Technical Fiat 500 axle rust on axle pans

[MikeJohn]

Hi there,
My daughter’s fiat 500 failed its mot today. The axle pans that the suspension struts sit on at the rear both have small holes in. The garage said as they are so small they could be welded. I can see this is a common problem on fiat 500s of this age. Could anyone offer any advice on whether this would be suitable or do I need to replace the whole of the rear axle? I have attached a few pictures .
Thanks for any advice in advance
Mike

 

[John202020]

How long do you want the car to last is the real question?
If only a year or so weld up, if you want say another 5 years which is quite possible replace it(axle) a competent DIY person can do it over a weekend with all the right parts and tools, but not if you're unsure.
The car is entering the point where lots of age related things need sorting, this can be very expensive if you cannot do it yourself?

 

[MikeJohn]

How long do you want the car to last is the real question?
If only a year or so weld up, if you want say another 5 years which is quite possible replace it(axle) a competent DIY person can do it over a weekend with all the right parts and tools, but not if you're unsure.
The car is entering the point where lots of age related things need sorting, this can be very expensive if you cannot do it yourself?

Yes will probably look at welding it and sell it if possible. I can see an aftermarket axel for around £150 but then with labour costs might be another £500 or so and the car probably isn’t worth more than 1k? I can’t do the work myself so will have a look get some one in. Thanks for your response .

 

[John202020]

Yes will probably look at welding it and sell it if possible. I can see an aftermarket axel for around £150 but then with labour costs might be another £500 or so and the car probably isn’t worth more than 1k? I can’t do the work myself so will have a look get some one in. Thanks for your response .

Weld it up, mot it, but keep for another year, it's going to be cheaper for now, why sell a car with another years mot to someone else when you can use it?

 

[varesecrazy]

I wrote a guide on treating corrosion of the pans,

There Is a small slot as a drain hole

If this is choked with mud, the pans swim in salty sludge for months

Ensure you keep a drain hole in your repair

 

[MikeJohn]

Thanks for this. Do you know how much it might cost for the welding? Will they plate over the pans?

 

[varesecrazy]

Thanks for this. Do you know how much it might cost for the welding? Will they plate over the pans?

This has been covered before,

You could get a flat disc cut and laid in there,
welding is only tacks / stitches in that instance

 

[John202020]

Probably £50 or so to weld, ask around, finding someone who welds can be quite an issue, was there anything else on the mot that could concern?

 

[MikeJohn]

hi thanks for the info it failed on

• Suspension component corroded and seriously weakened Nearside Rear Lower (as marked)
  [5.3.3 (b) 01
• Suspension component corroded and seriously weakened Offside Rear Lower (as marked)
  [5.3.3 (b) (i)]

The advisories were -

• Coil spring corroded Rear (both) [5.3.1 (b) (i)]
• Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened

 

[John202020]

Cheap fix for another years driving then?

 

[MikeJohn]

Do you think the mot centre will pass it if they can see it’s been welded.

This has been covered before,

You could get a flat disc cut and laid in there,
welding is only tacks / stitches in that instance

Thanks , do you think the mot centre will
Pass it if it’s been welded . The pan looks badly corroded and wonder if that can weld onto this ok?

 

[varesecrazy]

Do you think the mot centre will pass it if they can see it’s been welded.

Thanks , do you think the mot centre will
Pass it if it’s been welded . The pan looks badly corroded and wonder if that can weld onto this ok?

Like a sill, or other structural item

You just need to restore the structural integrity,

Surface rust, etc isn't an issue

Plated and repainted it should be fine

Maybe look for a Local mobile mechanic..

They Could fit replacement rear springs too as it's the same job..

Might look better when selling in 11 months