Passat 4motion owner looking for subframe advice

[intromission]

Hey All,

I'm trying to figure out whether a front subframe replacement is in order on my B5.5 Passat, and if there's any hope of just treating it for the time being and then replacing further down the line when I replace all the control arms.

I wire wheeled a ton of surface rust on the rear subframe earlier this spring, then used metal prep and por-15-Came out like new.

Unfortunately, as I started wire wheeling the front to do the same, I came across this small section near where the lower control link bolts to the subframe where some perforations were revealed. They are small, and the metal all around is solid, but I know this is probably rusting from the inside out. How much time would I buy if I clean it up more, use rust neutralizer on both sides as well as por-15, then make sure to use cavity wax/fluid film periodically and monitor every month for cracks etc. In the meantime, I'll begin looking for a non-rust belt used subframe.

I wouldn't think this level of rust would produce a catastrophic failure without noticing creaking or alignment being off first, but I want to keep safety first as my son will be driving this car.

Suggestions?

Thanks.


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[arjun90]

Honestly, I would pick up a replacement at a salvage yard. Mercedes actually had to recall several of their older models due to subframes prematurely deteriorating from within. I would consider it unsafe to drive in this condition.

[ShelbyM3]

If you have to ask, you know the answer. I’d take no chances with my children. Probability is very small, but IF something happened it could be bad news bears.

One near me: https://m.facebook.com/marketplace/i...18/?ref=search


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