2023 Audi A5/SQ5 Steering Pulls, Crooked Wheel TSB

Revision History

This Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 44 22 96 2066483/4, dated October 19, 2022, supersedes an earlier bulletin, Group 44 number 22-95, which was dated June 6, 2022. The TSB has undergone several revisions:

• Revision 4: Revised Model Year.
• Revision 3 (06/06/2022): Corrected a display issue.
• Revision 2 (05/24/2022): Revised the service procedure with updated instructions.

Symptoms

Owners of 2023 Audi A5, Q5 e quattro, Q5 Sportback, SQ5, and SQ5 Sportback vehicles may notice two primary symptoms indicating a potential issue with suspension alignment. These include the vehicle consistently reporting "The vehicle pulls to one side" while driving, requiring constant steering correction. Additionally, owners might observe that "The steering wheel is crooked" or off-center even when the vehicle is traveling in a straight line.

Diagnosis / Trigger Conditions

To diagnose the issue, a technician will first verify the condition by test-driving the vehicle to reproduce the reported concern, such as the 2023 Audi A5 steering pulls. For new vehicles still within the New Vehicle Limited Warranty and with fewer than 3000 miles, it is required to contact a Technical Assistance Center (TAC) consultant before proceeding with any repairs. The TAC consultant will then review the case and evaluate if a Technical Field Manager (TFM) visit is necessary. If a TFM visit is required, technicians must wait for specific TFM instructions before proceeding. If a TFM visit is not necessary, the repair procedure can commence.

Repair Procedure Summary

If a TFM visit is not required, technicians will proceed with a comprehensive suspension alignment as outlined in TSB 44 22 96 2066483/4. This process begins by reviewing detailed alignment information available in the ELSA repair manual, specifically under 'Chassis >> Suspension, Wheels, Steering >> 44 Wheels, Tires, Wheel Alignment'. It is crucial to ensure that the wheel alignment machine software is fully up to date before starting the procedure.

A special tool, the VAS 6458 (Steering wheel scale), is installed to ensure precise steering wheel positioning. The steering column must be set to its highest and furthest position from the dash panel. With the wheels straight, a clear picture in front of the steering wheel (as shown in Figure 1 of the TSB) is taken before alignment. Technicians must also verify that all tires and wheels meet OEM specifications. Tire pressure is checked and adjusted according to specifications, and suspension components, wheels, and tires are inspected for any damage. Following these checks, the suspension alignment is performed.

After the alignment, the complete alignment protocol, including both before and after measurements, must be uploaded to the TAC ticket. This protocol must be a full document, not screen pictures, and must clearly list the vehicle's VIN.

Required Tools or Parts

To accurately perform the suspension alignment procedure, the following specialized tool is required:

• VAS 6458 (Steering wheel scale)

Important Warnings

Audi Technical Service Bulletin 44 22 96 2066483/4 includes several critical advisories for technicians and owners:

• Vehicles equipped with winter tires can be excluded from this specific Repair Authorization, meaning the TSB's repair procedure does not apply to them.
• When uploading alignment protocols to the TAC ticket, technicians must "Please upload full protocol, no screen pictures. Protocols must list the VIN number."
• This TSB is informational only and is not applicable to any Audi warranty. This implies that the repair may not be covered under standard warranty terms, and owners should clarify costs with their dealership.

Owner Action

If your 2023 Audi A5, Q5 e quattro, Q5 Sportback, SQ5, or SQ5 Sportback exhibits symptoms like "The vehicle pulls to one side" or "The steering wheel is crooked," it is recommended to contact your authorized Audi dealership. They can diagnose the issue and perform the necessary suspension alignment as per TSB 44 22 96 2066483/4.

NHTSA ID: 10227976