2016-2026 Audi Suspension Noises TSB 2076604/2

Audi has issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2076604/2 to assist technicians in diagnosing and pinpointing the source of various noises emanating from the suspension system. This TSB, released on September 29, 2025, serves as a comprehensive guide to address customer complaints about unusual sounds.

The bulletin emphasizes a systematic approach to identifying the root cause of these noises, which can often be challenging to diagnose accurately. It provides a framework for technicians to follow, ensuring thorough investigation and effective resolution for Audi e-tron suspension noises and similar issues across a wide range of Audi models.

Symptoms of Suspension Noises

Owners may experience a variety of noises and vibrations originating from the vehicle's suspension. These symptoms can occur in the front or rear of the vehicle, or even be associated with specific components like the brake system or steering.

Common complaint types include:

• Thumping: Often heard from the vehicle front or rear.
• Vibrating: Can manifest in both front and rear vehicle areas.
• Squeaking: Typically reported from the front or rear suspension.
• Snapping: A sharp, sudden noise.
• Crunching/Groaning/Crackling: Indicative of friction or movement in suspension components.
• Too Loud: General excessive noise from the suspension.
• Pinging: A metallic, high-pitched sound.
• Chattering: Rapid, repetitive noise.
• General Noise/Vibrations: Broad complaints that require detailed investigation.

These noises can be linked to various parts of the chassis, including the wheel suspension, shock absorbers, steering, brake system, and even the level control system.

Diagnosing Suspension Noises

The TSB outlines a detailed diagnostic process to accurately identify the source of suspension noises. This involves a combination of customer interaction, road testing, and systematic component checks.

Road Test and Customer Interview

Technicians are instructed to perform a road test with the customer to reproduce the complaint. During this process, several key questions should be considered:

• Noise Location: Where does the noise occur (front, rear, side)?
• Audibility: Is the noise clearer inside the vehicle or from the outside? Is it louder in a specific location?
• Conditions: Under what external conditions (temperature, precipitation, road surface) and driving situations (speed, acceleration, steering wheel angle, gear, pedal operation, drive mode, load) does the noise occur?
• Characterization: How does the noise manifest (e.g., metallic, hollow)? How often does it occur (always, sporadically, only when starting, only on long trips)?

Recording a video or audio file to document the noise is also recommended. Additionally, technicians should investigate if the noise coincides with other phenomena like a tilted vehicle, worn parts, or warning lamps.

Reproducing the Noise

Further diagnostic steps involve attempting to reproduce the noise in a controlled environment:

• Lifting Platform: Can the noise be reproduced on a lifting platform by manually moving components or creating vibrations?
• Electronic Components: Can activating an electronic component (e.g., via final control diagnosis) or deactivating/disconnecting running gear components (assembly mountings, anti-roll bar) reproduce or eliminate the noise?

Systematic Component Isolation

To isolate the noise source, technicians should consider other components that might cause vibrations. This includes direct or adjacent components with linear movement, bearing points, or rotation. Temporarily decoupling components can help determine if the noise is eliminated. Observing how the noise changes when components are swapped over can also provide valuable clues.

Recommended Diagnostic Tools

To precisely locate the source of Audi e-tron suspension noises, Audi recommends using specialized acoustic measuring devices and noise location tools. These tools help technicians pinpoint the exact origin of the sound.

Specific tools mentioned include:

• PICO tool VAS 611015: This advanced tool is highly recommended for detailed acoustic measurements.
• Chassis Ear: A common tool used to listen to specific areas of the chassis.
• V.A.G 1842: Another diagnostic tool for identifying noise sources.

When using these tools, it is crucial to ensure that no other vehicle noises interfere with the measurements. The actual source of the noise should be confirmed with multiple measurements taken both when the vehicle is stationary and during a road test.

Repair Procedure Summary

The TSB emphasizes a systematic approach to repair. Once the noise source is identified, the least expensive component should be considered for replacement first, assuming reasonable suspicion. Components should not be replaced without a qualified initial analysis.

Before submitting a technical repair query, technicians must work through all recommendations in the TSB. A completed TSB, including all findings, must be submitted, along with photos documenting how and where noise measurements were taken. This ensures that the situation can be properly assessed remotely.

Owner Action

If you are experiencing unusual noises from your Audi's suspension, such as thumping, squeaking, or vibrations, it is recommended to schedule an appointment with an authorized Audi service center. Technicians will utilize this TSB (2076604/2) to diagnose and address the issue.

It is important to note that this TSB is informational and does not automatically apply to any Audi Warranty. The applicability of warranty coverage for specific repairs will depend on your vehicle's warranty status and the nature of the fault.

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Source: NHTSA ID 11023772