2023-2026 Audi Front End Noises from Wheel Input Shaft

Owners of 2023-2026 Audi vehicles, including the Audi e-tron, may experience various noises from the front of their car, such as rattling, clacking, clicking, or hissing. These noises are often noticeable when the vehicle pulls away or during cornering. Audi has released Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2074822/2 to guide technicians in diagnosing and addressing these specific concerns related to the wheel input shaft and drive shaft.

This TSB, identified as 37 25 31 2074822/2, supersedes an earlier bulletin, 37 number 24-21, issued on July 31, 2024. It provides updated information to help resolve customer complaints about these front end noises.

Symptoms of Wheel Input Shaft/Drive Shaft Noises

Customers typically report hearing rattling, clacking, clicking, or hissing sounds originating from the front of their vehicle. These noises are most commonly observed under specific driving conditions:

• When the vehicle is pulling away from a stop.
• During cornering maneuvers.

If you are experiencing these types of Audi e-tron front end noises, it's important to have your vehicle inspected by a qualified Audi technician.

Understanding the Cause: Two Cases

Audi's TSB 2074822/2 outlines two primary scenarios that can lead to these front end noises:

Case 1: External Damage to Wheel Input Shaft Boot

In this scenario, the noise is caused by damage to the boot of the wheel input shaft/drive shaft. This damage is typically due to external factors such as stones, branches, or animal encounters. When the boot is compromised, water can enter the area, leading to damage of the constant velocity (CV) joint within the wheel input shaft.

Case 2: Undiagnosed Wheel Input Shaft/Drive Shaft Noise

For this case, no visible faults are immediately detected, but the wheel input shaft/drive shaft is confirmed to be the source of the noise. This situation requires a more in-depth diagnostic approach to pinpoint the exact cause.

Diagnosis and Investigation

For both cases, technicians are advised to follow specific diagnostic steps to accurately identify the source of the Audi e-tron front end noises.

For Case 2, before replacing any major components like the wheel input shaft, drive shaft, or gearbox, technicians should perform a road test to localize the complaint. They will assess if the noise or vibration changes when turning the steering wheel at different speeds. If the noise persists across various speed ranges, swapping components from a similar vehicle (ensuring not to swap left-to-right) may help isolate the issue.

Advanced noise detection equipment, such as the PICO tool VAS 611015 or a Combiscope, can be used to precisely identify the component causing the noise. The measurements obtained from these tools should be included with any warranty claim. Technicians are also referred to TSB 2070568, which provides guidance on professional noise analysis using the VAS 611 015 PICO-NVH tool.

Important Warnings for Owners

Owners should be aware of specific conditions outlined in TSB 2074822/2:

• Warranty for Case 1: The TSB explicitly states that issues falling under Case 1 (damage due to external influences) are not a fault which is covered by warranty. Owners will likely be responsible for the cost of repairs in these situations.
• Unnecessary Part Replacement: Audi reserves the right to charge back parts that have been replaced without good reason. This emphasizes the importance of thorough diagnosis before any component replacement.
• Design-Related Play: For vehicles with a longitudinal gearbox, a certain amount of play (vertical/horizontal) on the right gearbox flange is considered design-related and does not constitute a technical issue. This means it's normal and typically doesn't require repair.

Warranty Information

• Case 1: Billing for repairs related to external damage (Case 1) is generally not allowed or possible under warranty.
• Case 2: Billing for repairs under Case 2 (undiagnosed wheel input shaft/drive shaft noise) should be processed in accordance with Audi's SAGA/APOS system.

Required Tools and Referenced TSBs

To perform accurate diagnosis, technicians may utilize specialized equipment:

• PICO tool VAS 611015 / Combiscope: Used for noise detection and analysis.

This TSB also references other important service bulletins:

• TSB 2023187: "40 Squeaking noises when steering or maneuvering."
• TSB 2070568: "00 Professional noise analysis with the VAS 611 015 PICO-NVH tool."

Owners should consult with their Audi dealership for proper diagnosis and repair of any Audi e-tron front end noises.

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Source: NHTSA ID: 11013709