2021-2026 Audi Front End Noise While Moving TSB

Audi has released Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 2047920/8 to address various noises emanating from the front end and dash panel of 2021-2026 Audi vehicles while the vehicle is in motion. This TSB, which supersedes an earlier bulletin (Group 40 number 23-67 dated August 8, 2023), provides guidance for diagnosing and repairing these issues, primarily linking them to mechanical damage of the front axle wheel bearings.

Symptoms Owners May Experience

Owners of affected Audi vehicles may notice a range of unusual sounds from the front of their car. These symptoms often include:

• A buzzing, booming, humming, or whistling noise coming from the front end.
• Noises that can be heard specifically from the steering area or behind the dash panel.
• Sounds that might be mistaken for typical tire rolling noises.

Workshop findings confirm that these noises are reproducible during a test drive, helping technicians to verify the customer's complaint.

Diagnosing the Front End Noise

When investigating the source of an Audi e-tron front noise or similar sound, technicians are advised to consider the front axle wheel bearings as a potential culprit. The TSB provides several diagnostic questions to help pinpoint the issue:

• Does the frequency of the noise increase as the vehicle's speed rises, or does the sound get higher?
• Does the noise become louder when steering the vehicle?
• Is the noise still present even when slowing down?
• Is the noise amplified on the steering wheel or airbag well?
• Can vibrations be felt on the unpressed coil spring when the wheel is turning?

Important Warnings for Technicians and Owners

It is crucial for technicians to precisely locate the source of the noise, potentially using acoustic testers or PICO tools. The TSB highlights a key point: a noise perceived on one side of the vehicle could originate from the wheel bearing on the opposite side. Furthermore, the bulletin explicitly states that front wheel bearings should not be replaced in pairs. If, after thorough investigation, the cause of the noise cannot be traced to a wheel bearing, the analysis should continue on other components.

Repair Procedure Summary

The primary repair involves replacing the affected wheel bearing on the front axle. The TSB outlines specific labor operations for this procedure:

1. Road test prior to service procedure (Labor Operation 0121 0002): This initial road test helps confirm the presence and characteristics of the noise.
2. Replace wheel bearing (Labor Operation 4057 5550): The faulty front axle wheel bearing is removed and a new one installed.
3. Road test after service procedure (Labor Operation 0121 0004): A final road test is performed to ensure the noise has been resolved and the repair is successful.

Required Parts

To perform this repair, technicians will need:

• Wheel bearings: Quantity 1, specified via ETKA.
• Fasteners, Bolts, Nuts, and Screws: As needed per the Repair Manual, specified via ETKA/ELSA.

Always check with the Parts Department and/or ETKA for the latest information and parts bulletins to ensure the correct parts are ordered.

Warranty Information

This repair is covered under warranty for vehicles up to 48 months or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. For Audi Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles, the claim type is G10, requiring owner verification. If a vehicle is outside its warranty period, this Technical Service Bulletin serves as informational guidance only. The Service Number for this issue is 4057, and the Damage Code is 0020. All warranty claims must adhere to the Audi Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual, as per TSB 2047920/8.