What’s this rubber flap for?

[GrumpyGranddad]

Not noticed it before. Only on the off side, not one on near side. Just ahead of the rear wheel.

 

[Perfectos]

That’s a good question GG.

i assumed it was to keep spray of the exhaust back box, as it seems aligned with that

 

[GrumpyGranddad]

That’s a good question GG.

i assumed it was to keep spray of the exhaust back box, ax it seems aligned with that

Yes, that’s most likely. Thanks.

 

[Wildcamper]

I would suggest something has come lose. In general terms things don't hang down underneath vehicles. Have just looked at my 150 DSG T6, ok not a Cali, and I do not have that flap. There is a panel that looks similar but it is up above that bar that can be seen in the photo. I can't get near enough to be sure as it is right underneath the vehicle. May be Loz or Welsh Gas can be more specific.

 

[Perfectos]

the flap is fully fixed, not loose and has been there since new.

 

[Wildcamper]

Ok, then I have no idea - sorry.

 

[GrumpyGranddad]

Thanks guys. I might send the picture to Citygate and ask the question.

 

[Jabberwocky]

I have a T6 (MY 2019) and have exactly the same flap. Its not fully rigid, you can easily waggle it! Strange thing (Don't reverse backwards in long grass).

 

[Jabberwocky]

Thanks guys. I might send the picture to Citygate and ask the question.

I'd be interested in the answer......

 

[Calimili]

I would be more worried why your van is completely green underneath

 

[GrumpyGranddad]

I would be more worried why your van is completely green underneath

Dorset campsite grass and evening sun

 

[GrumpyGranddad]

I have a T6 (MY 2019) and have exactly the same flap. Its not fully rigid, you can easily waggle it! Strange thing (Don't reverse backwards in long grass).

Thanks @Jabberwocky, yes mines rigidly fixed to the van but the rubber is flexible. I did have that very thought about reversing. Anything pushing the rubber beyond it’s limit is going to cause damage to the bracket at least. See what VW says.

 

[willwander]

I think it’s there to protect a sensor?
But I don’t know what the sensor does either?
But it has wires going to it.
Looks like some sort of suspension sensor maybe?

 

[willwander]

Ride height levelling sensor?

 

[Minime082]

Its to protect the headlight levelling sensor. There are 2 sensors 1 at the front wishbone and the rear connected to the trailing arm via the anti-roll bar bracket.

 

[willwander]

Ah, the sensor is for headlight levelling.
Wondered what it was for.

 

[WelshGas]

LED headlights require self levelling, hence the suspension sensors.

 

[GrumpyGranddad]

Response from Citygate:

Hello Mr Sparkes,

I have checked with Stuart our Master Technician; he has advised that it is a protective flap for the rear level sensor for the L.E.D lighting and is as it should be.
I hope this helps.

Kind Regards,
Sara

 

[Karlos]

Dorset campsite grass and evening sun

Must have been a good evening.

 

[Perfectos]

Must have been a good evening.

Nice and cosy

 

[WelshGas]

Response from Citygate:

Hello Mr Sparkes,

I have checked with Stuart our Master Technician; he has advised that it is a protective flap for the rear level sensor for the L.E.D lighting and is as it should be.
I hope this helps.

Kind Regards,
Sara

Seems a bit odd though that it hangs down as such, with a trailing free edge. Fine going forward but could get caught when reversing on rough ground or long tussocky grass.

 

[Perfectos]

the flap is flexible rubber, fairly thick and well secure.
IMO it would bend back on itself and spring back into place Unless seriously grounded, but then you would be in all sorts of trouble and the rubber flap would be the last of your worries.

 

[GrumpyGranddad]

Seems a bit odd though that it hangs down as such, with a trailing free edge. Fine going forward but could get caught when reversing on rough ground or long tussocky grass.

Yes, i would have thought a lower profile protective cover rather than partial cover from the ‘flap’ would have been better, but obviously the design engineers had their reasons.

 

[GrumpyGranddad]

the flap is flexible rubber, fairly thick and well secure.
IMO it would bend back on itself and spring back into place Unless seriously grounded, but then you would be in all sorts of trouble and the rubber flap would be the last of your worries.

You’re not wrong.