CLS rear arch madness

[clk208]

Just been giving the CLS a bit of a clean. I wanted to clear all the mud and grit from under the arches as we all know these 2 ingredients can have a bad effect on MBs.

However there appears to be some sort of fabric matting, perhaps sound deadening material under the rear arches, making it impossible to get anything other than a fingernail between the sound deadening material and the arch lip. I can feel that there is a load of mud and grit under there but can't get to it. Not only will the matting retain water like a sponge but it prevents you cleaning the arches.

Is this sound deadening a standard fit item on the CLS rear arches or was it fitted as an optional extra or if eg a customer complained about tyre noise?

Looks to be MB rather than aftermarket as it all bolts in nicely etc. Will post a photo later this afternoon.

 

[Dieselman]

That is the standard arch liner.

 

[steve333]

I always pressure wash all for arches & the underside of the car usually in late march then take care to dry properly as well as cleaning/drying the arches every time i hand wash the car(at least every fortnight),no sign of any rust & to be fair haven't seen a cls with any sign of rust yet & the oldest are coming up to 8 years now.....

 

[clk208]

I may jack up the car and see if they easily unbolt so I can fully get all the crud out of there before winter sets in but will see how I go on with friends power washer first.

It is reassuring never to have seen a rusty cls (although I don't tend to see a huge amount of them around).

Anyone recommend a product I could apply to the inner lip to give some protection? After the 208 went from rust free to rusty in the arches over the space of one winter I am paranoid about these things!

 

[steve333]

I may jack up the car and see if they easily unbolt so I can fully get all the crud out of there before winter sets in but will see how I go on with friends power washer first.

It is reassuring never to have seen a rusty cls (although I don't tend to see a huge amount of them around).

Anyone recommend a product I could apply to the inner lip to give some protection? After the 208 went from rust free to rusty in the arches over the space of one winter I am paranoid about these things!

Hi,if you can unbolt/remove the liners to get at the inside lips then waxoyl is probably as good as most products for rust prevention.......

 

[i777]

no problems on mine... but as said - probably best to get the jet washer under the arches to flush out the debris and gunk. Just remember not to use the jet wash on the rest of the car!