Rotten front cross member

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lrmonks

Member
Posts
97
Just had an MOT on my 1997 300tdi and it failed due to holes in the front cross member. One of the holes is close the junction with the chassis side. The guy who does the welding there hasn't seen it yet, but to me it looks like it will require a new crossmember. Anyone had the same issues or any ideas re the prognosis? Can't find one on the internet if it requires replacement either!
An update if anyone ever has a similar issue. Basically you can't get one. I contacted JLR classic parts and they say there is no replacement as it's part of the chassis. No aftermarket companies do one either. So it will be a welding job. It doesn't do that much tbh and it's pretty thin steel. It's just a spacer really as the bumper will be more of a support than that will ever be. So there we are!
 
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See what the welder says.
Do you need the car? if so get it patched, it then gives you time to make a plan for a proper repair.
If you dont need it then its your choice.

Its very likely the welder guy will find more when he starts tapping away with his hammer.

J
 
I had the front 1/4 chassis replaced on my 90 two years ago. The front crossmember had been patched a couple of years previously but when I went to replace the front bumper, the front chassis legs were worse than I’d thought. Be prepared for the rust to be more extensive than you first think.

I think the chassis section was made by RCP from memory and was around £350.
 
You can buy a front chassis section with dumb irons and crossmember.
Can't remember the company but you will find it on Ebay.
Thanks for that, but that would be a huge undertaking. I contacted JLR and they said there is no replacement for it. Looks like a fabrication and welding job to me. I don't think the member is that structural anyway as the bumber will be far more of a support than that thin tin box section. Mine bumper being a huge one, quite deep with a winch. I have a welder going to the MOT place Monday and he'll be having a look at it. Regards.
 
I had the front 1/4 chassis replaced on my 90 two years ago. The front crossmember had been patched a couple of years previously but when I went to replace the front bumper, the front chassis legs were worse than I’d thought. Be prepared for the rust to be more extensive than you first think.

I think the chassis section was made by RCP from memory and was around £350.
Thanks for that. Just found it, but let's hope the welder can get away with a patch up.
 
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Thanks for that, but that would be a huge undertaking. I contacted JLR and they said there is no replacement for it. Looks like a fabrication and welding job to me. I don't think the member is that structural anyway as the bumber will be far more of a support than that thin tin box section. Mine bumper being a huge one, quite deep with a winch. I have a welder going to the MOT place Monday and he'll be having a look at it. Regards.
A strong bumper doesn't compensate for a rusty chassis. I know it's a Series but it had a good bumper, well, it did until I pulled it off.
IMG-20230624-WA0000.jpg
 
It hasn't got a rusty chassis. It's just the front member just has a few holes in it. What I am saying is the bumper I have is huge and makes up easily for that front box section under the rad. Evenas it is it is very strong. Maybe the heading sounded too dramatic.
 
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