Rust spots all over new Tundra

lexusrx2 · #1 (**permalink**) 09-01-2005, 11:58 PM

I've had my brand new truck almost 3 weeks. Tonight I noticed what looked like rust around the back windows. Upon closer inspection I found specs of rust all over the truck. Anyone else experience this? Is it covered under the warranty? The truck came from CA and I live in Las Vegas...no rain, no salt, nothing to cause this. I think it's a case of a lousy paint job and maybe worse. Any ideas?

cory555 · #2 (**permalink**) 09-02-2005, 12:09 AM

Post a picture in your photos so I can see what you are talking about. Thanks

lexusrx2 · #3 (**permalink**) 09-02-2005, 12:32 AM

Thanks, I'll post them tomorrow.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cory555

Post a picture in your photos so I can see what you are talking about. Thanks

lexusrx2 · #4 (**permalink**) 09-02-2005, 09:52 AM

It's a tiny pic but a sample of what I found. This is the worst of it around the back windows. There are various tiny speckles all over the truck that are only visible when looking for them. The rust around the windows is easily seen. At first I thought it was just dirt but after cleaning, it was obviously rust.

TundrastruckDave · #5 (**permalink**) 09-02-2005, 10:22 AM

Sorry, I can't tell to much from that pic.

Can you get a few photos as good as you did for your bedliner?

Genthar · #6 (**permalink**) 09-02-2005, 11:15 AM

Looks like rail-dust rust to me.

Not sure if it'll help once the rust starts, but you can try claying, polishing, and rewaxing to see if that helps.

There was a link somewhere on here for a wash solution that I thought was supposed to remove the wash, but I can't seem to locate it at the moment.

LGL002 · #7 (**permalink**) 09-02-2005, 11:21 AM

There was a TSB that covered the rail dust issue. Not sure if a dealer would take care of it but I'd sure give it a try. You're a paid member so if you check out the TSB's print the pertinent one and take it with you to your dealer.

Larry

TundrastruckDave · #8 (**permalink**) 09-02-2005, 12:52 PM

Rail dust?!

Are you guys talking about the bedrails?! Please explain a little more in detail...

.

TundraMan2004 · #9 (**permalink**) 09-02-2005, 01:01 PM

I believe they are refering to "Train Rail Dust" that might have occurred during transportation. Are you sure this "rust" was not there when you purchased the vehicle, and have you tried any product to see if it is removable.

Genthar · #10 (**permalink**) 09-02-2005, 02:24 PM

Rail dust is the small metallic particles that accumulate on vehicles during transport. It's called rail dust because it's belived a lot of it comes from the trains used to transport vehicles to the various distribution points, but in reality it could come from anywhere, and occur at any time.

The particles stick to the paint, and if not removed, eventually will begin to rust. If you don't stop it before too long, it can ruin the paint permanently.

Claying will remove the particles, and compounding/polishing and rewaxing should remove any discoloration if it's not too deep. Like I said, there are some specialized wash solutions out there that are supposed to neutralize and remove the rust, but I've never used them.

Definitely don't wait though, the longer those things rust, the more it will eat up your paint. If it eats down through the clearcoat into the paint, you're looking at more or less repainting.

cory555 · #11 (**permalink**) 09-02-2005, 02:47 PM

Can we get some bigger pics please. Also let me know what the dealer says.....I know you are going to take it there hehe. Hope it all works out for you. Also things I would check would be, the location of where I park the truck most of the time, any products that have been used to clean the truck lately. Try that thanks

rlehan · #12 (**permalink**) 09-02-2005, 03:29 PM

It looks like rail dust contamination. Check Autopia and do a search on rail dust. There is lots of good information on that site.

Rick

sequoiasoon · #13 (**permalink**) 09-03-2005, 12:16 AM

Lexusrx2,
From the pics it definitely looks like rail dust. Since you are a subscriber you can use this link to TSB# PA005-04 "iron particle rust contamination repair" from 12-16-04 that effects '94 to current Toyota's. Print it and go back to your dealer. Ask him nicely first about fixing it, if not ask for the Sales and Service managers and hand them a copy of it. Knowledge is power!

Here are some links to the topic:
Pic of exactly what you see and description/fixing: http://www.properautocare.com/rempainconov.html

Tundra solutions threads also describing it.
Acid Wash?

Can Rust be Over the Paint?

Good Luck!

lexusrx2 · #14 (**permalink**) 09-03-2005, 01:50 AM

Thanks for all the advice and tips. I did call the dealer who is in another state. He knew exactly what I was talking about. He said he'd call me back which he didn't. I called later in the day and he was gone. Spoke with the guy who sold me the truck and he said "did you take it to a Toyota dealer?" He said he'd call me back but he didn't. I've had good experiences with this dealer but this is pissing me off. It's obvious that this is their oversight and I expect Toyota to take care of the problem. I did print out the TSB and I'll take it with me. What I want is my dealer to call the local dealer and make the arrangements for the fix. Does this sound reasonable?

sequoiasoon · #15 (**permalink**) 09-04-2005, 10:33 AM

You "should" be able to go any dealer and get the issue addressed. My local dealer has been pretty good at fixing my issues. They were much more co-operative when they found out I had access to the TSB's. Think of yourself as a person who moved. I bought my truck in NC but live in NY. 10 hours each way to get service is not going to be happening. I picked the dealer who seemed to work with me best locally.

What you have is known Toyota issue which is why they issued a TSB. It doesn't apply to certain dealers and not others. They will all get paid the same way as warranty work.