2G Strut tower rust [Merged]

[Blitzeclips]

Hey I need some ideas and estimates from people who've fixed this. I know it's common for 2gb but I need to fix it before I upgrade my suspension. If anyone can help me repair this or can give any suggestions that would be great. Thanks.

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[GSX93DSM]

Thats pretty bad man, Only thing you can really do is try to cut out all the rust and weld new metal in. Just don't try to use bondo or filler, will not hold.

 

[awdrst]

If you can't weld or do some decent fab work than i'd suggest going to the best body shop you can find. Its a matter of finding or building a replacement part and welding it in place than paint.

 

[Defiant]

I doubt you could fix that for what the car's worth. You may want to start looking for a replacement.

 

[VPrime]

Wow, I thought mine was bad... Though I think mine will look like that in a couple years if i dont get it fixed

 

[IslandTSI]

Mine has some issues in that area as well. I want to get it fixed before it looks like that. Ideally if i could find a clean 2g car in a junk yard here I could just cut out the parts I needed and have someone weld them in.

 

[SloWPanda]

my friend went to a shop to get that piece cut a welded on for about 300 a side. the only disadvantage would be that if they don't know what there doing, your alignment may be screwed up. lucky this was a shop that specialize in those kind of work.

 

[evilredGS]

Is that epoxy? WTF I would start looking for totaled DSM's at junkyards and try to buy a complete front end. Sometimes you can get a front that has been cut just behind the dash. It should give you enough usable room to cut a replacement and then weld it into place.

At this point, thats probably your best option. No sense in beating a dead horse.

 

[highpsi93tsi]

Price out rolling chassis AWD and the cost to fix that. Thats BAD...Bad 2g design!!!

 

[92awddsm]

Thats BAD...Bad 2g design!!!

Actually, it has nothing to do with design, it has more to do with lack of undercoating in that area and the northern winters along with the road salt.

As stated, your best bet would be to find another good chassis and swap parts. You could have donor strut towers welded in but then the caster and camber will probably become skewed.

 

[evilredGS]

I'm definately going to make sure my GS is winterized to keep this from comming.

 

[92AndAHalf]

My one buddy's 95 TSi AWD has the same issue. Seems like 2G's are bad for that. Especially if you live in the north with all the nasty road salt.

 

[Gamble97]

I have the rust on the pass side of my strut tower. I know it's a common problem, but did a search and can't find anyone that has fixed theirs. Also, where to get the part from.
A little help please.
Thanks

 

[Gamble97]

Any of you guys have pics of this after it was fixed or in the process of being fixed?

 

[dave99gst]

how far gone is it ? a small area could be welded.
If the entire tower is trashed its prob too far gone. It can be fixed but most likley not worth the effort.

 

[gotgrip666]

i was wondering on how har it is to repair the strut tower when it has rust on it, is it exspensive to have and auto body shop do it?

 

[Locke]

If it is just surface rust, (as the title depicts) just grind/sand it off, clean, prime, and paint. If it has rusted through, it would be wise to have a shop repair it. But, if you have a welder, it is like any other steel body damage, you just have to make sure the alignment is proper before repairing it.

 

[ricktb]

I took my car to be serviced and have a performance clutch installed and a few other little things looked at.. I just got a quote for over $3500 in mechanical service, and another $3500 in body structural repairs.. ok I guess it could be worst but ouch right in the heart man...

turns out both front strut towers need replacement (the metal that the struts bolt to in the engine compartment)

learn from my mistake, have the seller provide a up to date safety inpection by a certified mechanic (he did provide one but 6 months old and everything said ok,ok,ok,ok,ok)

bah, looks like I'm drinkin this weekend partyyy time!

 

[DirtyBirdRacing]

wtf...

You got any pictures of the neccessary body work.

Bill

 

[boosted95clipse]

No youre getting screwed, there is no way. you mine as well total it

 

[ricktb]

on that topic, I just found out my strut towers have rusted through and need replacement.. I've been quoted $3500 to repair this alone. without the repair my car won't pass a safety and might as well sit in the parking lot collecting dust

At first glance, it appeared to be surface rust only, I figured hey I'll just grind and paint no problem. oh well

 

[travunder]

You would be better off getting a new car. You shouldnt even drive that car, it doesnt sound very safe.Sorry man

 

[4gsx63]

I took my car to be serviced and have a performance clutch installed and a few other little things looked at.. I just got a quote for over $3500 in mechanical service, and another $3500 in body structural repairs.. ok I guess it could be worst but ouch right in the heart man...

turns out both front strut towers need replacement (the metal that the struts bolt to in the engine compartment)

learn from my mistake, have the seller provide a up to date safety inpection by a certified mechanic (he did provide one but 6 months old and everything said ok,ok,ok,ok,ok)

bah, looks like I'm drinkin this weekend partyyy time!

$7 grand total? Is your car worth more than that?

 

[AndrewD5418]

Part it out and buy a different one.

 

[gotgrip666]

thanks for the info, im going to check it out tomorrow, wish me luck