Hello everyone,

I have a 2018 Skoda Octavia 3 Combi 2.0 TDI 4x4 DSG7 with 215,000 km. The car shakes between 45–60 km/h and above, and the vibration changes in amplitude as the speed increases. It feels almost like being in a sports car, even though I’m on 16-inch wheels. The shaking can be felt not only through the seats but also slightly in the steering wheel as a vibration or light knocking.

Today I tested it on the highway, and it happens both in D and in N (coasting at around 80 km/h). I had the wheels rebalanced, then changed to winter tires (it was time anyway), but the issue is still there.

I went to a service shop — they checked the car and said everything looked fine, though they suspected the right rear wheel bearing. I had it replaced, but the problem remains.

I’m looking for advice or ideas on what else to check. The vibration isn’t unbearable, but it’s noticeable and annoying. Any help would be appreciated!

It will be the cardon shaft between the gearbox and the Haldex unit/rear diff. One of the balancing weights has been thrown off. Get it into a Skoda/VAG specialist for them to have a look. Not good to keep it that way for long as it will put strain on the couplers/mounts.

1 hour ago, varaderoguy said:

It will be the cardon shaft between the gearbox and the Haldex unit/rear diff. One of the balancing weights has been thrown off. Get it into a Skoda/VAG specialist for them to have a look. Not good to keep it that way for long as it will put strain on the couplers/mounts.

Thank you very much! where exactly are these balancing weights located or if you can give me a sample picture, I would be very grateful!

Is this?

That's the coupler with rubber dampers - no - along the prop or cardon shaft, there will be long thin weights that are usually bonded on, but these can come off (usually because something hit the shaft). It will require either identifying the weight that has dropped off and reapplying a new weight - or getting the shaft professionally weighed and balanced by a specialist. Most Skoda garages and VAG specialists can help here.

I understand, thank you, I'll look into this. Maybe they're some kind of weights like the ones in the pictures. Hopefully this works out! Thanks again!

On 23/10/2025 at 11:33, octavia3_4x4 said:

I had the wheels rebalanced

Did you have the tracking / alignment checked ???

And has the flywheel been done at all ???

Any weird noises ???

Edited 24 October, 202524 Oct by Tilt

Yes, the tracking/alignment is checked, no problems there!

There are no typical noises of a worn flywheel, no knocking or grinding. The gears shift perfectly. When I start it in the morning, when the engine is cold, there are no side noises.

This morning, when it was cold, I started the car, leaned over to the left tire, and heard a very slight rustling, a rattling sound that wasn't coming from the engine, but from somewhere else. So, it could be the flywheel going on.

Today I drove the car outside the city. At any speed it bounces like a ball, and every time it wobbles... I'm really getting mad at 3 service stations, they said everything is OK and they don't see anything to change.

18 hours ago, octavia3_4x4 said:

At any speed it bounces like a ball

Bouncing suggests a problem with the dampers and/or their mountings/security to me.