Hole in wheel arch

Submitted: Friday, Sep 16, 2005 at 20:08

ThreadID: 26514 Views:1910 Replies:6 FollowUps:2

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SmithyWA

Went searching for the source of my dust leak this arvo, and after removing one of the rear wheel arch trims I found it. Much to my dismay a very large, sharp Pilbara rock has perforated the wheel arch leaving a slit about 3mm wide and 10 mm long.

Vehicle is a 2002 90 series Prado.

Now the question is, short of welding how would you recommend sealing it up?

All suggestions greatly appreciated.

Many thanks

MarK Smith

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Reply By: Willem - Friday, Sep 16, 2005 at 20:27

Friday, Sep 16, 2005 at 20:27

A generous dollop of clear silicon should suffice. Do both sides of the slit, if you can get to them. Once that is dry you could cover the repair with some duct tape. I presume the slit is under the carpet? Or is it in the wheelarch cavity behind the trim?

AnswerID: 130461

Follow Up By: SmithyWA - Friday, Sep 16, 2005 at 22:08

Friday, Sep 16, 2005 at 22:08

Willem

It is up high in the wheel arch and is covered by the plastic trim well above the carpet level.

FollowupID: 384921

Reply By: japmel - Friday, Sep 16, 2005 at 20:31

Friday, Sep 16, 2005 at 20:31

Smithy,

Fibreglass is what I would use Good strong flexable and you can paint over it.

Regards
japmel

AnswerID: 130463

Reply By: Sarg - Friday, Sep 16, 2005 at 20:57

Friday, Sep 16, 2005 at 20:57

Sikaflex 291

AnswerID: 130466

Follow Up By: SmithyWA - Friday, Sep 16, 2005 at 22:15

Friday, Sep 16, 2005 at 22:15

Sarg

Just did a google on Sikaflex 291.

This stuff sounds heaps better than regular silcone as it is for marine applications. Will drop down to Whitworths tomorrow and grab some.

I think I will seal it up from undernieth and put a tape patch over it from inside for extra security. Might Sikaflex a few other suss grommets while I'm at it.

Cheers for the replies everyone.

Mark

FollowupID: 384923

Reply By: eerfree - Friday, Sep 16, 2005 at 22:13

Friday, Sep 16, 2005 at 22:13

Bondcrete!!!
eerfree

AnswerID: 130485

Reply By: Member - Matt Mu (Perth-WA) - Sunday, Sep 18, 2005 at 11:43

Sunday, Sep 18, 2005 at 11:43

KNead it Putty mix, you just snap off a piece and knead it till its uniform colour and force into the slit and then smooth out. This stuff sets in minutes and it can then be filed or carved with hacksaw etc!

I have used it to seal a hole in an exhaust, still there I believe!

Five minute PERMANENT fix!

Matt.

AnswerID: 130658