Audi Financial and I own a 2011 Audi A4 Quattro; 6 speed manual. Purchased from the dealer with 1k miles on it. Took in for 5k mile service at 6,800 miles. No discussion about tire rotation with dealer at that time. I rotated the tires at 13k miles. I am now experiencing excessive tire noise at 17k which started at about 15k. Took vehicle to a private mechanic and it was diagnosed as uneven tire wear, most likely due to not rotating tires prior to 13k miles. Mechanic recommended I return to dealer with issue. When I called to make the appointment at the dealer and explained the situation to the service manager. I told him I didn’t think the tires had been rotated at the first service and the service manager stated that the noise I was hearing didn’t seem like a “tire rotation issue.”
In any event, I took the vehicle to the dealership yesterday and after 8 ˝ hours, they called me and stated that tire noise of this nature is indicative of an AWD vehicle – no comment about tire rotation. Dealer offered me 40% off list for four new tires, but stated that the noise would most likely return after 15k / 20k miles due to the “nature” of the car. They further stated that tires only have a 20k to 25k life on an AWD A4. I needed time to digest this explanation and called them back.
I brought up the issue of tire rotation, and dealer is now claiming tires were rotated at time of first service; but it is not indicated on receipt. This is very odd because there was no charge for the supposed rotation service, and I was told that only the first oil change is free of charge at time of first service.
Dealer is also now stating that because the tires were rotated at 6,800 i/s/o 5k it could have contributed to the problem, when they originally stated it didn’t sound like a tire rotation issue and were claiming that the issue has occurred due to the fact that it is AWD.
Is anyone experiencing excessive tire noise at 17k miles? Can anyone put one bit of credence into what this dealer is telling me? Any advice / assistance would be very much appreciated.

 

I had a similar problem on my S 8 at 15 K miles on Nokian WR GT2 tires 255/35/20. Load noise at 70-80 mph. Told it was cupping of tires. I have reduced it by:

1. 4 wheel alignment by Audi
2. Tire -rebalancing
3. Tire rotation until sound gets less.
4. Rotate tires every 6 months or 5000K.
5. use up tires and change to softer rubber.

I have done 1-4. Next step would be going to bridgestones 970AS pole position.

or.

get new tires and do 4 wheel alignment at Audi before driving it.

Keep rotating tires until noise is less. I use Sears for balancing and rotation. After paying one time, future visits are free. This is not an AWD problem. I think that my tires were not properly balanced or went out of balance. I think if you put new tire, re-check balancing after 3 months.



hope this helps!

 

I have owned 3 AWD German cars. 1 Mercedes C280 4matic, 1 BMW 530 XI and my present A4 Quattro. I have never had this problem and have run some of the tires over 40K with just rotations at oil changes (5K). Talk to the tire manufacturer about this, but I think it's nonsense.

Regards,

Will