Q: A whole created by rust on the rear beam axle of my VW MK4 Golf GTI. Should I get it welded or buy a new rear beam axle?

asked by on August 03, 2017

A whole created by rust on the rear beam axle of my VW MK4 Golf GTI. Should I get it welded or buy a new rear beam axle? The hole is right next to where the straight beam mountings connect either side of the rear wheel construction.
My car has an automatic transmission.

I would suggest replacing the axle beam. As you may know, rust acts a bit like a cancerous contaminant to metal and is very difficult to remove entirely once it sets in. As the Iron oxide forms when the iron and oxygen in the air meet with water or moisture it becomes very difficult to stop the spreading of the rust once it starts. The easiest and most effective way to get rid of the rust is to remove it entirely.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

What Are Hose Clamps?
Hose clamps (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/what-do-hose-clamps-do) are used to firmly attach an engine hose to a connection point. The most common type of hose clamps are flat, metal bands that use a worm screw inside of a buckle. The loose end of the...
How do I adjust the steering wheel?
The steering wheel can be adjusted so that it is in the optimal position for you. To adjust the steering wheel, push the Steering Wheel lever (located under the steering wheel) down, until it locks into place. Then adjust the...
Car door not closing and locking properly
It sounds like there is a problem with your door latch. The door locks are tied into the door latch so that explains why your door does not want to shut properly and your power locks are jamming up. I...
Trouble starting car
Engine stalls are often caused by a malfunctioning sensor if not lack of fueling or ignition system maintenance. A trained technician will take them all into consideration. Worn spark plugs may cause a stall on their last leg and prove...
Feels like transmission slipping
It sounds like you may have a problem with one of your rear CV axles on your 2002 Honda Passport. If one of the axles fails, this can cause the driver to feel some resistance as well as vibrations. If...
Uneven tire wear and excessive shaking in the steering wheel once hitting highway speeds.
Hi there, thanks for writing in. Based on your description of the symptoms and tire wear, it seems that your mechanic probably is correct. When the tie rod and ball joints (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-tie-rod-end) are damaged, they will cause the suspension to...
Powertrain warning appeared on my Ford Mondeo.
Unfortunately, without additional detail as to the symptoms the car may be displaying, it is not possible to say whether or not the car will be safe to drive a long distance. The warning could be caused be a wide...
P0480 trouble code
Hello. Typically this is not an issue with the relay. There have been some issues with the programming within the control computer that causes the fan to not work right which will cause this code. Being that the vehicle is...
PCV hose broke, car stalled, replaced hose, car still stalling. Smell of gas (rich exhaust smell).
Hello. You do likely have a major boost leak or vacuum leak present. Volkswagen's are very sensitive to any type of vacuum leak. On Volkswagen's, even if the oil dipstick is is removed it will produce a vacuum leak cause...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid
Whether Whether you’re new to the hybrid wave or an old hat, the 2012 Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid gives you exactly what you’re looking for – a comfortable, luxurious ride that provides decent fuel economy. Key Features This hybrid option from...
A Buyer's Guide to the 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan
If If you’re in the market for a concept SUV, you’ve probably noticed a few more options sprouting up every year. However, the 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan should still make the decision a relatively easy one. Key Features Being compact means...
Ten Sports Cars That Double as Good Daily Drivers
The best daily driver is a car that's reliable, usable, and still fun to drive. Popular daily sports cars include the BMW M3, Subaru WRX, and VW GTI.