Rust on frame welds and scuffs on metal

[ChangeYourOil]

Hey, me again. Apologies for posting another thread. I tried searching and found one post on FK8 forums on the rust but nothing else.

Anyone notice this on their FL5? It looks like rust all along the welds. Also there are scuffs/gouges around the transmission mount bolt next to the jack point. Very weird since its a brand new car, just a few months old.

Idk, guess I just have luck of the draw on this one. The quality control when it was built must have been slacking

 

[getRIGHT]

Are you sure that’s not just paint chipped off the seam sealer?

 

[ChangeYourOil]

Sorry, not exactly sure what you mean by seam sealer, but it looks like rust all along the welds of the subframe.

Worth noting the car was picked up less than a day after it arrived. Only minimal PDI done (body plugs, backup camera fuse, tire pressure) thats it. I didnt even have them put gas in it.

The car was pretty dirty, like it came from a muddy rainstorm. Underside was also dirty like muddy water spots all over.

Otherwise its never seen rain and always garaged. Its not a daily driver either.

Just dont see how a new car shows rust like that. Also dont know what those scuffs/gouges are on the frame around the bolt where the jack point is (last pic).

 

[Bandit_TypeR]

Hey, me again. Apologies for posting another thread. I tried searching and found one post on FK8 forums on the rust but nothing else.

Anyone notice this on their FL5? It looks like rust all along the welds. Also there are scuffs/gouges around the transmission mount bolt next to the jack point. Very weird since its a brand new car, just a few months old.

Idk, guess I just have luck of the draw on this one. The quality control when it was built must have been slacking

That don't look right to me. I never look under my car so I don't know if mine has this as well. Nonetheless, I would send those pics to your dealer, then get them to put the car up on the lift and do a walk around with them. Doesn't look right.

 

[getRIGHT]

Sorry, not exactly sure what you mean by seam sealer, but it looks like rust all along the welds of the subframe.

Seam sealer is an automotive adhesive that is used to seal joints and panel edges to prevent moisture and rust from getting in between 2 pieces of metal. The sealer is painted over after applied. What you posted isn’t welds and it’s not rust. That’s the color of the seam sealer used after the paint has flaked off a little bit. It’s nothing to be concerned with. If you are still concerned about it you should visit a reputable auto body shop for a free estimate. Please report back the results if you decide to do that.

 

[ChangeYourOil]

Interesting, thanks for the info! I didnt know they used seam sealer on the subframe. Looked up some pics online and I do find seam sealer around the engine bay and wheel wells.

Most colors used are black white Grey and beige. So not sure what is causing this color or even why the paint is chipping already.

I also found some threads on toyota forums of people having this same thing on their new tacomas.

One guy said its the bronze silicon welding rod they use at the factory. It has that color under the paint. Most factories dont prep the are enough before painting.

I dont know what is true lol. Both the seam sealer, and bronze silicon ideas seem totally possible!

I may just send pics to some body shops to look at it. Wouldn't hurt to try.

Just wondering if anyone else noticed this on their FL5 or Civic? And also those weird scuffs and gouges around the bolt in the last pic. Very strange.

 

[jtlctr]

That don't look right to me. I never look under my car so I don't know if mine has this as well. Nonetheless, I would send those pics to your dealer, then get them to put the car up on the lift and do a walk around with them. Doesn't look right.

I agree, this is a little surprising to see on a brand new car. I wouldn’t stress too much about it because this is all on the subframe, which is replaceable if the rust ever gets bad enough to compromise the integrity of the steel. I like the idea of bringing it to the dealer and documenting it in case it becomes a problem some day. Then maybe you can put something on it to arrest the progress of the rust.

Seam sealer is an automotive adhesive that is used to seal joints and panel edges to prevent moisture and rust from getting in between 2 pieces of metal. The sealer is painted over after applied. What you posted isn’t welds and it’s not rust. That’s the color of the seam sealer used after the paint has flaked off a little bit. It’s nothing to be concerned with. If you are still concerned about it you should visit a reputable auto body shop for a free estimate. Please report back the results if you decide to do that.

I’m pretty sure the pics are showing paint flaking off the welds on the subframe, and rust is beginning. As far as I know, seam sealer is only used on the body, not on the subframe.

Ultimately, OP, I don’t think there’s much cause to be worried about this right now, but if you are going to drive in any kind of salty conditions, that rust will definitely accelerate if it’s not treated.

 

[ChangeYourOil]

Thanks for the input! Yeah its pretty weird. Kinda bummed out to be honest.

I understand these cars take a long journey to get here. Going through changing temps and inclement weather sometimes.

Although I live in an area that uses salt. The car will be stored away during winter as its not a daily.

The whole reason I wanted a fresh car off the truck was to avoid issues like this.

Its good the subframe is replaceable, but that shouldn't even need to be thought of for a new car.

I can try the dealer route, but I know the corrosion warranty is only for sheet metal. If anything, they will probably screw up something else on the car while they are rushing through it.

Its as if the subframe installed on my car barely made it through QC. Or they just didnt care.

Sorry for rambling. If anyone else remembers to look at their subframe next time they are under their car, please let me know what you see.

Thanks!

 

[frenzal]

If you want to work it, remove rust, then POR15 the hell of out it.

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