Hi,

I am new to this forum and couldnt find an answer posted that could help, apologies if this has already been covered.

I drive a Polo 6N 1.4s 2001.

Recently clipped a kerb after narrowly avoiding oncoming driver who lost it on an S bend,

I now have one rear wheel which is barely attached to to rear beam, (pushed in at bottom, top of wheel/tyre now sticking out way past wheel arch).

Closer inspection revealed that the rear beam has cracked just where the shock absorber and the stub axle are attached to the beam.

My question is has anyone ever successfully repaired this type of damage by welding it or am i looking at just replacing the whole beam??

I suspect will need to replace beam, if so, whats involved? i.e. can i do this myself with fair mech knowledge and limited tools, or will it be a a serious garage bill??

Any advice appreciated,

Thanks

First welcome to the forum.

Unfortunately you will need to replace the whole axle beam as repairs are not recommended, It's a simple job, first get it jacked high/safe enough to get under the rear end, remove the brake drums, then you'll see four bolts holding the drum backplate to the stub axle remove these, unclip the brake pipes and handbrake cable, unbolt the lower bolt on the shockabsorber, then at the front of the axle beam you'll see a block with brake pipes disconnect the ones going onto the beam, then remove the two bolts that hold the beam to the chassis and then you can drop the beam.

As Haynes manual would say refitting is the reverse, the brake backplate bolts torque to 60Nm the main bolts to the chassis 65Nm with the axle in a horizontal position then bleed the brakes.

You can pick these up second hand cheap enough to warrant trying to repair it anyway.

I'd imagine trying to straighten and weld to a degree of accuracy would be more trouble than it's worth when a replacement will be cheap enough.

You may need a wheel alignment after as the beam may not refit as square as it should be, or the mounting brackets could have moved anyway due to the impact

I have a gti rear beam and breaks if you interested