Rear Seat Catches

[willni]

So I've had this issue since I've had it. The rear seat lock mechanism doesn't grip the latches properly which leads to a creak / rattle, fairly minor and have mostly been able to fix this by wrapping tesa tape around the latches so it's jammed in more.

So I was wondering if anyone has removed the lock mechanism before and if it's easy to swap them both out? As this is the only rattle from the car (other than the bunch of keys for work), and seems like a fairly easy thing to fix.

Also toyed with the idea of adding a racing line rear brace just to pack it out further, but this seems cheaper.

[Watts]

I just assumed that there was a fundamental error in either the locks or the size of the catches but you reckon new lock mechanisms will sort it? I have just wrapped them with anti-rattle tape. Will be interested in what you do.

[Peter_booker2003]

Yup, same here. I have just wrapped them with tape and they have been silent since.

[CookieMonsterGTi]

Took mine in while under warranty for this.

Didn’t ask what they did to fix it at the time.

Only noticed on an airport run when had to put seats down and saw the tape around the catch.

Wasn’t exactly impressed with it to be honest and expected  “proper” fix. That said it works…

[dustybones]

Couple wraps of tape (don't go bonkers) and job done -not worth a load of hassle dismantling seats etc.

[SRGTD]

Couple wraps of tape (don't go bonkers) and job done -not worth a load of hassle dismantling seats etc.

Agree. What’s to say a new, replacement locking mechanism won’t also rattle?

The tape solution is inexpensive, quick and easy to do and it’s effective. If the tape ever wears though as a result of frequent raising and lowering of the seat back rest, then IMHO just replace it with some fresh tape.

[sjw]

I assume we're talking about where the seat clicks in when it's upright? Can't say I've noticed mine rattling, although I might do now! I know I have a few rattles around the car so maybe this is one of them

[madstaff]

Pinched off VWROC.com -


So, was at the Dealer, yesterday, with my R, to have The rattle seen to.

I took the Technician out for a spin to show him that rattle and another. He was most helpful, and told me it is very common, but only on GTIs and Rs. The harder suspension contributes to generation of many rattles that non-sporty models just don’t get.

He knew the issue and the fix immediately upon my explanation (before he’d even heard it) and told me that they cannot claim the labour it back from VW. Apparently, it is a thirty second fix with a leather covered hammer; he simply taps the d-shaped securing bracket to bend it, slightly. From above, I assume, but am not certain.

Also, it is a pretty chunky piece of metal, so “tap” is likely an understatement!!!

Sure enough, he fixed the issue, perfectly, along with a different rattle / buzz from the passenger-side A Pillar.
I am not advocating what he did, as there is clearly a risk of getting it wrong, but had promised to share my experience, so I have.  A bit of tape sounds less risky, although is probably not as robust a fix.
Hope that helps,
Clean.

[willni]

Glad I'm not alone with this issue, funnily my old GTD never had this issue and the rear seats were solid with no movement when shaken, but with the GTI they move easily.

Although I could carry out the Clarkson hammer repair, I reckon that there's a bit more experience required, than just bend it with a possibility it could go wrong.

More anti-rattle tape it is, until service time where I'll mention the bending method to them.

[symonh2000]

I put PVC electrical tape around mine. I rarely travel with the back seat down so it should last for a while.