2022-2024 Audi Models Experiencing Braking Noises TSB

Owners of 2022-2024 Audi models, including the Audi e-tron, may notice various noises when braking. This Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2069904/1 from Audi addresses these concerns, providing insights into potential causes and recommended actions when brake pad thickness is otherwise normal.

Symptoms

Customers typically report hearing "Noises when braking." These noises can originate from both the front and/or rear brakes during braking application. It's important to note that these symptoms occur even when the brake pad thickness is within acceptable limits.

Diagnosis and Trigger Conditions

Brake noises can stem from several factors, often related to environmental influences and driving habits. Common causes identified in this TSB include:

• Contamination: Brake dust, rust, road grit, and other external debris can accumulate on the brake components.
• Driving Habits: Low mileage, frequent short drives, and very light braking application can prevent the brakes from cleaning themselves sufficiently. This also hinders the optimal friction value from building up on the friction surfaces.
• Improper Bedding: On new or low-mileage vehicles, the brake pads and discs need to properly bed in with each other to achieve an optimal friction value. The exact mileage required for this varies significantly based on individual driving profiles.
• Glazed Friction Surfaces: This condition indicates that the brake pads have been subjected to strong or excessive thermal loads, causing the surface to become hardened and shiny (glazed). Figure 3 in the original document illustrates brake pads with glazed friction surfaces.

Figures 1 and 2 in the original bulletin show examples of dirty friction surfaces on both the brake pad and brake disc, respectively, which can contribute to these noises.

Repair Procedure Summary

This TSB emphasizes that in most cases, it is not necessary to replace parts to resolve braking noises. Instead, the focus is on proper maintenance and driving practices:

1. Brake Bedding: Ensure that the brakes are adequately bedded in. This involves using a driving style appropriate for traffic conditions and regularly braking cleanly. Information on this topic can also be found in the vehicle's Owner's Manual.
2. Friction Surface Cleaning: If the brake pads have glazed or very dirty friction surfaces, technicians can clean or work on these surfaces using workshop materials such as sandpaper or brake cleaning solutions. After cleaning, the brakes should be bedded in again.

Important Warnings

Owners should be aware of the following key points from this bulletin:

• "It is not necessary to replace parts" for braking noises caused by contamination or glazing, provided brake pad thickness is adequate.
• "This TSB is informational only and not applicable to any Audi warranty." This means the suggested remedies are maintenance-related and typically not covered under warranty.

Owner Action

If you are experiencing Audi e-tron braking noises, it is advisable to consult your authorized Audi service center. They can inspect your vehicle's brakes to determine the exact cause of the noise and perform the recommended cleaning and bedding procedures. Discussing your driving habits with the service advisor may also help in understanding how to maintain optimal brake performance and reduce noise.

Source: NHTSA ID 10235359