Question for Tire Gurus (Road Force Balance)

[trevor51590]

Hi!

I have a new to me 2018 Q5 that I'm getting some vibrations with... over the two years of its previous life, it was driven 2600 miles. This tells me it possibly sat a bit. I brought it to the local VW dealer (no Audi nearby) and they did an alignment because it was obviously out (dealer who sold the car to me screwed with it). Alignment is perfect now. Still have the vibration in the steering wheel. Brought back for a road force balance and it seems the tires aren't.. quite round.
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After the road force balance they put them in the minimal vibration positions with the following results:
5lbs 15lbs
28lbs 28lbs
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This is the best they said they'd get. I have driven the car about 1k miles since purchase, but I'm not sure if these tires may round out or if thats even possible. A local tire shop wanted to sell me new tires. I know Audi's TSB says 18lbs or less. I've read that people want to see 10 or less.
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I still have a bit of vibration in the steering wheel that seems to be worse with load applied, but I'm not 100% certain thats always the case, but its only at highway speed and it’s of course the worst at the speed I cruise - 75. Is 5/15 enough of a difference up front to cause vibrations in the steering wheel, or do I need to get an Audi service appointment to go through the half shafts, hubs, power steering, and mounts? It's still in warranty but the dealer isn't close.
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I'd really prefer not to have to spend 1k on new tires
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Thanks!

[gk1]

It's unlikely that it is anything other than the wheels and tires causing a vibration. Control arms...maybe....but still usually that is clunk more than a vibration. I personally would not have shafts etc looked at unless you think there is a possibility you bent one. Again unlikely.
Since it is a 2018, likely from 2017 and has just 3700 miles here at the end of 2020 that's less than a thousand a year! Good for you but as you said bad for tires (and other things) just sitting. Not only flatspot, but just degradation depending where it sits, out in the sun all day? It's understandable you want to get your money's worth out of barely used tires, but there is a possibility the one shop is right and you indeed need new tires.
Did you have a shop check the wheels for any bends, sometimes that can be overlooked?
FWIW unless you are looking for ultra premium top end tires you should be able to get something like the Vredestein Quatrac 5 in a 255/45/20 for under $750 or DWS06 or Scorpion zero a/s plus or quatrac pro for around $800. Otherwise you may just have to live with the vibration. You'll spend more in your time perhaps trying to chase it down if it is ultimately the tires themselves.
Another way I could think to test would be if you have any friends or forums buddies with a Q5 and no vibrations if you could "borrow" their wheels and tires and see if it solves your issue.
GL