Rear beam corrosion and replacement

[paradyne]

As part of my inspection service the garage pointed out the heavy corrosion of the rear beam/axle. Apparently they'd had a Mk4 Golf in recent times where it broke and visibly it looked in better shape than mine is.

Is this something any Leon owners have needed changing - not much found searching the forum so far?

 

[iammooks]

As part of my inspection service the garage pointed out the heavy corrosion of the rear beam/axle. Apparently they'd had a Mk4 Golf in recent times where it broke and visibly it looked in better shape than mine is.

Is this something any Leon owners have needed changing - not much found searching the forum so far?

Number one piece of advice - make absolutely sure it needs doing - I'm not going to sugar-coat it - it's a tough job.

I've had garages say I need new parts where all they needed was a wire brush and some Hammerite. Feel free to post photos of it as a lot of us have been up close and personal with these - but of course, we can't be held responsible etc. if anything happens.

I only replaced the bushes on mine and was able to do it without taking it out, doing one side at a time, but as you're taking the whole thing out, you're going to have to disconnect the hard lines for the brakes, so be prepared for bleeding once it's all back together.

If I had to replace mine, I'd finish it with some proper rustproofing and put new bushes in. You don't want to be going back to that again for another few years.


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[bruceR]

I had my trusted garage change mine last year for a good condition second hand beam that I got blasted and powder coated. Replaced it along with new hubs/bearings/discs/pads/braided lines/nuts&bolts plus upgraded the full suspension.


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[paradyne]

Thanks for the replies guys!
It hadn't been mentioned as an advisory on the recent MOT at all, which I would have thought would have if terrible!

The quote from the garage included 3rd party beam, new hard and flexi lines, fluid etc and 4hrs labour, totalling £750ish.

I have an experienced mechanic friend taking a look next week who does classic car restoration so will get his opinion. I'm not adverse to maintaining the vehicle as would like to maximise it's lifetime but would prefer to spread out costs over a period

 

[iammooks]

Thanks for the replies guys!
It hadn't been mentioned as an advisory on the recent MOT at all, which I would have thought would have if terrible!

The quote from the garage included 3rd party beam, new hard and flexi lines, fluid etc and 4hrs labour, totalling £750ish.

I have an experienced mechanic friend taking a look next week who does classic car restoration so will get his opinion. I'm not adverse to maintaining the vehicle as would like to maximise it's lifetime but would prefer to spread out costs over a period

Oh lordy... £750? It's a demanding job, but you can do it yourself. Buy the replacement rear beam, restore it and replace the bushes if it needs it (perfect time for polybushes) and then you've got something that more or less will just slot in.

You can do it - it's just a bit physical - unless you don't mind spending the £750...


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[MoToJoJo]

£750?!? Ffff.....ind a different garage.

Get a decent secondhand beam (pattern parts aren't my favourite thing) , rebuild it (up to you how far you want to go with it but new bushes because it's easier to do off the car), fit it yourself.

The actual process of swapping beams is pretty simple and doable in a day/lazy weekend (depending on tools etc).

 

[paradyne]

Thanks for the input guys, I guess the question is where do you find a decent second hand beam? They're mostly gonna be old too right?

 

[Alexis27]

Pretty unusual for them to corrode so much. Do you live near the sea?
Should be some decent second hand ones around. Try The VAG Shed or The VAG Yard on Facebook

 

[paradyne]

Thanks Alexis27, I will take a look at them.

I don't live near the sea, but then I've only had this LC a month, so unsure of it's full life history. I'm getting a second opinion on the beam before I choose what to do.