The original Audi TT (8N 1998-2006) caused a sensation in 1998 with its bold and quirky styling. The TT Mk2 (Type 8J, 2006–2014) was a substantial upgrade on the original, with aluminium front bodypanels, and steel in the rear, to enhance its near-neutral front-to-rear weight distribution. Available in front-wheel drive or “quattro” four-wheel drive layout, the TT is again offered as a 2+2 Coupé, and as a two-seater Roadster. The second generation is five inches longer and three inches wider than its predecessor.
It’s a this point where it seems odd that we are writing about restoring a Mk2 TT. The car in question was built in 2010 and you would not expect such severe corrosion on a car just 13 years old at this time.
It looked like the car had either been living very close to the sea or taking the occasional dip in it.
The rear subframe was heavily corroded, so much so it had holes in places and was structurally weakened. Above the subframe there was heavy corrosion to the floor area.
The new subframe cost £618 – you can see it’s not well protected with just a thin layer of paint. We will be applying Lanoguard to this to keep it looking this way. The old subframe was beyond saving so this is a cost effective replacement.
The next step is to prepare the rusty underbody for painting with Rust Encapsulator, for this we have a special tool..
The sharp eyed amongst you will say “you missed a bit” – this is true – to complete the work to the right of this image above we had to remove the fuel tank which comes later..
Some more pictures showing liberal use of the rather amazing Rust Encasulator..
Audi TT Rear end restoration Part 2
As you saw earlier there was more corrosion under the fuel tank, we got the customer back a couple of months later to finish the job, removing the fuel tank, fixing the corrosion and refitting.
Phew! Just pop the fuel tank back in with new straps and a new heatshield and the car is finished. We perhaps didn’t stress just how hard it was to get all this undone. When bolts are severely corroded they shear and seize making everything take much longer.
If you want to avoid the expense of this kind of work then get your car Lanoguarded with Balance Motor Works as soon as you can.
Hi l have a Audi TT MK1 convertible 1.8 and am looking to get the subframe and underside of the car treated ,
Can you possibly give me a rough price .
Kindest regards Chris
Email sent – unfortunately the subframe is no longer available new.
Hi Guys. I have a 2011 Audi TTS and it’s also starting to look very scabby underneath. I’d be very interested in this rear end restoration. Could you give me a ball park price. I appreciate the price will be fluid depending on the amount of work.
Hi Christopher – we’ll send you an email with an idea of the costs, thanks for your interest
Hi, great work on the TTS. I have a 2010 TTRS which I’ve been under and noticed the rear subframe and associated pressed steel arms look pretty rusty. Luckily the steel underside looks clean with just some small bubbles around the lower wheel arch area. Would you let me know an estimated cost for dropping and replacing the subframe and potential remedial work/coatings? I can send multiple images for you to get an idea. Also, I see VW/Audi have an aluminium subframe which they used on early Golf R32 and TT 3.2 V6 which the VW parts website says fits the TTRS. I can only think VW stopped using this due to cost cutting on later 3.2 V6 models etc. Would you know if this would work? Look forward to hearing from you.
HI Michael – we will send you an email with some guide to price, I don’t think you can use that subframe – yours is the MQB platform, the car itself though is alloy construction forward of the corroded area, if you look closely you can see this. By all means email the photos by return. thanks, Julian