Hi
I have a 2009 Plus 4. I have found some paint cracks along the bottom of the running board. The cracks are found in the seam between the bottom lip before it starts to become a flat rolled shape. The cracks (about 50mm) are found on both sides and are back toward the rear wheel mudguards/fenders. (I would have loved to post an image but the website by limiting data size doesn't allow this).
There appears to be a very limited amount of bubbling near the cracks but this is aluminium so where has the corrosion come from? Also I am worried that by using a trolley lift on the chassis/cross member point in front of the rear wheels I have created some body distortion leading to cracks .... but surely not?
Is this occurrence unusual or have others experienced this? Also I don't want the whole panel respraying so any thoughts on a more localised paint solution.
Thanks
Sorry to read about your problems. Odd that its symmetrical and on both sides. That makes one think that it might be the twist that has caused the cracking. The narrow back corner of the wing has a deep 90 deg return and is quite stiff adjacent to where it is fixed to the rear wing. I can see how there might be a stress concentration along the edge where you describe if the wing was significantly twisted. I would cross my fingers and hope that this is the cause because at least nothing more should develop . If it was mine I think I would pause for a while. I would thoroughly dry it out, seal the crack to make it water proof and monitor it very closely for a few months. If you repair it now and there is an on going reaction occurring it might be nugatory work.
It would be really good to see the photo’s
