TallMark

Have had my 2010 SE 140 Estate for about a month, and has 76k miles on the clock. Driving over the past week on holiday noticed a metallic rattle occasionally going over potholes - looked around car and put it down to tow bar electrics bracket. Driving home yesterday, 20 miles from home noise changed to sound like dragging a metal panel down the road - very severe - thought something must be hanging off. Stopped to inspect - nothing obvious, so prodded the rear driver's side disc guard out of curiosity - it was completely loose. Showed signs of rubbing on the disc and didn't look like it could go anywhere - so completed my journey home with accompaniment of alarming noises. Took wheel off this morning - guard fixing screws still in place and it appears the shield has fatigue failed around them - three ragged circular holes with no rust, a perfect fit for the bolts. No corrosion on the guard at all. Cut the guard off with tin snips (it is very thin and soft) - will get it replaced next time the brakes need to come off (don't think it serves a significant purpose). Have seen similar reports on the Octavia pages - has anyone else with a Superb experienced this? Is anyone aware if there is an underlying cause that I need to be concerned about? Other than that the car is great.