usage Pattern: For vehicles with more than 18,000 miles, analyses have indicated that "the cause of the complaint is not the fundamental component quality, but rather the usage pattern of the customer." This is a significant point, as it suggests that beyond a certain mileage, Audi brake vibrations are often attributed to how the vehicle is driven (e.g., aggressive braking, frequent heavy loads) rather than a defect in the original parts. Owners should be aware that repairs for brake vibrations on higher-mileage vehicles might not be covered under warranty if deemed a result of usage rather than a manufacturing defect.

TSB Revision History

This Technical Service Bulletin, identified as 2075120/2, has undergone revisions to ensure the most current information is available. It was initially published on September 10, 2024. The most recent revision, Revision 2, released on October 21, 2025, included updates to the title, header, technical background, service procedures, and warranty information. This ongoing refinement ensures that technicians have the most accurate guidance for addressing Audi brake vibrations.

What Owners Should Do

If your 2006-2026 Audi is experiencing brake judder, pulsating, rubbing, or other vibrations, it is recommended to schedule an appointment with an authorized Audi service center. Be prepared to describe the symptoms in detail, including when they occur and under what conditions. You may also mention Technical Service Bulletin 2075120/2 to the service advisor. Be aware of the warranty considerations, especially if your vehicle has accumulated significant mileage, as the cause may be attributed to usage patterns rather than component defects.

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Source: NHTSA ID: 11025342, Transaction No. 2075120/2