Rear Shock Mount - Should I be concerned?

[BADB5A4]

So I had my rear shock out last weekend to fix a cracked spring and found this. Thank you NYS DOT salt Nazi's.

Structurally its solid but I was kind of surprised by the entire back plate disintegrating. Has anyone else seen this ?

[JoshDub]

I am once again reminded as to why no one should every buy a used car from the North East.

[T0mat3]

It has happened on both of my A4's, not a big concern.

[xdewaynex]

Both of my rears are like that. I wasnt too concerned as its not really doing anything to help structure.

[BADB5A4]

I am once again reminded as to why no one should every buy a used car from the North East.

Tell me about it...I feel bad everytime I drive in the winter

Ok, at least I know mine isnt the only one like this.

[onemoremile]

If you're worried about it then get a pair of rears from a junkyard.

[somebody5788]

I don't see why the north east is the only place you think they rust? Mine was from Detroit and has 159,000 miles and doesn't look anything like that. Honestly these cars are one of the most rust resistant I have ever seen.

[NeedingAnAudi]

Wow I finally lucked out on something, I just replaced my non-oem oem-non sport suspension in the back. I put oem-sport in the back so I have a full sport suspension like it had originally from the factory, and mine did not look anything like that.

[T0mat3]

Its not like it really matters, its facing the inside of the car lol.

[turbo_bootin]

I have the same thing. I wouldn't worry about it.

[BlkBullitt]

Both of mine are starting to rust... one has a hole in the rear section, but neither are as bad as the one pictured. It seems to be a fairly common issue. It's not a huge issue right now, but I'd plan on replacing them eventually if you plan on keeping the car for a long time (and I'd replace them asap if you see the sides start to get bad as I've seen a few posts by people who have had them fail where the shock mounts to them).

If you have time before installing them you could do what I did to mine and apply a rust killing agent (Evaporust, etc) and then paint them with a rust resistant paint (POR-15, etc).