1999 Ducato - serious front chassis beam corrosion Forums

sormerod

This photo shows the corrosion found in the front cross beam of the chassis of a 1999 Ducato MH, discovered on chnace inspection of the underside while waxoyling the chassis after purchase. As you can see the corrosion was spectaculary bad for a six year old MH with only 40,000 miles. the beam is directly below the radiator and first in the queue for road spray.

Fortunately the beam is relatively easy to replace, just a question of a few bolts either side.

You might want to check your vehicle.

Stuart

Cowly

Thanks for the info,

Will be looking at mine next week,

Any idea of cost to replace,

Only 6-7 years old, not good, but well spotted, I dread to think of what could happen if you had not found the cross member ..... or lack of it ?

Thanks again for the post

Colin R......

highwayman

Hi, had ours replaced before we bought it
1997, 14000miles
My theory is water sat trapped in it because of lack of use
However seeing your mileage kinda blows that theory outta the water.
I think we all better have a good look under our vehicles.
.....nige

sormerod

The MH from which this beam was taken belongs to a friend of mine and he was able to buy the replacement at a special staff discount within the trade and so paid only just over £50. Retail price would probably be about £80 or so, not too bad - it is quite a big chunk of metal!

Stuart

gaspode · Moderator

I seem to remember that this is a common problem on the Ducatos and is caused by water running down from the battery tray area as it leaks in from the bonnet line gap.

klubnomad

Fiat have a 6 year anti corrosion warranty. Have you tried your local dealer?

dave

656

JockandRita

Hi all,

Checked ours out this morning, and it was showing signs of corrosion, but still quite solid, at 7 years old and 28,000 miles.

So out came the wire brush and a can of Waxoil.

Job sorted......for now anyway

Our neighbour did the same on his Eldiss/Peuguot Boxer a few months ago.

J & R.