Is It Normal for the Hub Axle of a Volkswagen Car to Rust?
3 Answers
It is not normal for the hub axle of a Volkswagen car to rust, and timely inspection and repair are required. Overview of Car Hubs: The hub (Car-Rim) is the central part of the wheel where the axle is installed, also known as the "wheel rim" or "steel rim." Hubs are prone to accumulating dirt, and if not cleaned for a long time, they may corrode and deform, posing safety hazards. Classification of Car Hubs: Hubs can be divided into steel hubs and alloy hubs based on material, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The main advantages of steel hubs are their simple manufacturing process (usually produced by casting, whereas alloy hubs are typically made using low-pressure casting techniques), relatively low cost, and strong resistance to metal fatigue.
I've been driving for almost ten years, and every time after washing the car or during rainy days, I always pay attention to the wheel hub axle area. It's quite normal for Volkswagen's wheel hub axles made of ordinary steel to have slight surface rust, just like how a cast iron pan at home develops rust spots over time. This is especially true if the car is parked for long periods in damp basements or coastal cities, where metal is more prone to oxidation due to moisture exposure. I recommend driving the car a few kilometers after each wash to let the brake discs generate heat through friction and evaporate the moisture. However, it's important to note that if the wheel hub axle starts peeling or turns a deep brown color from rust, you should immediately have the braking system checked—safety always comes first.
Last time at the repair shop, the mechanic pointed at a Volkswagen wheel hub axle and told me: 'A bit of surface rust here is perfectly normal. Cast iron components don't have coating protection, especially if you park immediately after driving in rainy weather - that's when it happens most easily.' The mechanic taught me a practical tip - don't casually use rust remover as it might corrode the rubber seals instead. It's best to check the rust thickness on brake disc edges monthly; anything under 1mm is fine. During rainy seasons, remember not to park near puddles. If the car sits unused for long periods, it's advisable to drive it weekly for about half an hour to let the brake discs friction-clean the rust.
