Those sponge sound deadening pads in front wings

[enc]

Lots of VAG group cars built after 2003 have a sponge pad in the front wing which is supposed to reduce road noise. Thing is, it also promotes formation of rust at the top centre of the arch To such an extent, many cars (mk5 golfs especially) had wings replaced under warranty. It appears AUDI, VW etc did not learn from this as cars are still fitted with these pads. To my point 🤔😂has anybody removed these as a preventative measure to stop the onset of rust? I plan on doing mine in spring and am wondering if there’s an adverse effect on road noise in the cabin !? 

[Steve Q]

The damage they do to the wings is well documented. I'd definitely recommend just removing them. 

[enc]

18 hours ago, Steve Q said:

The damage they do to the wings is well documented. I'd definitely recommend just removing them. 

Yeah, I probably will.