Body - Upper Wheel Opening Front Fender Corrosion

50 12 04

May 10, 2012

2011761 Supersedes T.B. V501002 dated November 23, 2010 to update warranty table labor operation information and remove F.O.M. inspection/approval statement.





Vehicle Information

Condition

Corrosion, Front Fenders, at Upper Wheel Opening (U.S. Only)
Surface corrosion or corrosion perforation can occur on various locations around the front wheel arch.





^ Corrosion at front fender -arrows-, as shown.

Technical Background





^ This condition may be due to the foam pad on the
inner fender pressing against the upper edge of
the fender, which chafes through the paint in the
affected area.

Production Solution

Improved process beginning with VIN 1K_6M789255.

Service

ONLY if fender is rusted through:

^ Replace fender. See Repair Manual for replacement procedure.

Tip:
DO NOT REMOVE the foam pad on the inner fender.

^ Trim the foam pad on the inner fender to create a
10mm gap between the wheel opening arch and
foam pad, as shown.

^ If foam pad is contaminated with salt, clean by using soap and water. If damaged, replace foam pad.

^ Remove corrosion from fender using 80-320 grit on a D/A sander. Use the finest grit possible.

^ Paint the fender using conventional methods.





^ Apply the 3M Underseal Rubberized
Undercoating, Part No: 08883, around the entire
inner fender wheel arch flange while ensuring 100
percent coverage.











Warranty





Required Parts and Tools

Additional Information

All part and service references provided in this Technical Bulletin are subject to change and/or removal.
Always check with your Parts Dept. and Repair Manuals for the latest information.