2022-2025 Audi Front Seat Creaking/Squeaking Noise TSB

Symptoms

Owners of certain 2022-2025 Audi models may experience a distinct Audi front seat creaking noise or squeaking sound originating from the front seat area. This noise is typically described as "Creaking/squeaking noises from area of seat frame" and can be reproduced in a workshop setting.

Technical Background

According to Audi Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2076184/2, the root cause of the front seat noise is related to production tolerances. Specifically, a shielding plate within the seat frame may come into contact with the toothed segment of the seat's height adjuster. This contact generates the creaking or squeaking sounds reported by vehicle owners.

Audi has implemented a gradual optimization in production starting from approximately week 48/2024 to address this issue at the manufacturing level.

Repair Procedure Summary

To eliminate the Audi front seat creaking noise, technicians follow a specific service procedure that involves bending and greasing the affected components. The steps are as follows:

1. Access the Seat Frame: The outer seat frame trim on the side of the affected seat must be removed, following instructions in the Workshop Manual.
2. Adjust Shielding Plate: A flat-bladed screwdriver is carefully inserted between two metal pieces (as illustrated in Figure 1 and Figure 2 of the TSB) and rotated. This action gently presses the shielding plate away from the toothed segment of the height adjuster, preventing further contact.
3. Prepare for Greasing: The seat's height adjuster should be moved to its lowest possible position.
4. Apply Grease: Lithium grease, specifically part number G 052150A2, is applied through a designated hole in the shielding plate using a small brush or injector (Figure 3). If available, the noise insulation set from BECHEM, which includes BERULUB XP 746 grease, can also be used.
5. Distribute Grease: To ensure even distribution of the grease, the seat height adjuster must be cycled multiple times, moving it from the upper stop to the lower stop and back. This entire cycling procedure should be repeated twice.
6. Grease Seat Rail End Stops: Finally, the end stops on the seat rail should also be greased (Figure 4) to further reduce potential noise sources.

Required Tools or Parts

Technicians will require specific materials for this repair:

• Lithium Grease: G 052150A2 (quantity 0.1)
• Alternative Grease: BERULUB XP 746 (if the noise insulation set from BECHEM is available)
• Fasteners: Any necessary fasteners, bolts, nuts, and screws as detailed in the repair manual (sourced via ETKA/ELSA).

Important Warnings

Owners should be aware that if their vehicle is outside of any warranty, this Technical Service Bulletin is informational only. Warranty coverage for this repair is subject to the Audi Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual.

Warranty Information

For vehicles under warranty, claims related to this issue should reference Service Number 7215 and Damage Code 0020. Labor operations for this repair include:

• Driver or Passenger Seat:
  • Trim remove+reinstall: 7216 19xx
  • Height adjuster modify: 7228 4999 (10 TU)
• Driver and Passenger Seats (for A3 models):
  • 2 Trims remove+reinstall: 7216 2099 (50 TU)
• Driver and Passenger Seats (for Q4 models):
  • 2 Trims remove+reinstall: 60 TU
• Driver and Passenger Seats (for TT, A4, A5, Q3 models):
  • 2 Trims remove+reinstall: 40 TU
• 2 Height Adjusters Modify: 7228 5099 (20 TU)

All warranty claims must be submitted as per TSB 2076184/2.

Source: NHTSA ID: 11022671