Technical Service Bulletin
42 Loud cracking or rubbing noises when steering (vehicles without Audi magnetic ride suspension)
42 14 21 2021724/5 July 9, 2014. Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 42 number 12-16 dated
November 13, 2012 for reasons listed below.

Model(s)

Year

VIN Range

Vehicle-Specific Equipment

A3

2006 - 2013

All

Without Audi magnetic ride

TT

2008 - 2015

All

Without Audi magnetic ride

Condition
REVISION HISTORY
Revision

Date

Purpose

5

-

Revised header data (Added model years)

4

11/13/2012

Revised Service (Clarified statement)
Revised Technical Background (Additional information)

3

6/6/2012

Revised header data (Added model years 2012 and 2013)
Revised Service (Updated Repair Procedure)

2

4/1/2010

Revised header data (Added model year 2011)
Revised Warranty

1

10/19/2009

Original publication

• Loud cracking or rubbing noises are heard when the steering wheel is being turned.
• Steering is not affected and operates normally.
Tip: This bulletin does not apply to vehicles with magnetic ride suspension (which are equipped with rubber
shock absorber stop and a plastic cap on the shock).

Technical Background
• When vehicle is being steered, the shock absorber stop can chafe on the plastic cap of the suspension strut.
• If the vehicle is lifted up, the noise disappears.
• The boot is not properly secured/installed, or is deformed.

© 2014 Audi of America, Inc.

Page 1 of 3

All rights reserved. Information contained in this document is based on the latest information available at the time of printing and is subject to the copyright and other intellectual property rights of
Audi of America, Inc., its affiliated companies and its licensors. All rights are reserved to make changes at any time without notice. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval
system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, nor may these materials be modified or reposted to other sites, without the prior
expressed written permission of the publisher.

Technical Service Bulletin
Production Solution
Change in production.

Service
Tip: Ensure that this TSB is performed before replacing any additional components, such as suspension
strut mountings, springs, or steering racks. Failure to properly complete this bulletin may cause claim(s) to be
ineligible for reimbursement.
1. Brush silicon grease (G 000 405 A2) on the contact
surface of the plastic cap of the suspension strut where it
makes contact with the rubber stop (Figure 1).

Figure 1. The contact surface of the plastic cap of
the suspension strut (A).
2. Attach the boot correctly on the slots of the upper mounting and the bottom of the damper. Slight deformations
of the boot can be pressed out at room temperature.
For further technical assistance, contact the Audi Technical Assistance Center (TAC).

© 2014 Audi of America, Inc.

Page 2 of 3

All rights reserved. Information contained in this document is based on the latest information available at the time of printing and is subject to the copyright and other intellectual property rights of
Audi of America, Inc., its affiliated companies and its licensors. All rights are reserved to make changes at any time without notice. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval
system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, nor may these materials be modified or reposted to other sites, without the prior
expressed written permission of the publisher.

Technical Service Bulletin
Warranty
Claim Type:

Use applicable claim type. If vehicle is outside any warranty, this Technical Service Bulletin
is informational only.

Service Number:

4098

Damage Code:

0020

Labor Operations: Grease rubber stops

4098 5099

20 TU

Diagnostic Time:

GFF

No allowance

0 TU

Road test prior to service procedure

0121 0002

10 TU

Road test after service procedure

0121 0004

10 TU

Technical diagnosis at dealer’s discretion
(Refer to Section 2.2.1.2 and Audi Warranty Online for DADP allowance details)
Claim Comment:

As per TSB #2021724/5

All warranty claims submitted for payment must be in accordance with the Audi Warranty Policies and Procedures
Manual. Claims are subject to review or audit by Audi Warranty.

Required Parts and Tools
Part Number

Part Description

Quantity

G 000405A2

Silicone grease

1

Additional Information
All parts and service references provided in this TSB (2021724) are subject to change and/or removal. Always
check with your Parts Department and service manuals for the latest information.

© 2014 Audi of America, Inc.

Page 3 of 3

All rights reserved. Information contained in this document is based on the latest information available at the time of printing and is subject to the copyright and other intellectual property rights of
Audi of America, Inc., its affiliated companies and its licensors. All rights are reserved to make changes at any time without notice. No part of this document may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval
system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, nor may these materials be modified or reposted to other sites, without the prior
expressed written permission of the publisher.