Hi all

Maybe something to check once in a while folks.

While machine polishing car I removed the front mud flaps and pulled inner wheel arch liner out of the way, but to my horror found all this debris stuck behind the liner.

 

To @Snapper1725 - This is stupid manufacturer mistake 😞 I have the same on my "Skoda Octavia 1 Combi" and because I do not know for this - the dirt was sitting there soggy for years and the Car get rusted 😞 Now, on my "Skoda Superb 2 Face Lift Combi", I clear this parts twice a year, when changing summer and winter tyres. About one month ago I do it again and there is very few tree leafs. I suggest You to clear the space under front window wipers, too. There is a place to catch the same dirts..

Edited 1 May, 20206 yr by tuningmania

I once found this on a Golf Mark 5 although not as bad as that. Is it simple enough to remove trim to allow access to clean out?

To @gav_is_con - You can unscrew few bolts to clean the place without removing the wheel. It is better if you have a water hose in this moment I believe this Problem is present in every Car Brands.

Can the wheel arch liner be removed with the shocks on etc ? 

To @Snapper1725 - Yes, it can. Only need to dismantle the wheel..

3 hours ago, tuningmania said:

To @Snapper1725 - Yes, it can. Only need to dismantle the wheel..

Thank you 

This has been occurring for as long as cars have been on the road.

 

I wouldn't worry too much. As the compacted mud dries it actually forms a barrier between the bodywork and further debris. As this area if protected from stone chips then unless the paint is compromised you shouldn't see any increased chance of rust.

 

A few photos from the MkI Octavia, a 20 year old car...

 

Yes mine was like that, far worse than the MK2 and it didnt lead to any corrosion.

 

Wheel arch liners have made a huge contribution towards stopping the rot on modern vehicles but the body sealing and paint preparation also play their part.

To @silver1011 - The mud in my old "Skoda Octavia 1 Combi" exactly looks like Your photos. I disassembled it for cleaning this, about one month after last rain or last Car wash and this mud was still soggy. The Car get rusted right in this place. It is perfect, that Your do not have rust.