Sobering tale and recommendation to check your cars.

I had my wheels off after the cars winter storage. So thought it prudent to have a poke around to check on the old tin worm in the usual places, so far so good in the time I’ve owned the car.

i was saddened to find the left hand (2004 UK car, so curb side) subframe mounting bracket had holes in it after scraping off some surface rust! Headed straight to google to find a replacement part, good Lord these things are hens teeth. I eventually managed to get a refurbished pair from DCR AutoParts which are in good condition. I undersealed the two refurbished brackets, removed the old ones, after reading an article on here, the right hand side was in much better condition, I’ll keep that, just in case!! Sourced some new bolts and now refitted.
I cannot imagine what would happen if this bracket failed, so please do check yours.

My car has never seen a winter in the 11years I’ve owned it, I’m pretty sure judging by some of the horror pictures I’ve seen on here, the XK8 does not like the taste of salt. It is tucked away every winter, not de-humidified or heated, so still high humidity, but it’s he best I can do. I undersealed the rear arches and visible parts he first year I owned the car and have re-sealed every two years or so. The mounting points for these brackets was completely devoid of rust, as were the other suspect point on the car, just the bracket itself, such a poor design I guess, the damp crud the car picks up must just sit on the top of the braked and eat through it

 

OMG! You were lucky to catch that when you did. mine was a California car all it's life so I think I'm good. But never say never, I'll keep an eye on things whenever it's up on the lift and such. TM

 

It still amazes me when I see how much the UK cars can suffer from the devastating effects of rust even when stored away for the winter months....