2019-2023 Audi Q8/SQ8/RS Q8 Cracking Roof Noise TSB

Owners of 2019-2023 Audi Q8, SQ8, and RS Q8 vehicles may notice an unusual "cracking" or "snap" type of noise emanating from the right rear roof area. This issue, specifically addressed by Audi Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2060145/6, often occurs during abrupt steering maneuvers or when the vehicle's body flexes.

This TSB, released on May 31, 2024, supersedes an earlier bulletin, 51 23-27, and provides a detailed repair procedure to eliminate the Audi Q8 cracking roof noise by adjusting structural tolerances in the roof assembly.

Symptoms

If your Audi Q8, SQ8, or RS Q8 exhibits this condition, you will typically hear a distinct "cracking" or "snap" type of noise. This sound is specifically localized to the right rear roof area of the cabin, particularly noticeable under the following conditions:

• During abrupt steering thrusts.
• When the vehicle body flexes.

Workshop findings indicate that the noise originates from the right rear-most area of the sunroof opening, within the roof structure itself.

Technical Background

The root cause of the Audi Q8 cracking roof noise is attributed to the current structural tolerances between the roof panel and the roof support sheet metal. These tolerances can allow for intermittent noise generation under driving conditions that induce body flex, such as an acute steering maneuver.

Important Warnings

Before any repair is performed, it is crucial to accurately diagnose the source of the noise. Audi specifies the following:

• Do not perform the repair outlined in this TSB if the noise cannot be duplicated during a test drive with the customer.
• Ensure that the noise type and its location are clearly attributable to the issue described in the Technical Background section of this TSB. The work procedure should only be carried out if the symptom has been duplicated and the noise source matches the description.

Repair Procedure Summary

The repair for the Audi Q8 cracking roof noise involves a precise rework of the right rear-most area of the sunroof opening. The general steps are as follows:

1. Preparation: The headliner and the sliding sunroof assembly must be carefully removed to access the affected area.
2. Sheet Metal Separation: The outer roof sheet metal needs to be separated from the inner roof support. This involves breaking away existing adhesive.
3. Gap Creation: A small gap, approximately 1mm, is created between the separated sheet metal sections.
4. Cavity Filling: The newly created cavity is then filled with a specific product, 3M 08852 Cavity Wax Plus.
5. Reassembly and Test: After filling the cavity, the vehicle is test-driven to ensure the noises have been eliminated. The headliner and sunroof assembly are reinstalled. It is important to perform the sunroof panel and rollershade end stop adaptation after reassembly; refer to TSB 2054505 for detailed instructions on this step.

Required Parts and Tools

To perform this repair, technicians will need the following:

• 3M 08852 Cavity Wax Plus: This is available as a shop supply through the Audi Top Service Supplies & Touch Up Paint eStore.
• Fasteners, Bolts, Nuts, and Screws: As needed, these should be sourced according to the Repair Manual and checked via ETKA/ELSA.

Warranty Information

This repair, identified by Service Number 5103 and Damage Code 0020, is covered under Audi's New Vehicle Limited Warranty for up to 48 months or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. If the vehicle is outside this warranty period, this Technical Service Bulletin serves as informational guidance only.

Associated labor operations include:

• Sunroof frame remove and reinstall: Labor Operation 6028 1950.
• Perform roof rework: Labor Operation 5103 5099, estimated at 30 Time Units (TU).
• Cavity wax applied: Labor Operation 5101 7552.
• Road test prior to service procedure: Labor Operation 0121 0002, estimated at 10 TU.

Warranty claims must be submitted in accordance with the Audi Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual, referencing TSB 2060145/6.

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Source: NHTSA ID: 11002131