Subframe rot, how rotted to warrant replacement?

[hod05]

Hello I have an E class from 2010 and having read about rotton subframes I had a quick look at mine. Without a ramp it's difficult to see but there's definitely rot on it from what I can see.

How bad does it need to be to warrant replacement? Would some level of rot be expected on a subframe at 10 years old?

I'm thinking of requesting an inspection by my local dealer and if necessary I'd be asking goodwill despite serving elsewhere. What do you rekon?

 

[Wighty]

Hello I have an E class from 2010 and having read about rotton subframes I had a quick look at mine. Without a ramp it's difficult to see but there's definitely rot on it from what I can see.

How bad does it need to be to warrant replacement? Would some level of rot be expected on a subframe at 10 years old?

I'm thinking of requesting an inspection by my local dealer and if necessary I'd be asking goodwill despite serving elsewhere. What do you rekon?

I reckon it will have to fail before replacement buddy

 

[hod05]

I reckon it will have to fail before replacement buddy

OK thanks, do you think I am worried about nothing? Would rust on a subframe be expected at 10 years on the road? Do those pictures look worse than it should be?

 

[Bay Leaf]

If it's easy to get at, a good wire brushing then treated with Waxoil will definitely help with longevity.

 

[mattkh]

I reckon it will have to fail before replacement buddy

Do you mean an MOT failure..?

 

[Wighty]

Do you mean an MOT failure..?

I mean’t when it snaps , because up until that point it’s doing it’s job ? But I’m guessing

 

[Wighty]

OK thanks, do you think I am worried about nothing? Would rust on a subframe be expected at 10 years on the road? Do those pictures look worse than it should be?

I spray a can of Dinitrol into and onto my CLK subframe every couple of years as a cheap attempt at prolonging it’s life

 

[bertb1]

I always keep a close eye on this conversation as it’s popped up lots of times
I have a w204 c class 2013 and so far all good
Last service and mot , I asked to take a look and I’ve been told all is good


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[bertb1]

If your not happy I would let merc have a look and let them decide but I would let them know that you travel a lot with kids I the car


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[hod05]

Think I'll have it inspected and see what they say. But otherwise I'll do as suggested clean it and dinitrol it.

How easy are the undertrays to remove? To get to it better

 

[Wighty]

Think I'll have it inspected and see what they say. But otherwise I'll do as suggested clean it and dinitrol it.

How easy are the undertrays to remove? To get to it better

Undertrays don’t cover the rear subframe on either of my MB’s

 

[hod05]

If I sand down the rust would it be a good idea to paint it with hammer rite rust converter, paint hammer rite rust prevention top coat and then dinitrol it? Or just dinitrol. Does dinitrol have to be on bare metal?

 

[bertb1]

I’ve worked with steel all my working life and once rusting sets in it doesn’t go away
It don’t matter what you treat it with once it’s in the steel it will carry on eating away
I’m sorry to be the bad news but unless it’s surface rust and it not got into the steel it will keep rotting away


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[Wighty]

If I sand down the rust would it be a good idea to paint it with hammer rite rust converter, paint hammer rite rust prevention top coat and then dinitrol it? Or just dinitrol. Does dinitrol have to be on bare metal?

I did use a rust converter first time I did it , then since just the Dinitrol . Make sure you get the 2ft extension spray tube thingy so you can get inside the subframe where there are holes .
I don’t know if long term it will make a difference but for £15 on a sunny day , I’m happy .

 

[hod05]

I’ve worked with steel all my working life and once rusting sets in it doesn’t go away
It don’t matter what you treat it with once it’s in the steel it will carry on eating away
I’m sorry to be the bad news but unless it’s surface rust and it not got into the steel it will keep rotting away


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I know its no cure but can its possible to extend the life quite a bit.

My main question is how much rust would a 10 year old subframe typically be regardless of make. Should they be clean or would some rust be expected?

I'm not 100% sure but I didnt expect to see as much rot as mine has. Perhaps I'd expect it on a W124 or w201 from the 80s early 90s.

 

[sonic]

My 212 is almost 10 years old, & the nice MOT man allows me under the car when he is doing the annual inspection. A little superficial rust but nothing to talk about. The SLK was 10 years old when we sold it 13 months ago, again slight superficial but nothing to worry about. I know there have been problems with some rear sub frames on the SLK's.

 

[mattkh]

..........once it’s in the steel it will carry on eating away

What is the way to check if its in the steel...?

 

[LostKiwi]

What is the way to check if its in the steel...?

Hit it with a toffee hammer. If it crumbles....

 

[hod05]

There's crumbly bits on mine and based on what I can see I'm concerned this is quite bad rot. Think I'm going to look at buying a rust free used frame give it an extra coat of paint before having it fitted by an indie.

I'm actually quite shocked at this to be honest this fault means potentially loads of death traps driving round just waiting to cause an accident. How are Mercedes allowed to get away with this. Shocking there isn't a mandatory recall.

 

[bertb1]

Call merc and ask the question
You will Need Rodin rust free steel to treat


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