LR
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Chassis & bodyLow severity

Bubbling aluminium body panels

Annoying rather than dangerous.

Symptoms

White powdery corrosion and bubbling along panel edges.

Likely cause

Galvanic corrosion between aluminium panels and steel frames or fasteners.

Suggested fixes

Listed roughly in the order most owners try them.

  1. 1

    Use barrier paint and stainless fasteners

    Isolate dissimilar metals with barrier paint and use stainless fasteners.

    Difficulty:
    Moderate DIY
    Cost:
    £ (Under about £50 in parts)
  2. 2

    Replace badly corroded panels

    Fit new panels and seal edges.

    Difficulty:
    Moderate DIY
    Cost:
    ££ (About £50 to £300)

This is general guidance gathered from owner experience and workshop practice, not a substitute for a workshop manual or a qualified mechanic. Costs are rough parts-only guides. Brakes, steering and suspension work affects safety, so if in doubt have it checked professionally.

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