40 Locating Noises Coming From Suspension (GROUP 40, NO. 25-92)

40 LOCATING NOISES COMING FROM SUSPENSION

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

SERVICE INFORMATION

40 25 92 2076604/1 January 15, 2025.

Model(s)	Year	VIN Range	Vehicle-Specific Equipment
All Audi Vehicles	2016 - 2025	All	Not Applicable

CONDITION

This TSB is not for a specific complaint but provides general help with locating noises coming from the suspension. 

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND 1

Noises from the suspension can have different causes.

PRODUCTION SOLUTION

No change.

SERVICE

This TSB is an aid for locating noises coming from the suspension. It includes useful steps, questions, and pointers. You can record your findings and notes directly.

• Perform a road test with the customer to reproduce the complaint.
• In which area does the noise occur? (Front end, rear end, side).
• Can the noise be heard more clearly in the vehicle interior or from the outside as the vehicle passes? Is it louder at a particular location in the vehicle/where does the noise appear to be coming from? Is where you are sitting in the vehicle relevant?
• Under which external conditions and in which driving situations does the noise occur? (Temperature and precipitation, road surface properties and unevenness, speed/acceleration/overrun and steering wheel angle, driving forwards/backwards, selected gear and engine speed range, operation of pedals or switches, drive select mode, load condition of vehicle).
• How does the noise manifest itself and is there a typical characterization (e.g. subjective description, metallic sound, hollow sound)? How often does the noise occur (always, sporadically, only when vehicle is started, only on short/long trips)?
• Record a video or audio file to document the noise.
• Does the complaint coincide with another phenomenon that could logically be connected to the noise? (vehicle tilted, worn parts, warning lamps or event memory entries).
• Can the noise be reproduced on the lifting platform? Can the noise be caused by manually moving a component or creating vibrations on it? When attempting this, it is helpful if someone stays where the noise can be best heard and someone else creates the noise.
• Can the noise be reproduced by activating an electronic component (final control diagnosis or basic setting)? Can the noise be eliminated by deactivating/disconnecting running gear components or control units (assembly mountings, anti-roll bar)?
• Which other components that may cause vibrations is the apparent source of the noise connected to? Are there any direct or adjacent components (in the further assembly) which perform a movement (linear movement, bearing point, rotation)? Can the noise be eliminated by temporarily decoupling the components?
• How does the noise change when components are swapped over? Does the noise move with a component?

To precisely locate the source of the noise, we strongly recommend using acoustic measuring devices and noise location tools such as the PICO tool VAS 611015 (refer to TSB 2070568/Audi Knowledge Tank, search term PICO tool) or Chassis Ear or V.A.G 1842  .

As a first step for locating the noise more precisely, you should perform measurements at various points (different sides of vehicle, inner/outer section) at the same time and move towards the source of the noise based on your own perception.

When using the tools, make sure that you do not create any other noises that would reach the vehicle. The identification of the actual source of the noise should be confirmed with several measurements taken with the vehicle stationary and during a road test.

When replacing components, the most inexpensive component should be considered first. As a general rule, no components should be replaced without reasonable suspicion.

You must work through these recommendations before submitting a technical repair query. The basis for processing your query is a qualified initial analysis performed by the workshop. The completed TSB must therefore be submitted with all findings. Otherwise, the situation cannot be assessed from a distance. 

Please also attach photos to DOC-IT and/or TAC case which show how and where the noise measurements were taken with the tools specified above. 

Please also make use of the training courses on this topic offered by Technical Training. 

WARRANTY

This TSB is informational only and not applicable to any Audi Warranty.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

All part and service references provided in this TSB (2076604  ) 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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