2021-2025 Audi quattro Ultra Vibrations and Binding TSB

Symptoms of quattro Ultra Vibrations and Binding

Owners of 2021-2025 Audi vehicles equipped with quattro Ultra may experience various noises and sensations from the drivetrain. These symptoms often manifest under specific driving conditions. You might notice noises from the drive train, including the S tronic gearbox, manual gearbox, propshaft, or rear final drive, especially when pulling away quickly from a standstill with the wheels turned.

Additional symptoms include vibrations, humming, droning, or rubbing that can be heard and/or felt in the vehicle interior, or even on the rear seats. These sensations are particularly noticeable when the steering wheel is turned to full lock. The Audi quattro Ultra vibrations can also occur when driving in a straight line, especially in wet conditions, and may be perceived as a knocking sound from the rear of the vehicle. Audi notes that "The noises change as the operating temperature increases."

Technical Background

Audi Technical Service Bulletin 2074618/1 explains that the root cause of these vibrations, humming, droning, or rubbing is the different speed between the front axle differential and the rear final drive. These issues typically arise when taking very tight corners, driving in a straight line (especially on wet roads), and when the four-wheel drive coupling 1 is closed. This condition leads to the noticeable Audi quattro Ultra vibrations and binding sensations.

Diagnosis and Repair Procedure

If you are experiencing these symptoms in your 2021-2025 Audi quattro Ultra, a dealer technician will first attempt to reproduce the customer complaint. It is crucial that the issue can be clearly assigned to this TSB based on the description, workshop findings, and event memory entries. The repair should only be carried out if all vehicle criteria, such as model, chassis number, engine/gearbox code, and software version, apply exactly.

Before proceeding with a major repair, the TSB instructs technicians to check if the measures outlined in TSB 2059057, which involves fluid changes for quattro Ultra vibrations or binding, have already been performed. If TSB 2059057 was applied and did not resolve the problem within 60 miles after the fluid change, then the next step is to replace the four-wheel drive coupling according to the Workshop Manual. This replacement is a more extensive procedure aimed at definitively resolving the Audi quattro Ultra vibrations.

Labor Operations

Specific labor operations and their associated codes are provided for this repair:

• Remove and install propshaft: 3902 19xx
• Remove and install four-wheel drive coupling: 3960 1950
• Replaced four-wheel drive coupling: 3960 5550
• Diagnostic Time (GFF): 0151 0000
• Charge battery: 2706 8950

Important Warnings

Owners should be aware of a critical detail regarding the related TSB 2059057. Audi states, "TSB 2059057 becomes effective within the next 60 miles after the fluid is changed." This means that if the initial fluid change procedure was performed, its effectiveness should be evaluated within 60 miles of driving before considering further repairs. Additionally, if the vehicle is outside of warranty, this Technical Service Bulletin is for informational purposes only, and any repair costs would be the owner's responsibility.

Warranty Information

This repair is generally covered under Audi's New Vehicle Limited Warranty, specifically for up to 48 months or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. For Audi Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles, the claim type is G10, and owner verification is required. If your vehicle is outside of any applicable warranty, this Technical Service Bulletin serves as an informational guide, and any repairs would not be covered free of charge. All warranty claims must adhere to the Audi Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual.

• Service Number: 3960
• Damage Code: 0020
• Claim Comment: As per TSB 2074618/1

Source: NHTSA ID 11005887