Seat Vibration? Balancing problem or normal?

[kasher_khan]

I had my car alignment done at Audi Dealer some months back. I recently went in for 35K service and their complementary alinement check was all green. Recently however I have noticed that there is vibration in the car seats. Not so much in the drivers seats but one can visually see the back of the front passenger seat vibrating (like a moving back and forth about .5cm - which you can notice with your eyes). If I put my hand on the seat, I can really feel it. It is most observable at highway speed 60-70mph. I checked tire pressure and it is even across (F39/R33).

I curbed my drivers side rim recently during parking (very slow speed impact but harsh - got half the wheel scratched). I though that might have thrown off the balance, but I realized that the seat vibrates to a certain extent even when the car is stationary and not in gear. The vibration is felt at all speeds (not just at one speed - although it become more at higher speed).

Interestingly there is zero vibration in the steering wheel itself and the car is tracking straight.

Can anyone else let me know if this is normal, Do your seats vibrate as described. I have a feeling the problem was always there but I have just become aware of it. My passengers have never complained, so I was wondering if there seat hinge moves from weight of the seat back if there is no load on it.

Do I need balancing? I read online that the rears might be out of balance?

[anerbe]

Normally when you get your alignment done, it's a good practice to have your tires checked for balance.

Make sure the dealer uses a road force balancer. it solved a small vibration from my tires.

How old are your tires? Perhaps they need replacing soon.

The rear tires might have a slight off-balance which could be the reason you don't feel it in the steering wheel.

Good luck.

[kasher_khan]

Tires are DWS, were balanced and rotated 15 24k (about 10k miles ago). No uneven tread wear. Have almost 2/3 tread left.

I am just wondering if other peoples seats vibrate like I described (especially when stationery, that would not involve the suspension or tires right?). getting a balancing done is not that hard. Just making sure I am not being paranoid here...

[harkema116]

From what I understand, and have noticed in my own car, there is a vibration at an idle. Ive read that it is fairly common. Ive rode in multiple s4's that have the same vibration

[FliGi7]

It's not (or very unlikely) your alignment, you're just simply noticing it for the first time. I first noticed at 3k miles, and it irks me but I figure it's just the way it is. For me, it is also most noticeable at highway speeds but it doesn't appear to translate to anyone sitting in the seat. But, hey, free massagers.

[anerbe]

Tires are DWS, were balanced and rotated 15 24k (about 10k miles ago). No uneven tread wear. Have almost 2/3 tread left.

I am just wondering if other peoples seats vibrate like I described (especially when stationery, that would not involve the suspension or tires right?). getting a balancing done is not that hard. Just making sure I am not being paranoid here...

I agree with the others that the seats in this car are very sensitive to vibrations and will move very slightly. I would only make it a big deal if you or the passenger can feel it. If not, don't worry about it.

It could also be that you never recognized it prior.

If you are certain that there was no movement whatsoever prior, then You never know regarding tires - the can go out of balance if you've hit a big pothole or are missing a weight. It could also be any other rotating assembly in your vehicle.

If it really bothers you, ask for a roadforce balance. This is the only relatively cheap option without replacing driveline components.

[MKGIY]

Do any of the driveline mods help reduce this vibration?

[kasher_khan]

The passengers (my wife) never complained about it. I have only just started noticing it after 3yrs of ownership. That is why I was asking if it is normal. Seems like others have it too, so I am relieved. Thanks guys.

[TimS7559]

The 3.0 V6 is known to have a rough idle, it tends to get slightly worse as the miles and carbon build up. My wife just commented on a recent trip to Madison, 'is there something wrong with your car it idles rough'. Feels really rough to as she drives a Rx400h hybrid that shuts off at stop lights. The 3.0 may not idle the greatest but it is smooth and happy at higher rpm's.

[Lamprey]

The passengers (my wife) never complained about it.

FYI, women rarely, if ever, complain about vibrating seats..

[anerbe]

FYI, women rarely, if ever, complain about vibrating seats..

True - it's always about being too loud.

[shizzrock]

I had my car alignment done at Audi Dealer some months back. I recently went in for 35K service and their complementary alinement check was all green. Recently however I have noticed that there is vibration in the car seats. Not so much in the drivers seats but one can visually see the back of the front passenger seat vibrating (like a moving back and forth about .5cm - which you can notice with your eyes). If I put my hand on the seat, I can really feel it. It is most observable at highway speed 60-70mph. I checked tire pressure and it is even across (F39/R33).

I curbed my drivers side rim recently during parking (very slow speed impact but harsh - got half the wheel scratched). I though that might have thrown off the balance, but I realized that the seat vibrates to a certain extent even when the car is stationary and not in gear. The vibration is felt at all speeds (not just at one speed - although it become more at higher speed).

Interestingly there is zero vibration in the steering wheel itself and the car is tracking straight.

Can anyone else let me know if this is normal, Do your seats vibrate as described. I have a feeling the problem was always there but I have just become aware of it. My passengers have never complained, so I was wondering if there seat hinge moves from weight of the seat back if there is no load on it.

Do I need balancing? I read online that the rears might be out of balance?

I've noticed depending on the road surface or speed or even humidity/time of day, you can find a resonant frequency and things start buzzing. Next time it happens try adjusting the seatback forward and see if it gets better, that worked for me once.

[chaos2984]

Normally when you get your alignment done, it's a good practice to have your tires checked for balance.

Make sure the dealer uses a road force balancer. it solved a small vibration from my tires.

How old are your tires? Perhaps they need replacing soon.

The rear tires might have a slight off-balance which could be the reason you don't feel it in the steering wheel.

Good luck.

This right here. If you get a vibration at hwy speed and its in the seats and not the wheel its usually the rear tires out of balance. Same goes with a vibration in the seat when braking the rear rotors are warped. Try rotating the tires and see if you get the vibration in the steering wheel or you can tell if the vibration changes or moves. If it moves its deff the tires

[tanklee]

vibration in seats at highway are most likely from rear tires. get the tires road forced balanced, and make sure they people actually know what they are doing.