2021 Audi Q8 Rear Suspension Rattle TSB 2038689/4

Owners of various Audi models, including the 2021 Audi Q8, may experience a noticeable clunking or rattling noise emanating from the rear suspension area, particularly when the vehicle encounters bumps or uneven road surfaces. This common complaint is addressed by Audi Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2038689/4, which outlines the root cause and the specific repair procedure.

This TSB, identified as 42 20 44 2038689/4, supersedes a previous bulletin, 18-38 dated June 20, 2018, and was last revised on May 13, 2020. It provides a detailed solution for the 2021 Audi Q8 rear suspension rattle and similar issues in other Audi vehicles.

Symptoms

Owners typically report the following symptom:

• "Clunking or rattling noises are heard from the rear suspension area when the vehicle is driven over bumps."

This noise indicates a problem within the rear suspension system that requires attention.

Technical Background and Cause

The underlying cause of the 2021 Audi Q8 rear suspension rattle is an improperly seated rear bump stop. This issue often originates during the Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) process, where the rear bump stop may not have been fully inserted into the rear shock absorber mounting. When not properly seated, the bump stop can move and create the clunking or rattling sound as the vehicle's suspension articulates over bumps.

Important Warnings

Owners should be aware that this Technical Service Bulletin 2038689/4 is informational only and is not applicable to any Audi Warranty. This means that while the TSB provides a repair procedure, the cost of the repair may not be covered under warranty, depending on the vehicle's specific warranty status and the nature of the original PDI.

Additionally, during the repair process, technicians are advised to always ensure that the dust boot does not get caught on the top of the shock once the vehicle is lowered, to prevent further issues.

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair for the 2021 Audi Q8 rear suspension rattle involves properly seating the rear bump stops using a specialized tool. The general procedure is as follows:

1. The top of the rear bump stops must be thoroughly cleaned and then coated with tire mounting paste. This helps in smooth installation and proper seating.
2. A special tool, the SET900 bump stop installation tool, is used to fully press the rear bump stops into their respective upper shock mounts. This tool provides the necessary leverage to ensure the bump stop is correctly seated.
3. The purpose of this tool is to prevent the bump stops from dropping out of the rear upper shock mounts, which is the cause of the noise.

Audi has also provided a video demonstrating the use of the SET900 tool, which can be accessed via a QR code or a direct link mentioned in the TSB (TSB 2039206, "00 Viewing TSB videos").

Required Tools

To perform this repair correctly, a specific tool is required:

• Tool Number: SET900
• Tool Description: Bump stop installation tool

This SET900 tool was distributed to all Audi dealers in November 2014, and additional tools can be purchased through the Audi Special Tools and Equipment Program.

Owner Action

If your Audi is experiencing a 2021 Audi Q8 rear suspension rattle or similar noises as described, it is recommended to schedule an appointment with an authorized Audi service center. Technicians will be able to diagnose the issue and perform the necessary repair using the specialized SET900 tool to correctly seat the rear bump stops.

---

Source: NHTSA ID: 10175376