2021-2022 Audi e-tron Front Creaking Noise TSB

Audi has released Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2058489/8 to address customer complaints regarding creaking and squeaking noises emanating from the front of various models, including the 2021-2022 Audi e-tron. This TSB, which supersedes previous bulletin 24-70 dated January 12, 2024, provides diagnostic and repair procedures for this specific issue.

Symptoms

Owners may experience "creaking noises from front of the vehicle" or "squeaking, creaking, or similar noises can be heard from the front end when driving on uneven roads." These noises can also be felt in the footwell or heard from behind the dash panel. Technicians can typically reproduce the noises during a workshop inspection.

Technical Background

The root cause of the Audi e-tron creaking noise and similar issues in other models is often traced to the hydro-bushing located on the lower-left guide link. While parts like the coupling rod (Figure 2, Position 30 in the TSB) are sometimes mistakenly replaced, the actual problem typically lies with the hydro-bushing (Figure 1, Positions 7 and 8). The noises generated by this component can transmit into the vehicle's interior through the subframe connection, making them noticeable in the footwell.

Repair Procedure Summary

To resolve the Audi e-tron creaking noise, technicians should follow a two-step repair process outlined in TSB 2058489/8. It is crucial to precisely locate the noise source using acoustic testers and to review the vehicle's repair history for any previous attempts to fix the issue.

1. Hydro-Bushing Replacement: The primary repair involves replacing the hydro-bushing on the guide link in pairs. This procedure must be performed according to the instructions in the ELSA Repair Manual under Chassis >> Suspension >> Wheels, Steering >> 40 Front Axles >> Lower Control Arm and Ball Joint >> Guide link bonder rubber bushing, Removing and Installing.
2. Complete Guide Link Replacement (if necessary): If the hydro-bushing has already been replaced (pressed out/in) in a previous repair and the noise persists, the complete guide link must be replaced. This is also detailed in the ELSA Repair Manual under Chassis >> Suspension >> Wheels, Steering >> 40 Front Axles >> Lower Control Arm and Ball Joint >> Guide link, Removing and Installing.

Required Parts and Tools

For this repair, specific parts and tools are necessary:

• Hydro-Bushing: Part Number 4M0407183B (Quantity: 02)
• Guide Link: If the hydro-bushing was previously replaced, the complete guide link may be needed. Refer to ETKA for the correct part number (Quantity: 02).
• Fasteners, Bolts, Nuts, and Screws: As needed per the ELSA Repair Manual.

Technicians may also use a noise analysis tool (PICO) for diagnosis, with specific labor operations like 0161 0000 (A8 only) and 4012 0199 (Other than A8) associated with its setup and use.

Warranty Information

This repair is generally covered under warranty, provided the vehicle meets specific criteria:

• Standard Warranty: Up to 48 months or 50,000 miles.
• CPO Covered Vehicles: For Certified Pre-Owned vehicles, the claim type G10 applies to Verified Owners.
• Out-of-Warranty: If the vehicle is outside of any applicable warranty, this Technical Bulletin serves as informational guidance only.

Warranty claims must adhere to the Audi Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual. The Service Number for this repair is 4012, and the Damage Code is 0020. Specific labor operations include 4016 2050 (A8, Q7, Q8), 4016 2000 (e-tron) for guide link removal and reinstall, and 4012 5650 for replacing the guide link mounting. Road tests before (0121 0002) and after (0121 0004) the service procedure are allocated 10 Technical Units (TU) each.

Important Warnings

• Precise Diagnosis: Technicians are advised to "Please precisely locate the source of the noise with acoustic testers." This emphasizes the importance of accurate diagnosis to avoid unnecessary part replacements.
• Repair History: It is critical to "Check the repair history for repeat repairs" to determine if a complete guide link replacement is necessary rather than just the hydro-bushing.

NHTSA ID: 10250544