2021-2025 Audi Upper Link Rumbling Noises TSB 2060855/3

Audi has issued Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2060855/3, released on June 2, 2025, to address customer complaints regarding Audi upper link rumbling noises and other suspension-related sounds from the front end of certain 2021-2025 models. This bulletin provides diagnostic information and a detailed repair procedure for technicians to resolve issues stemming from the upper link rubber mounting.

Revision History of TSB 2060855/3

This Technical Service Bulletin has undergone several revisions to ensure accuracy and updated information:

• Revision 3: The most recent revision updated the header to include revised model years and service information.
• Revision 2 (September 10, 2024): This revision updated the header to add more model and model year information and revised warranty details, specifically updating the Labor Operation (LO) codes.
• Revision 1 (October 7, 2020): The initial publication of the bulletin.

Symptoms of Upper Link Issues

Owners of affected Audi vehicles may notice a range of auditory and tactile symptoms originating from the front suspension. These symptoms are categorized by the object and type of complaint:

• Vehicle Service / Inspection, Maintenance: Customers may report issues during a service, indicating a process complaint with confirmation.
• Entire Vehicle / Vehicle Areas / Vehicle Front: This is where most audible complaints originate, including general "noises, vibrations -> noise," specific "noises, vibrations -> thumping," "noises, vibrations -> crunching/groaning/crackling," and "noises, vibrations -> chattering."
• Chassis / Damping/Suspension Regulation: Complaints may also involve the suspension system deflecting, leading to "noises, vibrations -> noise."

Beyond audible cues, a visual inspection by a technician may reveal "damage to the bonded rubber bush of the upper rear link." Figure 1 in the original bulletin, titled "Damage to the rubber mounting," illustrates this damage, showing a deteriorated rubber component that is no longer effectively cushioning the suspension parts. The complaint can also be identified during an "inspection service" or "main inquiry."

Workshop codes further detail the object of complaint, specifically pointing to the "chassis -> wheel suspension, suspension, damping -> control arm bearing." The complaint types associated with this include "component, automotive fluids -> wear too high" for both left and right sides, and "component, automotive fluids -> damaged" for both left and right sides of the control arm bearing.

Technical Background

According to Audi, the primary cause for these Audi upper link rumbling noises and related issues is often attributed to "frequent maneuvering." The upper link, a critical component of the front suspension system, relies on its rubber mounting (also known as a rubber bush or upper control arm bearing) to absorb shocks and vibrations, ensuring smooth vehicle operation and precise handling. Over time, and especially with frequent dynamic driving, this rubber component can wear down, crack, or become damaged. Once compromised, the rubber mounting loses its ability to dampen movement, leading to direct metal-on-metal contact or excessive play, which manifests as the rumbling and other noises experienced by the driver.

Important Warnings for Owners and Technicians

Audi TSB 2060855/3 includes crucial instructions to ensure the correct repair is performed and to prevent unnecessary costs. Technicians are explicitly warned in a "NOTICE" section: "You must NOT replace the entire link. If this instruction is ignored, the costs will be charged back." This emphasizes that only the damaged rubber mounting should be replaced, not the complete upper link assembly, which is a more extensive and costly repair.

Furthermore, to support warranty claims and proper documentation, technicians are instructed to "Take pictures that clearly show the damage with the bush still installed and attach these pictures to DOC-IT." This ensures that the specific nature of the damage is recorded before the repair begins. The bulletin also reminds technicians to consult the repair operation list for any prerequisite or subsequent operations.

Repair Procedure Summary

The recommended repair procedure for addressing Audi upper link rumbling noises involves replacing the damaged rubber mounting of the upper rear link on both sides of the vehicle. This process should be performed according to the detailed instructions found in the Elsa repair manual, specifically under the path: "Chassis >> Suspension, Wheels, Steering >> 40 Front Suspension >> Suspension Strut and Upper Control Arm >> Upper Control Arm Bearing Replacing." The part description in ELSA for this component is "Upper control arm bearing (also known as rubber bush)," while in ETKA it is referred to as "Bonded rubber mounting (also known as rubber bush)."

The repair generally involves:

1. Preparation: Safely lifting the vehicle and ensuring proper support.
2. Access: Disassembling relevant parts of the front suspension to gain access to the upper rear link and its rubber mounting.
3. Removal: Carefully removing the old, damaged rubber bushes. Figure 2 in the bulletin provides an exploded view of the rubber mounting and surrounding suspension parts, aiding technicians in identifying the components involved.
4. Installation: Installing new bonded rubber mountings, ensuring correct placement and orientation.
5. Reassembly: Reassembling the suspension components according to Elsa manual specifications.
6. Final Checks: Performing necessary alignments or checks as required by the repair manual.

Required Parts and Tools

To complete this repair, specific parts and resources are necessary:

• Part Number 4N0407515: This is the "Bonded Rubber Mounting" required for the repair. It should be ordered as needed for both sides of the vehicle.
• Fasteners, Bolts, Nuts, and Screws: These should be sourced as needed per the Repair Manual and checked via ETKA/ELSA to ensure proper and secure reassembly.

Technicians should always check with their Parts Department and/or ETKA for the latest information and parts bulletins.

Warranty Information

For vehicles still under warranty, claims for this repair should be submitted in accordance with the Audi Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual. The TSB specifies the following details for warranty claims:

• Claim Type: If the vehicle is outside any warranty, this Technical Service Bulletin is informational only. Repair costs would typically be the owner's responsibility.
• Service Number: 4012
• Damage Code: 0015
• Labor Operations:
  • Replace 2 bushes for Upper Guide: Labor code 4012 5651. Technicians should refer to the Service Repair Time (SRT) with associated operations for detailed time units.
  • GFF (Guided Fault Finding): No allowance (0 TU).
  • Road test prior to the service procedure: Labor code 0121 0002, allotted 10 labor time units.
  • Road test after the service procedure: Labor code 0121 0004, also allotted 10 labor time units.

All warranty claims submitted for payment are subject to review or audit by Audi Warranty. The claim comment should reference "As per TSB 2060855/3."

What to Do if You Experience This

If you own a 2021-2025 Audi A4, A5, S4, A4 allroad, S5, A8, S8, RS 5, A8 L e, or Q5 and are experiencing Audi upper link rumbling noises or other front suspension sounds described in this bulletin, it is recommended to contact an authorized Audi service center. Inform them about the symptoms you are observing and mention Audi TSB 2060855/3. This will help ensure that your vehicle is diagnosed correctly and the appropriate repair is performed by trained technicians using genuine Audi parts.

NHTSA ID: 11020335