Rear Bumper Squeak (RS5)

[patmusk]

So I had an extremely annoying squeak coming from the rear/right of my car. I finally tracked it down to be the bumper itself.



When I brought the car into the dealer (Bell Audi in NJ) they said there was a service bulletin to replace the glue in the rear bumper and this would correct it.

I got the car back and the squeak was gone. Just recently, however, the squeak is BACK and on the opposite side in the same spot.

Has this happened to anyone? Bringing it back to the dealer again I guess but I figured the glue (or whatever) would be replaced on the entire bumper.

[essfour]

Ya, this happened to me. There is a heat shield or something that rubs against the back side of the rear bumper that causes the squeak - superrrr annoying noise though, right? I had it fixed about 1500 miles ago and so far I am squeak-free. I didnt know there was a TSB on this issue, so thanks for that info. Good luck!

[patmusk]

Ya, this happened to me. There is a heat shield or something that rubs against the back side of the rear bumper that causes the squeak - superrrr annoying noise though, right? I had it fixed about 1500 miles ago and so far I am squeak-free. I didnt know there was a TSB on this issue, so thanks for that info. Good luck!

Thanks for the reply. Yes, this noise slowly drills the inner depths of my brain, on country roads, when I should otherwise be listening to an engine. After the dealer gave it back, it's been gone for about 1k miles. Suddenly the left side is doing the same thing that the right was. I will have to bring it back to them again unfortunately.

[Sepang_RS5]

How did you track it down to the bumper?
I also have a squeak that is coming from the rear - sometimes really loud - other times nothing. My RS5 is stock.
Getting ready to have to wife drive me around while I'm in the back seat / trunk to listen. Car only has 2400 miles on and it is driving me nuts!

[patmusk]

How did you track it down to the bumper?
I also have a squeak that is coming from the rear - sometimes really loud - other times nothing. My RS5 is stock.
Getting ready to have to wife drive me around while I'm in the back seat / trunk to listen. Car only has 2400 miles on and it is driving me nuts!

I tracked it down by moving/touching/shaking every area near to sound source (rear-right). When I pressed in on the back bumper beneath the tail light with my fingers it created the exact noise I've been tortured by. Dealer corrected it by replacing glue and torquing bolts.

Then the sound came from rear-left, same issue. Took it back and dealer corrected that. I've since had zero issue.

Make sure your dealer addresses the entire rear bumper so you only need it fixed once.


- Pat

[scmguru]

I tracked it down by moving/touching/shaking every area near to sound source (rear-right). When I pressed in on the back bumper beneath the tail light with my fingers it created the exact noise I've been tortured by. Dealer corrected it by replacing glue and torquing bolts.

Then the sound came from rear-left, same issue. Took it back and dealer corrected that. I've since had zero issue.

Make sure your dealer addresses the entire rear bumper so you only need it fixed once.


- Pat

Ahh.. the joy of owning an $80k Audi.. We have 2 Audi's in the family at the moment, a '14 Q7 and a '14 RS5. I have been loyal to the Audi brand for the last 10 years.. however, after my experiences recently, with vibrations, navigation not working on the way to client meetings, interior hardware breaking, it gives me pause when I consider my next vehicle.

You'd think a Q7 with a platform that hasn't really changed in 7+ years would be solid with the kinks worked out.. nope.

Same with the RS5.. I love the way she looks and drives, but there are times I miss the overall build quality and reliability of my '08 RS4..

It's these regular niggling issues that make me wonder if this is an Audi thing, or are issues like these prevalent across BMW and Merc's.

Makes me want to just ride a bike some days..

[Sepang_RS5]

Pat -

Thanks for the info. I could not reproduce the noise by pushing in on the bumper, so I had my wife drive around with me in the back. She has only driven the car once before and kept throwing me back with her heavy foot! Anyway, after about 10 minutes of driving around, the noise began. I was able to track it down to the attachment bolts for the rear bumper. The driver's side was so loose that it would wiggle and produce a squeak. Because of your post, it was easy for me to home in on the area. Whenever I put my finger through the hole and onto the bolt, the noise would immediately stop.

When we got home, I tighten the driver's side down and checked the passenger side. Guess what? It was very loose too. Both are now tight and - No more noise!!!

Not sure who was working on the rear of my car at the factory, but the the latch on the trunk was also loose. Maybe my car was made after a few beers at lunch... Who knows?!?!?

Thanks again for the post. It really helped.

[patmusk]

Pat -

Thanks for the info. I could not reproduce the noise by pushing in on the bumper, so I had my wife drive around with me in the back. She has only driven the car once before and kept throwing me back with her heavy foot! Anyway, after about 10 minutes of driving around, the noise began. I was able to track it down to the attachment bolts for the rear bumper. The driver's side was so loose that it would wiggle and produce a squeak. Because of your post, it was easy for me to home in on the area. Whenever I put my finger through the hole and onto the bolt, the noise would immediately stop.

When we got home, I tighten the driver's side down and checked the passenger side. Guess what? It was very loose too. Both are now tight and - No more noise!!!

Not sure who was working on the rear of my car at the factory, but the the latch on the trunk was also loose. Maybe my car was made after a few beers at lunch... Who knows?!?!?

Thanks again for the post. It really helped.

No problem. Glad you tracked it down and solved it. That noise ruins an otherwise fantastic driving experience.

[ttusqrl]

OMG! I finally found the source of the most irritating noise ever. I spent so much time trying to find it thinking it was the rear deck lid, seats, something INSIDE the car with how loud it was.

Well, I found out it was the bumper tonight. Did a quick search on here to see if I was the only one, and wound up finding your post Pat.

I'm going to be taking it to the dealer to fix the squeak and my broken headlight washer door. Happen to know what TSB this fell under?

Thanks!


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[patmusk]

OMG! I finally found the source of the most irritating noise ever. I spent so much time trying to find it thinking it was the rear deck lid, seats, something INSIDE the car with how loud it was.

Well, I found out it was the bumper tonight. Did a quick search on here to see if I was the only one, and wound up finding your post Pat.

I'm going to be taking it to the dealer to fix the squeak and my broken headlight washer door. Happen to know what TSB this fell under?

Thanks!


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I'm not sure the exact bulletin but make sure the dealer re-secures the entire rear bumper and not just one side. I had to bring it back once the sound appeared on the other side. Do it once, right.



- Pat

[scmguru]

I love Audi as well, but after our experience with the '14 Q7, I won't be going Audi again for an SUV. RS5 has been ok, but nowhere near the build quality of the RS4 I sold to get it :(

[iBleedOrange]

Had the same issue, dealer was able to replicate the sound when the car was on the lift. Audi tech pushed upward under the right exhaust outlet and the squeaking noise could be replicated without driving. Surprisingly the sound was traveling all the way into the cabin to make it sound like it was coming from the right quarter panel. Audi tech removed the bumper and reinstalled and the sound was gone.

[jkownz]

I just found this thread now. I have a 15 rs and when I gently push on the sides of my rear bumper it sqeaks. I also thought it was something inside the trunk or the door or trunk weather strips. On my first service I'm going to bring this up and make them look for that tsb.

[patmusk]

I just found this thread now. I have a 15 rs and when I gently push on the sides of my rear bumper it sqeaks. I also thought it was something inside the trunk or the door or trunk weather strips. On my first service I'm going to bring this up and make them look for that tsb.

Yes. And be sure to have them do the whole rear bumper.


- Pat

[mcouch70]

Had the same issue...the noise was driving me mad. I had my girlfriend drive the car and worked my way from the back seats into the trunk where after about 10 minutes of searching, narrowed it to the outside of the car. After popping the trunk from the inside and making eye contact with the surprised driver behind us I discovered the squeak/rattle coming from the rear bumper right under the tail lamp.

The fix is easy, pull the inner trunk liner panels open to access the tail lights. Look for a hole the size of a penny in the sheet metal and insert a 10mm deep well socket. I removed the nuts, put some loctite on a finger, coated the threads and re-installed the nuts. I did both sides.

This is very easy to do, I would recommend anyone with an RS5 to check these and at least snug them up.

[Jimmy ny]

I had a squeak as well. For me it was bumpstops in the trunk. I just put some white grease on them and the sound went away.


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[northwoods1]

I had a squeak from the left rear bumper / tail light area also. It drove me crazy. It would squeak over every bump and when I closed my trunk. Dealer cured the problem by tightening some fasteners

[jkownz]

Checked both side of inner trunk lining cubby holes. My right side has a bolt holding the bumper but was loose. Checked the left side one....it was missing. Only the thread was there for a bolt. Got a 10mm bolt with long 10mm socket. Bumper is way stiffer. I did drop on both sides blue lock tight. Hopefully the sweak is gone. Sad to have a bolt missing from a 80k car lol.

[Jimmy ny]

Just noticed more noise. Bolt is missing on passenger side. Ordered online should have next week. 80k car should not be built like this.


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[JWreck]

Was it a squeak or more of a scratching sound?

[Jimmy ny]

Squeak. Nut is missing. Ordered new from ECS tuning.


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[JRS5]

So I had an extremely annoying squeak coming from the rear/right of my car. I finally tracked it down to be the bumper itself.



When I brought the car into the dealer (Bell Audi in NJ) they said there was a service bulletin to replace the glue in the rear bumper and this would correct it.

I got the car back and the squeak was gone. Just recently, however, the squeak is BACK and on the opposite side in the same spot.

Has this happened to anyone? Bringing it back to the dealer again I guess but I figured the glue (or whatever) would be replaced on the entire bumper.

Hello! I had this happen to me about 15k miles ago, it also drove me crazy. I am not savvy about a cars at all, I basically took it to a mechanic I know and he said he just had to "tighten the screws on the bumper." It has been fixed ever since.

[Jimmy ny]

Yes. Unfortunately the faster is missing. When I receive it, I can install it my self.


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[JWreck]

How did you access the bolt to tighten?

[hawkinsmc]

There's a small square panel that I think is the tail light access. Open that panel and there is a 10mm (I think maybe 8mm) bolt. Use a deep socket and tighten that up.


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[TLM_S5]

There is a TSB for loose rear bumper cover mounting nuts. Dealer used some Loctite along with new hardware and noise has not returned. TSB 2035370/1

[Jimmy ny]

Still waiting for the nut to install. Passenger side is tight. Driver side is missing nut.


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[adbender]

Essential thread for any RS5 owner.

Just the other day I noticed that my rear passenger bumper was a bit loose.

Seemed to tighten nicely with a 3/8th but probably needs an 8-9mm long socket. 10mm if definitely too big.

[Jimmy ny]

Just put mine on Saturday. I do believe i used s 10mm deep socket with short extension. Hand tighten. Then 1/4 ratchet to tighten.


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[adbender]

sounds right to me..

Just put mine on Saturday. I do believe i used s 10mm deep socket with short extension. Hand tighten. Then 1/4 ratchet to tighten.


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[Diamond Dog]

Anyone know if if this is only an RS5 issue? What about S5? Anyone know what years this affects?

[Jimmy ny]

I believe just RS5


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[HazeMyth]

My 2013 S5 makes a creaking noise if I go over a speed bump at an angle. If I go straight over it there's no creek, but minimal or severe angles produce the noise.

[Jimmy ny]

Well I guess check inside the taillight access panels and tighten the bolts.


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[TLM_S5]

My 2013 S5 makes a creaking noise if I go over a speed bump at an angle. If I go straight over it there's no creek, but minimal or severe angles produce the noise.

You can try TSB 2035797/1 which entails putting felt tape on the contact point under the hood. I had a similar creak at low speeds when pulling out of my driveway and this resolved it.

[rasetsu]

Just wanted to say that this thread was a godsend! The squeaking was driving me mad and this 5 minute fix spared me days of stress and inconvenience of taking the car to a dealer I don't trust. Never would've guessed that two little loose 10mm nuts caused so much racket.

I used a 10mm Gearwrench pass through socket with extension to tighten them. One was loose and the other was just hanging off the threaded stem.

[Racedoc11]

Same issue with my RS5 the same TSB fixed it.

You can try TSB 2035797/1 which entails putting felt tape on the contact point under the hood. I had a similar creak at low speeds when pulling out of my driveway and this resolved it.

[patmusk]

60k on the car and squeak has not returned.

[shonseb]

Just so happens my car is at a a local tuner, and one of my complaints was an annoying squeaking sound coming from the driver side rear! I'm going to forward this thread to them and hopefully this will be an an easy fix.

[patmusk]

Just so happens my car is at a a local tuner, and one of my complaints was an annoying squeaking sound coming from the driver side rear! I'm going to forward this thread to them and hopefully this will be an an easy fix.

Easy fix, but have them tighten BOTH sides or it will come back and haunt you again.