Uh-Oh (Scratch)
 

Story: While driving over a rather large speed bump, I was moving maringally faster than normal. I hear a crunching noise (DO'h). Under my car, it appears I have scratched up one of the low-hanging steel bars near the rear axle. Not a big issue since I can't see it without getting on my hands and knees, but will this spot be highly prone to corrosion? (roads = very salted in upstate NY)

Be more worried about it being bent. I'd have it looked at.

With visual inspection, nothing seems to be bent. I drove the car a bunch afterwards and noticed no differences.

Is this going to pose a corrosion problems?

Also - worst case (pretend something is bent), what is the typical cost of a fix?

If you are worried about rust, you could treat the area with a rust preventative. You could find those at auto-parts/hardware stores. What exactly hit on the underside of the car? I believe many suspension bits like the control arms are actually aluminum so rust may not be an issue anyway.

Adam,

What I scratched was a low (probably the lowest) clearance part of the car. It looked like a tubular metal bar that attached itself near both of the rear wheels. It is the part with the white "made in germany" sticker. Do you know what part I am attempting to describe is?

Also, do you advise that next time I get the oil changed or new tires, I have them spray that area?

Thanks for the advice! :)

looks like you scratched your sway bar.
even if oyu wanted to replace the whole part its not that expencive

This is what I like to hear :) .

So bottom line - I scratched my 'sway bar' and it is not expensive to replace. As a result, I can let it corrode away and get scratched more and when it is in disgraceful shape, I can then inexpensively (relatively) replace it?

Also - from a parts+labor aspect, what do these things cost to place?

I agree, sounds like the sway. You could probably get that treated/painted without removing it if care is taken to mask off surrounding areas. Ideally, it should be removed and painted or maybe replaced if it's more than just a cosmestic scratch. Depending on the hit it took, you may want to have a qualified mechanic take a look see and see if it was tweeked.

It was a light hit and I don't think it is severely damanged. Do you know if the sway is steel or aluminum? I am more worried about the exposed surfaces corroding easily.

Also - got a rough guess as to how much it would cost to completely replace?

They are steel. I'm not sure how much they cost, but I would definately avoid buying through the dealership. Try a search on google and see who sells oem sways for the boxster.

Sway bars are pretty tough. If you are sure that's all that was hit, don't worry about it.

Post a picture and we can better help you.

I have a rear sway bar from an 99' 5spd w/ bushings. Contact me if you want it for dirt cheap.