2021-2023 Audi A3, S3, RS 3, Q3 Front End Creaking Noise TSB

Symptoms

Owners of certain 2021-2023 Audi A3, S3, RS 3, and Q3 models may experience a distinct Audi S3 creaking noise or squeaking sound emanating from the front end of their vehicle. This noise is most noticeable when the vehicle is driven on uneven road surfaces. The customer complaint is specifically described as: "Creaking/squeaking noises are heard from the left front or right front area of the vehicle when it is driven on uneven roads."

Technical Background

Audi Technical Service Bulletin 2043424/16 identifies the root cause of the Audi S3 creaking noise. The rear bonded rubber bushings of the front lower control arms are designed with kidney-shaped slits. Under certain conditions, particularly when driving on uneven roads, specific areas within these slits can come into contact with each other. This contact generates the creaking or squeaking noises reported by vehicle owners.

Important Warnings

Before proceeding with any repair, technicians are advised to: "Try to duplicate this condition exactly. If you cannot, do not perform this TSB." This ensures the repair is only carried out when the specific creaking/squeaking symptom is present. Additionally, during the repair, it is crucial that "The lithium grease must only be applied to the areas shown in red (Figure 3)" to ensure proper function and prevent unintended issues.

Repair Procedure Summary

To address the Audi S3 creaking noise, Audi Technical Service Bulletin 2043424/16 outlines a straightforward procedure:

1. Remove Control Arms: Both front lower control arms must be removed. Technicians should follow the detailed instructions provided in the Elsa repair manual under Chassis >> Suspension, Wheels, Steering >> Front Suspension >> Lower Control Arm and Ball Joint >> Lower Control Arm, Removing and Installing.
2. Apply Grease: A small amount (0.1g) of lithium grease (part number G 052 150 A2) is to be evenly applied from above to the kidney-shaped slits of the bonded rubber bushing. A paintbrush is recommended for precise application to the highlighted areas shown in Figure 3 of the bulletin.
3. Reinstall Components: All components are then reinstalled according to the instructions in the Elsa repair manual.

Required Parts and Tools

To perform the repair outlined in TSB 2043424/16, the following parts and tools are required:

• Lithium grease: Part number G 052150A2 (Quantity: 1). For SAGA warranty claims, use part number G 052150S0.
• One-time use hardware: As needed, refer to ETKA for specific items.
• Fasteners, Bolts, Nuts, and Screws: As needed, refer to ETKA and the Repair Manual for specific requirements.

Warranty Information

This repair is covered under warranty for vehicles up to 48 months or 50,000 miles. For Audi Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles, the claim type is G10, and owner verification is required. If the vehicle is outside of its warranty period, this Technical Service Bulletin serves as informational guidance only.

Service and Diagnostic Codes

When submitting a warranty claim for this repair, the following codes apply:

• Service Number: 4020
• Damage Code: 0020

Diagnostic time units (TU) are allocated as follows:

Operation	Code	Time Units (TU)
Remove + reinstall both lower control arms	4017 20XX	See SRT
Deactivate/Activate HV system voltage	9310 8350	See SRT
Grease 2 bonded rubber bushings	4020 4299	10
GFF	Not Allowed	0
Road test prior to service procedure	0121 0002	10
Road test after service procedure	0121 0004	10

All warranty claims must comply with the Audi Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual and are subject to review and audit by Audi Warranty.

NHTSA ID: 10236377