2022-2026 Audi Front End Noise TSB: Wheel Bearing Issues

Owners of 2022-2026 Audi vehicles, including the Audi e-tron, may experience various noises emanating from the front end or dash panel while the vehicle is in motion. This Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2047920/7, issued on August 8, 2023, addresses these concerns, superseding an earlier bulletin, Group 40 number 22-45, dated July 13, 2022.

Symptoms

If you own a 2022-2026 Audi, you might notice one or more of the following symptoms related to the Audi e-tron front end noise:

• A buzzing, booming, humming, or whistling sound coming from the front end.
• Noises that seem to originate from the steering area or behind the dash panel.
• Sounds that could be mistaken for tire rolling noises.

These noises are typically reproducible during a test drive, confirming an active issue with the Audi e-tron front end noise.

Technical Background

The root cause of these intrusive noises is mechanical damage to the front axle wheel bearings. The design of Audi vehicles means that sounds from the wheel bearing can be transmitted through the steering system directly into the vehicle's interior. This proximity makes it challenging to differentiate these specific noises from general tire rolling sounds.

Diagnosis

To accurately diagnose the source of the Audi e-tron front end noise, technicians will perform a series of checks. These steps help pinpoint whether the wheel bearings are indeed the cause:

• Speed-related noise: Does the frequency or pitch of the noise increase as the vehicle's speed rises?
• Steering impact: Does the noise become louder when you turn the steering wheel?
• Slowing down: Is the noise still present when the vehicle is decelerating?
• Steering wheel amplification: Is the noise amplified or more noticeable on the steering wheel or airbag well?
• Coil spring vibration: Can vibrations be felt on an unpressed coil spring when the wheel is turning?
• Bearing swap test: If wheel bearings are swapped, does the noise move with a particular bearing?

Important Warnings

When diagnosing and repairing the Audi e-tron front end noise, it is crucial to precisely locate the source of the noise using acoustic testers. It's possible for a noise perceived on the left side of the vehicle to actually originate from the right wheel bearing. Technicians are advised that the front wheel bearings should not be replaced in pairs unless both are confirmed to be faulty. If, after thorough analysis, the noise cannot be traced to a wheel bearing, the investigation should continue to other potential components.

Repair Procedure Summary

Once the front axle wheel bearing is identified as the source of the noise, the repair involves replacing the affected component. The general procedure includes:

1. Performing a road test to confirm the customer's reported noise and its characteristics.
2. Utilizing acoustic testing and diagnostic questions to isolate the specific faulty front wheel bearing.
3. Replacing the mechanically damaged wheel bearing on the front axle.
4. Conducting another road test after the repair to ensure the noise has been eliminated.

Required Parts and Tools

Specific parts and tools are required for this repair. Technicians should consult ETKA (Electronic Parts Catalog) for the most up-to-date information on:

• Wheel bearings: The specific part number for the replacement wheel bearing.
• Fasteners, Bolts, Nuts, and Screws: Any associated fasteners needed for the repair, as detailed in the repair manual.

Warranty Information

This Technical Service Bulletin outlines specific warranty claim types and labor operations for addressing the Audi e-tron front end noise. For eligible vehicles, coverage typically extends up to 48 months or 50,000 miles. For Audi Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles, coverage falls under claim type G10, requiring owner verification.

If your vehicle is outside of its warranty period, this TSB serves as informational guidance only. The relevant service numbers and codes for warranty claims include:

• Service Number: 4057
• Damage Code: 0020
• Labor Operation: Replace wheel bearing (4057 5550)
• Diagnostic Time: GFF (no allowance)
• Road test prior to service procedure: 0121 0002 (10 TUs)
• Road test after service procedure: 0121 0004 (10 TUs)

All warranty claims must adhere to the Audi Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual, as per TSB 2047920/7, and are subject to review or audit by Audi Warranty.

NHTSA ID: 10241420