Rust Prevention Maintenance on W W202

[Aussie Nick]

I am commencing this thread in respect to the several rust issues that have occurred with Mercs on this forum.This one is in relation to some easy maintenance on the rear boot seal and gutter area of a W202.
The first attachment shows the rear boot seal with the boot open of course.
Grab the seal from around the centre of the boot and lift it clear of the boot gutter rail.

In the second attachment it can be observed that the boot seal rubber has been lifted clear of the rail. It should unclip relatively easy. Ensure to unclip the rubber around the curved corners of the boot . It is not necessary to unclip it any further than just south of the boot corners.

Inspect the boot gutter. I expect that an inspection will reveal a build up of grime, dirt and debris.The one I depicted in the third attachment was cleaned three months ago yet still shows build up of dirt, which left unattended will attract moisture and start to affect the paint and subsequently the steel. If you add traces of salt to this concoction, the roof gutter and surrounding areas are destinied for a quick rusty finish.

Normal car shampoo with a rag should be used to wipe away the grime. It is recommended that the area be allowed to dry totally before the boot rubber seal is reclipped back into place. I would be grateful if anyone who tries the maintenace comes back on the forum to provide feedback as to what their particular inspection revealed and whether they considered this thread worthwhile.

Regards Aussie Nick.

 

[philharve]

Waxoyl

Hi Nick

My bodyshop recommend the use of Waxoyl, or equivalent, under the seals around doors to keep the corrosion bug at bay. Minor rust can be inhibited almost indefinitely with a suitable rust inhibitor.

However, if the corrosion has gone deeper into the structure of the door, a full repair is the only real remedy. I had such a repair performed on one of my rear doors. Rain water had collected between the door seal and door gutter and combined with thin paint, the moisture had initiated corrosion beneath the seal which subsequently spread in the 8 months my corrosion claim was being considered. Full structural repairs were undertaken and instead of the seals being pushed back into place, the seals were glued into place - an approved MB repair procedure - which prevents the ingress of water and thereby prevents corrosion. Three years on and the corrosion has not returned.

This was the second time this door was repaired because the original repairer did a poor job. Rust broke out within 12 months after leaving the showroom and again after 18 months of the first repair. I was not the original owner but I initiated the second claim.

My services now include an inspection of all door seals and the application of a squirt, or two, of Waxoyl, where deemed appropriate by my indie. Some main MB dealerships don't show this level of attention during servicing.

REGARDS

Phil

 

[Aussie Nick]

Thanks Phil I will see if i can buy it here.