Rate my rust.

Hey everyone I just got this truck last June and after seeing some other frames and was wondering if you guys think this frame should meet the criteria for replacement. I have had it inspected 4 times and yet they said it was totally fine. I wanted to make sure I didnt pass up an opportunity and called corporate on Saturday and said they would call me on Monday. Today being Tuesday I was getting tired of waiting and called them. They told me they dont handle this and told the dealership that inspected it to give me a call and said it would be before clossing. The dealer called me today but less than a minute into the call the call was either dropped or either of us accidentally hung up. I then waited for 20 minutes to be called back and nothing. So I called corporate to retrace my steps and I think the guy sent the info to the same place but he said they will get back to me by noon tomorrow. Does it look bad enough for them to replace it or should I just Fluid Film and try to keep it at bay. FYI I used a quarter, penny, digital caliper, and a ruler to show the general size. Also those chunks are what I found under the truck. I used a magnetic level to show that they aren't just rocks but metal chunks I found under the truck. Also the strip of major rusting is along the top of the frame rail on the passenger side and goes on for 14 to 15 inches. Also my final month of coverage is 7/21 so I got a little bit of time to work some stuff out.

 

10mm hole is what you’re looking for. What do the rear spring perches look like?

 

It doesn’t look good. However and I know someone will correct me if I’m wrong, but I’m pretty sure Toyota goes by perforation. Meaning there has to be a hole that’s a certain size in the frame, where there shouldn’t be a hole.

 

Sorry I had to run and get those pics.

 

Online opinions mean nothing. You need to take it to a Toyota dealership and have them inspect it. Only they can say if it qualifies or not.

 

I have tried. Last year I took it to one and when they told me nothing is wrong and so made another appointment at another within a half hour and they also said it was fine. I have taken it in twice since then. I know these are all opinions but it never hurts to reach out to others for new ideas or tips.

 

I wouldn’t worry about it, it looks like a lot of money is falling out of the frame.

 

There’s nothing anyone can do. And you already had a second opinion. You can keep going to the dealer but not much will change. I’d just wait until a few months before the frame warranty extension is up and have it inspected one last time then.

I guess if you’re really adamant about it and want to do nothing to try and preserve the frame, pack it with salt blocks and drive it around in the rain. Maybe that’ll speed up the perforation process and give you a frame replacement

 

Full disclosure: I work for a Toyota dealership. There are very specific standards as to what qualifies anyone for a new frame. There are equally specific standards as to what we look for and test. The number of "likes" on an internet post is (unfortunately) not on that list. Just do exactly what your dealer says, document everything and your frame will be covered for 12 years from the first in-service date. That's a pretty decent deal.

 

Sorry to see your rust. Unfortunately, that in itself won't get you a frame.

Read all the details here. Specifically read the settlement agreement. The criteria is laid out beginning page 33 (Frame Inspection and Replacement program).

It is not a recall or warranty campaign. It is a specific warranty remedy to settle a lawsuit. If you meet it (including in service dates) and 10mm minimum perforation you qualify.

www.toyotaframesettlement.com

All frames presented for inspection shall be inspected for perforations in the frame caused by rust corrosion in accordance with the following procedure: The frame will be inspected by a qualified Toyota technician, who will inspect the frame rails and cross member mounting locations. Any perforation found will be measured to confirm if it is within the inspection criteria. If any perforation exists, but no perforation is 10 mm or greater and if the vehicle has not previously received CRC or a new frame, pursuant to the prior LSC, then the frame will be cleaned and the CRC will be applied for Subject Vehicles located in the CRC States. If any perforation in the frame is found to be 10 mm or larger, then the frame will be replaced, as well as all applicable parts and service items incidental to frame replacement.

Yes, mine was replaced under the lawsuit agreement. Yes, I had to read the whole thing and point out specifics to the dealer that replaced my frame. Yes, I had to show them the specific hole when the truck was on the lift. They 'missed' it in their inspection.

Good luck.

 

Looks better than I thought it would. Wire brush and spray some Fluid Film all over it

 

Thank you. If you had to guess how long do you think I can go before I should look at a new truck.