2008-2026 Audi Speaker Rattles, Vibrations, Audio Issues TSB

Symptoms of Speaker Rattles and Audio Interference

Owners of 2008-2026 Audi vehicles, including the Audi e-tron, may experience various types of interference noise from their sound system. These symptoms often manifest as "crackling", "creaking", "clattering", or "droning" sounds. The noises can originate from the door, dash panel, or rear shelf, and are typically noticeable when listening to music, making a phone call, or playing other media. If you are experiencing Audi e-tron speaker rattles, this TSB provides guidance.

Understanding the Cause

According to TSB 2018187/17, these noises can be caused by parts of the speakers themselves, such as their brackets, cables, or covers, vibrating at certain frequencies. Additionally, components of the interior fittings, including door covers, the rear shelf, facings, or other covers, can also vibrate and produce similar noises. Constant improvements are being made to address these issues.

Important Warnings for Owners and Technicians

Audi has issued several important advisories regarding this issue:

• Default Sound Settings: "If the customer's individual sound settings are different from the default settings, the complaint should still be firstly assessed with the default sound settings." This ensures that custom equalization or audio enhancements are not masking or contributing to the problem.
• Noise Localization: "It is not always possible to localize the exact source of the noise directly. Vehicle components can transmit noises from other areas into the passenger compartment, which can make it difficult to localize the source of a noise correctly. Please always check around the speakers, as well as the speakers themselves." This applies particularly to "complaints regarding noises while on a phone call".
• Warranty Claims for Parts: "Parts must not be replaced without a good reason as stated in this TSB. Such claims will be debited." Claims for speaker covers that are replaced without being damaged may be denied. When claiming labor for rattling noises on trim parts under warranty, the respective service number of the trim piece must be used, and the damage type must be appropriate for the location in conjunction with the cause of the complaint.

Diagnosis and Repair Procedure Summary

The diagnostic and repair process outlined in Audi TSB 2018187/17 requires technicians to follow a specific sequence of steps to accurately identify and resolve the source of speaker rattles or audio interference. The customer complaint must be consistently reproducible for effective diagnosis.

1. Initial Assessment and Reproduction: The technician first attempts to reproduce the customer's complaint. This involves removing any loose objects from the door storage compartments, glove box, and hat-shelf that might be contributing to the noise. A noise analysis kit, which includes special lubricants, may be used to reduce interior noise.
2. Speaker Cover Inspection: The next step focuses on the speaker covers. Technicians check if a speaker cover is causing the noise by applying pressure to it. If the noise disappears, the cover is removed, and the complaint is re-evaluated. If the noise remains absent, the cover is reinstalled correctly, potentially with felt or other dampening materials. Damaged speaker covers are replaced, and labor is claimed using the service number of the speaker cover as the casual part, specifying damage type SA018 "loose".
3. Speaker Bolt Tightness Check: All bolts on the affected speaker are checked for proper tightness. If any bolts can be tightened, the complaint is reassessed to see if the noise has been resolved.
4. Foreign Body Inspection: The speaker itself is inspected for any foreign bodies that might be causing the noise. Any foreign bodies found are removed.
5. Loudspeaker Sound Test: After confirming the loudspeaker is correctly seated, it is removed, and another sound test is performed while holding the loudspeaker magnet by hand with the membrane facing upwards. The speaker is checked for visible damage to the membrane or foam bead. If no unexpected noise is heard, the speaker is not replaced. If the noise persists, the technician proceeds to step 8.
6. Passenger Compartment Inspection: The passenger compartment is thoroughly checked for loose bolts, trim pieces, "fluttering labels" (as shown in Figure 1 of the TSB), or wires that could vibrate and create resonance. Any loose parts are secured or replaced.
7. Loudspeaker Reinstallation Check: If the complaint could not be reproduced with the loudspeaker removed, it is reinstalled, ensuring it is seated correctly, centrally, and flush. The complaint is then re-evaluated.
8. Loudspeaker Swapping and Amplifier Check: If the noise persists, the technician swaps the affected loudspeaker with the opposite one (e.g., left with right). If the complaint's location moves with the swapped loudspeaker, the loudspeaker is replaced, but not before performing step 6 again to prevent repeat issues. If the complaint does not move, the investigation shifts to the amplifier area, checking for loose cables, bent or widened pins, or damp areas.

Warranty Information and Service Codes

When addressing speaker rattles and audio interference under warranty, it's crucial to use the correct service numbers and damage types. For example, if a loudspeaker is found to be loose, the labor claim should use the service number of the loudspeaker and specify damage type SA018 “loose”.

Here are examples of service numbers for various trim components that might be involved in rattling noise complaints:

• 5811 – Door handle
• 5817 – Door lock
• 5819 – Cable
• 5867 – Lock cylinder
• 7018 – Dash panel
• 7022 – Dash panel cover
• 7058 – Trim strip for dash panel
• 7014 – Loudspeaker cover
• 9732 – Wiring harness for door
• 9733 – Wiring harness for central locking system
• 9740 – Wiring harness for steering column
• 9774 – Wiring harness for dash panel
• 7059 – Door trim (front)
• 7073 – Door trim (rear)
• 6815 – Glove box
• 7030 – Luggage compartment cover

Additional Resources

For specific vehicle types 8T and 8K from model years 2008 – 2012, and 8F models from 2010 – 2012, technicians should also refer to TSB 2022773 for further guidance related to sound system issues.

Source: NHTSA ID: 11011282