Rust in front door step area

[Zach Woods]

link - http://www.karmann-mobil-club.de/Tipps/Tippstricks/rosttrittstufe.htm (German Language)

link (Tips & Tricks - scroll down for Mercedes) - http://www.karmann-mobil-club.de/Tipps/tipps.htm (German Language)

translation (looks like they used part of a bicycle inner tube to stop rubbing) -

Rust under the plastic entrance stage at the VOLKSWAGEN LT2/MB Sprinter Thus the thing normally looks. By removing the three plugs (with screwdriver pry off) and unscrewing the three screws one can remove the plastic lining. Step left (the stronger rust infestation in front left is probably insignificant. There a rusty Tackerklammer lay!!!!) Step on the right of looks altogether still comparatively harmless. Already substantially stronger rust infestation is to have been found. The problem are, as one see clear, the tubular supports under the plastic cover. These scrape themselves continuously on the lacquer to these up to the sheet metal through-sharpened. What do? Clean first times: left right Now all this looks already better. Since the rust progressed not very far and it concerns in my case mainly only superficial damages, I looked for a solution, in order to prevent further rust accumulation. Here the solution: I cut and under the supporting tubes put a piece out from a fahrradschlauch. Now the lacquer cannot be damaged any longer. left right. Plastic step again inserted and finished. The thing continues to remain nevertheless under observation.

[georgetg]

This is what you'll see.

By removing the three plastic plugs (pry them out with a screwdriver) you gain access to three screws holding the plastic step.

Left step: the rust to the front left is only on the surface caused by a rusty staple.

Right step: this still looks relatively benign. Others have discovered much more pronounced corrosion in this area. The culprit are the circular reinforcements on the bottom of the step. The constant contact between the plastic step and the painted metal causes the paint to be worn down causing corrosion.

First step: clean thoroughly.

That looks better already. In my case the corrosion is benign and I'll move on to prevention.

By placing a piece of rubber in the area where the plastic contacts the metal, further damage of the painted surface is prevented. In my case I used a piece of bicycle innertube.

I will keep monitoring the area periodically.



Cheers
George