44 Wheel Alignment (GROUP 44, NO. 24-09)
Reference number: GROUP 44, NO. 24-09
Supersedes refnos: 2056386, 2056386/1, 2056386/10, 2056386/2, 2056386/3, 2056386/4, 2056386/5, 2056386/6, 2056386/7, 2056386/8, 2056386/9, GROUP 44 NUMBER 20-73, GROUP 44, NO. 19-70, GROUP 44, NO. 19-72, GROUP 44, NO. 21-80, GROUP 44, NO. 21-82, GROUP 44, NO. 21-83, GROUP 44, NO. 21-86, GROUP 44, NO. 23-98, GROUP 44, NO. 23-99
44 WHEEL ALIGNMENT
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
| AUDI: | 2010-2025 All Audi Vehicles |
| GROUP: | 44 - Wheels - Tires, Wheel Alignments |
SERVICE INFORMATION
44 24 09 2056386/10 December 6, 2024. Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 44 number 23-99 dated April 19, 2023, for reasons listed below.
| Model(s) | Year | VIN Range | Vehicle-Specific Equipment |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Audi Vehicles | 2010 - 2025 | All | Not Applicable |
CONDITION
| Revision | Date | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | - | Revised Warranty
(Updated Information) Revised Condition (Updated Information) Revised Service (Updated Information) |
| 9 | 04/19/2023 | Revised Service (Updated Procedure) |
| 8 | 04/18/2023 | Revised header (Added Model Year) Revised Service (Updated Procedure) |
Customer states:
- The steering wheel is not straight.
And/or
- The steering wheel is not straight when driving in a straight line.
And/or
- When driving the vehicle pulls to the left or right.
And/or
- When driving straight ahead, vehicle pulls to the left or right.
And/or
- When driving, the vehicle pulls to the left or the right although the steering wheel is in the straight ahead position.
Workshop findings:
Before performing wheel alignment, it is essential to perform a test drive together with the customer. Take the driving when the customer notices the issue and can demonstrate it to you. Switch off the lane departure warning and any other driver assist systems which are fitted which could affect the vehicle's straight line running.
Make sure that your hands remain in the steering wheel at all times during the road test. No vehicle will drive longer distances in a straight line if both hands are removed from steering wheel.
Check whether the vehicle follows the camber of the road surface towards the left or right. The road surface may have an outwards slope for drainage purposes.
This may mean that it is necessary to steer slight against the slope. This can create the impression that the steering wheel is not straight.
Before the road test, check tire pressures and inspect the profiles and running surfaces for any irregularities.
TECHNICAL BACKGROUND 1
Complaints regarding suspension which are not caused by a fault for which the manufacturer is responsible cannot be billed under warranty.
For the reasons specified above, wheel alignment can therefore only be billed under warranty if specific conditions are fulfilled.
Deviations of ±2° in the steering wheel position are within the permitted tolerances for the individual toe settings and therefore do not constitute a fault.
When assessing the customer statement "the steering wheel is not straight", make sure that the steering column is in the top position and is pushed as far as it will go toward the dash panel.
If the steering wheel/steering column is in a different position, there may be a misalignment within the tolerance of ±2°.
Background: When setting the axle geometry in production, this position is selected to reduce the influence of the movement of the steering shaft joints on the steering wheel position.
Below are some examples of the Steering wheel off center by 2° to the left and 2° to the right. (Figures 1 to 5).
PRODUCTION SOLUTION
Not applicable.
SERVICE
Before every wheel alignment, proceed as follows:
- Perform a road test to reproduce the complaint.
- Pay attention to the road camber during the road test as this has a considerable effect on vehicle handling. The vehicle will always tend to try to follow it.
- Always hold the steering wheel with both hands; never attempt to assess whether the vehicle travels in a straight line by taking your hands off the steering wheel. It is not possible to perform an assessment in this way due to the low friction of the axle components and the design of the steering rack.
- If the vehicle pulls to one side when accelerating or braking, this can also be caused by the tires.
- Review the complaint according to Elsa at Repair Manual, Chassis >> Suspension, Wheels, Steering >> 44 Wheels, Tires, Wheel Alignment.
- Use steering wheel scale VAS 6826 if available.
- Check/Update the software version of the wheel alignment computer before every wheel alignment.
- Perform a wheel alignment only after excluding all other factors.
- Perform an initial measurement during which you align the individual toe settings of the front wheels by turning the steering wheel.
- Take a photo of the misalignment of the steering wheel with the steering wheel scales attached.
- Save the measurements and give this document an appropriate name (Ex: VIN + Initial measurements).
- Now straighten the steering wheel and measure the individual toe values.
- Also save these measurements and give this document an appropriate name (EX: VIN + Final measurements).
- Upload all documents related to the VIN to DOC-IT.
WARRANTY
This TSB is informational only and not applicable to any Audi Warranty.
REQUIRED PARTS AND TOOLS
| Tool Number | Tool Description |
|---|---|
| VAS 6458 | Steering Wheel scale |
| VAS 6826 | Steering Wheel Scale |
| VAS 61XX | Vehicle Diagnostic Tester |
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
All part and service references provided in this TSB (2056386 ) are subject to change and/or removal. Always check with your Parts Department and/or ETKA for the latest information and parts bulletins. Please check the Repair Manual for fasteners, bolts, nuts, and screws that require replacement during the repair.
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