Could This Be The Start Of The Dreaded Rusting Rear Wheel Arch Issue?

[jjones2908]

Hello all,

Late 2005 Ford Focus Mk2 (no mud flaps fitted if relevant).

I know that the rusting wheel arch issue with the Ford Focus (mk1 / mk2) is very well documented, but I've only seen photos of it at quite an advanced stage.

I check my car for rust every couple of months and today, while running my hand across the rear wheel arch I could feel that it was quite rough in a 5cm section right across the top / middle and a tiny bit of paint actually crumbled off into my fingers.

I've attached a photo but it might not be clear enough as it's taken on a phone. Unfortunately I don't have a work light or decent torch. Looking at the photo myself, I can't tell if this is the beginnings of rust or just rough/crumbling paintwork for another reason.

Can anyone shed any light? Any advice on what to do next?

Cheers,

J

[DieselPig]

Caught it just in time Sand it down and get some rust killer on it. Zinc loaded primer and colour over the top.

What does it look like from the outside?

[jjones2908]

Cheers for the reply. Looks like I'll be getting on the case then! The outside of the arch is perfect - nothing to suggest there was anything wrong.

Not sure if it's important as its pretty much inside the arch, but will the primer also build up the surface slightly to make it more 'level' for repainting?

Thanks,

J

[DieselPig]

If you apply enough coats yes. I can't see how bad it really is from the photo but it just looks like the paint edge is peeling.

[williamweb]

If it was me I would remove the wheel arch lining and have a look around the back.

Sent from my iPad using Ford OC

[artscot79]

Done this to a mates and to be honest I wouldn't waste the Time you'll hold it back a bit but you wont cure it we removed the wheel and arch liner cleaned and sanded it all down painted rust killer on it when ready zinc primered it all 2 coats then painted and laquered it when that had cured we then waxoyled and undersealed it fitted front and rear mud flaps........still rusts

[Incontro]

Done this to a mates and to be honest I wouldn't waste the Time you'll hold it back a bit but you wont cure it we removed the wheel and arch liner cleaned and sanded it all down painted rust killer on it when ready zinc primered it all 2 coats then painted and laquered it when that had cured we then waxoyled and undersealed it fitted front and rear mud flaps........still rusts

If what you say is true - then there may not be many Mk2 Focii left on the roads in just a few years time lol

[artscot79]

you can beat it by replacing the whole rear quarter panel fords are good cars they just rust its always been the case a reason why my old man a ford fan for mos of his life wont buy one sadly even 11 and 12 plates are showing signs of rust.....as i said you can slow it down but it will rear its ugly head again

[jjones2908]

Thanks everyone for their replies. I'm just trying to weigh up the cost and effort of taking some action myself against taking no action (and how long it would take it progress). I'm probably looking at £30 for materials and a couple of hours work, but ultimately it may not actually stop it. If it's taken 9 years to get to this stage, I wonder how long it would take for it to show itself on the outside of the arch and cause real issues...

[artscot79]

If you want to do it properly theres a few things you can do to lessen or slow it down with the rear arch liner off get a piece of rubber tubing split it down the middle and put it round the liner where it meets the wing and then spray both sides of the liner with either spray paint or waxoyl under seal the rubber tube prevents water collecting against the metal and instead runs down the sides of the rubber and the painting of the liner makes it hard so it doesn't soak up water and take ages to dry up for what its worth it will certainly slow it down if you don't do anything after the winter it'll start bubbling through

[salsheikh]

that is going at the edges so i would check the other side by removing the arch liner.

if that is it then maybe a sealant all around the edge may stop if from getting worse - the edges are where it all starts so if this is sealed then maybe it could prevent it from getting worse? just my thoughts but i may be wrong!

[jjones2908]

Thank you all. Sorry for my delay in replying, I've been on holiday. So, I jacked the car up and got the back wheel off and was pleasantly surprised to find that it only appeared to be at the stage of a 1.5 inch long strip of bare metal showing through, with no signs of corosion. What I've done for now is cleaned it up and put some primer paint and lacquer on it in the hope that it will keep things at bay for a while yet. The general consensus seems to be that if it's going to happen then it's going to happen! I'm now having another major (repeat) issue with the car which I'll put in another post.

[james_60]

Stone Chip Damage that has not been covered over will lead to rusting, but it is not classic ford rusting

Jamie