2023-2025 Audi Steering Wheel Creaking Noise TSB 2080117/2

Audi has released Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2080117/2, titled "48 Noises from steering wheel trim," to address a specific concern affecting the steering wheel assembly in various 2023-2025 models. This bulletin details the cause and a precise repair procedure for an Audi steering wheel creaking noise that owners may experience. The issue primarily manifests as an audible creaking sound when the driver grips the steering wheel at its lower section. This TSB is crucial for owners seeking to resolve this particular type of noise.

This TSB applies to the following vehicles:

• 2023-2025 Audi A6, A6 allroad, S6, RS 6 Avant, A7, S7, RS 7, A8, and S8
• 2023 Audi e-tron and e-tron Sportback
• 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron, Q8 Sportback e-tron, SQ8 e-tron, and SQ8 Sportback e-tron

Revision History

Technical Service Bulletin 2080117/2 is a revised document. The initial publication (Revision 1) was issued on November 20, 2025 (note: this date appears in the future in the source document). Revision 2 updated both the service information and the warranty details.

Symptoms of Steering Wheel Creaking

Owners of affected Audi vehicles, such as the 2023-2025 Audi A6, A7, A8, S6, S7, S8, RS6 Avant, RS7, and various e-tron models, may notice a distinct creaking sound originating from the steering wheel. This noise is typically heard when the driver applies pressure to the bottom portion of the steering wheel. The presence of this Audi steering wheel creaking can be an annoyance and may suggest an underlying mechanical issue within the steering column or trim components.

Root Cause and Diagnosis

Workshop findings outlined in TSB 2080117/2 pinpoint the lower steering wheel trim as the source of the creaking noise. The technical background explains that the lubricant was not adequately applied to the contact surfaces between the trim and the steering wheel when the trim was originally fitted during manufacturing. This oversight leads to friction between the components and the resulting creaking sound.

To aid in diagnosis, Audi provided a short clip demonstrating the sound. Technicians can access this video via a QR code (Figure 1 in the TSB) or a direct link provided in the document: https://audi-external.kzoplatform.com/misc/sl/nmA0DhYk. This allows for accurate identification of the specific noise characteristic, confirming it matches the described Audi steering wheel creaking issue.

Production Solution

Audi implemented a production solution for this issue starting in September 2025. This indicates that vehicles manufactured from September 2025 onwards should have the correct application of lubricant and should not exhibit this particular creaking noise.

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair outlined in TSB 2080117/2 involves a detailed lubrication process to eliminate the Audi steering wheel creaking noise. The procedure requires careful disassembly and reassembly of steering wheel components. It is crucial that this repair is performed by qualified technicians following the precise steps to ensure proper function and safety.

1. Remove Airbag: The first step involves safely removing the driver's airbag. Technicians must strictly observe all instructions and safety information provided in ElsaPro, Audi's electronic service information system, to prevent accidental deployment or injury.
2. Remove Upper Steering Wheel Trim: Following airbag removal, the upper steering wheel trim must be carefully detached. This component is identified as item 6 in Figure 4, which provides an exploded view diagram of the steering wheel assembly. The process involves unscrewing four securing bolts for the trim and then gently unclipping the trim from the steering wheel.
3. Remove Lower Steering Wheel Trim: Next, the lower steering wheel trim, identified as item 7 in Figure 4, is removed by carefully unclipping it from its position on the steering wheel.
4. Apply Lubricant: With the trim components removed, the special lubricant, part number G 052 172 M2, is applied to the specific contact surfaces. Figures 2 and 3 in the TSB illustrate the general areas on both sides of the steering wheel where the lubricant should be applied, highlighted by yellow circles. Figures 5 and 6 provide even more detailed views of