Possible rust trap

997Mike · Oct 9, 2018

I am probably telling you guys something you might already know but as I am new to the 997 and a bit anal about cleaning things I decided to remove the rear wheels and clean the arch's by taken of the wheel arch linings to give then a good scrub , WELL I couldn't believe the muck and mud that was behind the liner it must have been 2 inch's thick I thought wheel arch linings were suppose to stop all this , so check behind the liners in time it will rot...…………………...I should have taken a piccy
Is there anymore rust traps I should know about

997mike

Lancerlot · Oct 9, 2018

I've not heard of specific problems with corrosion in those areas. The panels are galvanised and protected, but it is still a wise plan to give all the arches a good clean intermittently.

Other areas for accumulation of crud are the far corners at the back of the water rads and and aircon condensers. This detritus holds moisture and eventually leads to metal corrosion and coolant leaks. The best way to reach and clean these areas satisfactorily is to remove the front bumper. You can prevent future build up by fitting mesh to the air intakes.
Take a look in the Register's technical section for how it's done. [

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Regards,

Clive

997Mike · Oct 9, 2018

Many thanks clive

STiG911 · Oct 10, 2018

Yep - I cleaned inside my arches when I replaced the brakes last year. The amount of dirt build up behind the rear arch liner was bonkers, but as Clive says, and in a testament to Porsche build quality - once I removed it all there was no rust at all, although the small clips that hold the liner against the leading edge of the arch were rotted to nothing. Overall I was really impressed how good the insides looked after a through clean up; particularly the silencers which, while stainless steel, do have a lot to deal with under there so I was dead chuffed to get a nice shine on them

Another thing to bear in mind specially now we're getting into autumn / winter, is that driving in or after heavy rain can wash a load of grit into the back of the radiator vents in the front arches. Sometimes, this can lead to an excess build up which dries and can stop one or both fans from working, so assuming that you use a pressure washer, make sure you occasionally give the vents a good seeing to, so that it washes out (there's a small vent in the underside of the bumper)

997Mike · Oct 10, 2018

Again thanks for that

997Mike

Mick Jordan · Oct 24, 2018

Hi last weekend I did the same and removed my liners and found a lot of wet mud and grime behind the liner, I think the cars are well protected but it is important to remove the liners and clean and dry the area and maybe apply some wax oil before the winter months. I do have a picture but I am struggling to upload it at the moment.