So I was looking under the rear bumper on the 98 SLE the other day and noticed that the metal flange that holds the bunper on is totally rusted out and falling apart. I am talking about the rectangular tube that runs parallel to the bumper and has two round connecting posts that go to the frame. I am not so concerned about replacing it as to what the H*** caused it to corrode so badly??? The rest of the metal in that general area is in good condition.

Might have pooled water and or salt/dirt. Unless the car took a hit and it was exposed metal.

I don't believe that the bumper structure receives the same corrsion protection that the car'* sheetmetal does. Mine look like crap too.

I have to believe the bumper mount metal on this car is defective because I have seen 20 year old vehicles with far less corrosion. I guess I will get a couple of estimates on replacing it and decide if it is worth doing. It might hold together for a few more years, but it is scary to look at.

Is this the inner bumper or are you talking about the part that the bumper pistons (round tubes) connect to on the back of the car? I am wondering cause my inner bumper was a hardened plastic. Might be different on the newer years though as I have not been under one of them.