Rusty Bilsteins

I have a 2012 Tacoma Baja edition with the remote reservoir Bilstein shocks in the rear. Showing off those cool-looking shocks was always a source of pride for me. However, performance-wise, the shocks still work fine but after two New England winters they are brown with tarnish and are now quite ugly to look at. Are there aftermarket replacements (Bilstein or otherwise) that are made of a higher quality metal; i.e. stainless steel or ? that will remain weather resistant?

 

Pics?
Someone with info will be along to give advice, I'm just curious how rusty they are on a 2012.

 

Very rusty. Disappointing on a two year old truck. But we do get a lot of salt on the roads here in winter.

 

WOW!

 

You can order Icon shocks with a coating to prevent rust. Something to look into.

 

Good Lord!

A local guy around here had the same issue but not as bad. He ordered the Icons. Not sure if he got the coating.

 

x2

 

Those Icons look great! Thanks for the tip!

 

holy rust Batman! that's gnarly.

 

Have you taken it in to the dealer to ask? Eventually they'll rust through, but that will of course take a while. It never hurts to ask, in my book, especially on a 2 year old truck.

 

That is crazy. Those shocks are supposed to be more resistant to rust issues.

 

WTF!!! Do you park in the ocean on the weekends?

I shoot some WD-40/Chain lube/Fluid Film on mine every now and then... depending on what ever is left over in my garage since I've heard talk of some surface rust but damn.... that's bad. Surely that should be warranty worthy.

 

If they work fine then take them off and prep for paint.

 

I did take it to the dealer and they told me as long as they are functioning properly ( they are) they can't do anything about the rust for warranty purposes.

I did try spraying them with WD40 after the first winter when the rust first started showing. I have less than 10k miles on the truck too.

Pretty bummed out about the whole thing since if I want to replace them with some aftermarket Icons its gonna cost me a small fortune.

 

Im sure the icons will do the same.

 

When u get new bilsteins, coat them with crystal clear enamel a few times. You should be fine for years