Hi I have just taken the rear R/H side trim panel off for a rattle on my MK 2 polo, the one with the ash tray in it for the passengers. When I reach down into the bodywork I can feel what seems to be a pipe or metal tube with a cable or loom running through it. Anyway it has rusted through completely on its underside, most of it is missing. Anyone know what this is and how it could have happened and is it of any concern. Thank you

possibly the pipe of doom, they have a tube with a plastic hose in going to the fuel tank , often rotten like you say

 

 

Is it a problem, it looks very awkward to get to for a repair, I assume it rots through condensation and is there as a fire barrier

i suspect most of the cars are like it now ...mot man isnt going to see it , ive filed mine away with fix it when i get around to it 

Mine (as probably most other's) is the same, although mine has the dreaded arch rot where that pipe flanged onto the wheel arch to let the tank breather pipe through. Impossible to get to for a weld unless you cut away at the panel i'd say.

 

Have a check of that area from the inside and out (rear jacked up on a stand and wheel off) - worth a look.

 

Great design isn't it?