74 Damage Assessment Guidelines For Textile Seat Covers (GROUP 74, NO. 25-28)

74 DAMAGE ASSESSMENT GUIDELINES FOR TEXTILE SEAT COVERS

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

SERVICE INFORMATION

74 25 28 2071893/2 April 14, 2025. Supersedes Technical Service Bulletin Group 74 number 23-26 dated October 25, 2023, for reasons listed below.

CONDITION

Damage assessment guidelines for textile seat covers 

Damage patterns on seat covers can be classified, and only certain patterns may be claimed under the normal warranty if applicable:

1. Fur-like fluffing of the textile surface/pulled threads: 

   Through misuse by the customer, e.g. due to open Velcro fasteners, cleaning with hard brushes, chafing from rough bottoms of baskets or boxes. As a result, long fibers (approx. 5-10 mm) are pulled out of the textile material, which can then stand up or form matted fibers and knots → in table (Figures 1-12).

   These are not warrantable defects and cannot be claimed under warranty. 

2. Internal or external knotting: 

   Always occurs due to the insufficient wear resistance of the upholstery material. Short fibers are pulled out of the textile, which then form small knots due to further chafing (internal knotting). If these knots are formed from external fibers, for example, customer clothing, this is referred to as external knotting → in table (Figures 13-14).

   These complaints may be claimed under the normal warranty if applicable. 

3. Surface greying or lightening 

   Surface greying or lightning is also caused by the insufficient wear characteristics of the upholstery material. Individual fibers are chafed or damaged but not pulled out of the material. The spliced fiber ends appear as greying or lightening of the surface, which can easily be mistaken for dirt → in table (Figures 15-16).

   These complaints may be claimed under the normal warranty if applicable. 

All the damage listed can be amplified by pronounced contours, such as with sports seats. 

Clean the seat covers with a neutral cleaner and a soft cloth. 

1. Fluffing 

   Description	Possible cause/damage location	Warrantable
   Fibers protrude from the upholstery fabric like fur, long fibers become matted or form knots, always large and long fibered (5-10 mm).	Mechanical damage caused by sharp-edged objects, for example. Seat bolster area.	No

   Fibers protrude from the upholstery fabric like fur, long fibers become matted or form knots, always large and long fibered (5-10 mm).

   Chafing with the hook side of a Velcro fastener. Backrest area, rear seat surfaces (trouser pockets, mobile phone pouches).

   No

   Fibers protrude from the upholstery fabric like fur, long fibers become matted or form knots, always large and long fibered (5-10 mm).

   Cleaning with a brush. Various areas.

   No

   Fibers protrude from the upholstery fabric like fur, long fibers become matted or form knots, always large and long fibered (5-10 mm).

   By pushing a box or a wicker basket. Rear seat bench or front passenger seat surfaces.

   No

   Fibers protrude from the upholstery fabric like fur, long fibers become matted or form knots, always large and long fibered (5-10 mm).

   Mechanical damage caused by cleaning (check for stains on the backside). Various areas.

   No

   Alcantara  Fibers protrude from the upholstery fabric like fur, long fibers become matted or form knots, always large and long fibered (5-10 mm).

   Mechanical damage caused by incorrect cleaning agent/cleaning method. Various areas.

   No

   Pulled Threads  Single or multiple threads protrude from the upholstery fabric, either as a single thread or as a loop.

   Mechanical damage caused by sharp-edged, pointed objects, for example. Various areas.

   No

2. Knotting 

   Description	Possible cause/damage location	Warrantable
   Small fiber knots that are firmly attached to the surface.	Wear characteristics of fabric not in accordance with specifications.	Yes
   	Please remove the knots with a dry safety razor. Various areas.

3. Surface fading 

   Description	Possible cause/damage location	Warrantable
   Fading/greying of surface, spliced fiber ends.	Wear characteristics of fabric not in accordance with specifications, not to be confused with dirt. On prominent, heavily used areas of the seat.	Yes

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND 1

Not applicable.

PRODUCTION SOLUTION

Not applicable.

SERVICE

Not applicable.

WARRANTY

This TSB is informational only and not applicable to any Audi Warranty.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

All part and service references provided in this TSB (2071893  ) are subject to change and/or removal. Always check with your Parts Department and/or ETKA for the latest information and parts bulletins. Please check the Repair Manual for fasteners, bolts, nuts, and screws that require replacement during the repair.

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