Rubber treatment

My truck came with an AirRaid system and it works well, but am adding a snorkel which will need watertight tubing. So I have removed the Airraid and am reinstalling my OEM air cleaner assembly. The air duct looks dry and firm. Is there some kind of a rubber treatment (some kind of oil) I can apply to make it just a bit more supple and prolong its life? Don't want a fire under the hood so am not going to use any oil just yet, but was wondering.

 

I would like to know too. I was looking for a replacement but they cost a fortune. I also hate those clamps that they use.

Oh yeah, I've seen some on Amazon but it looks like they are for a early year Tacoma because the hookups are different. The reviews looks good but I'm not going to waste time buying it and then modifying it to get them to fit.

 

Would a Black restorer like Meguiar’s work? I saw a 303 restorer but it for classic cars so might be overkill.

 

$20 ATP Automotive AT-205 Re-Seal Stops Leaks, 8 Ounce Bottle

https://www.amazon.com/ATP-AT-205-Re-Seal-Stops-Bottle/dp/B000NVW1LM

 

I have been spraying rubber parts for years with silicone spray it seems to help.

The rubber seems to just absorb the spray Every oil change or if I get into something under the hood.

It really helps the door gaskets from freezing in the winter .

 

I would use 303 Marine Aerospace Protectant. Give it a good hot cleaning with simple green or similar, rinse it off, and give it a bath with this stuff. Works real good.

 

ArmourAll used to make a low shine formula. It worked great for under hood cleaning. I haven’t been able to find it recently. So I’ve been using regular ArmourAll. I just take a cotton cloth and wipe off the excess really good. Don’t leave it wet. Or it will get dirty quick(er).

I’ve used ArmourAll on my door seals for 13 years now. It hasn’t hurt any plastic or rubbers I’ve put it on.

 

Mine is all 1/2 baked as well. I have this tire back to black stuff. Works pretty well for a long time. But - attracts dirt.

 

Same here. The CRC HD Silicone spray has proven to be the best I have found yet for maintaining LBJ/UBJ/CV boots and rubber parts. It will even restore flexibility to rubber that has hardened up a bit.

 

First thing is to use a storage all purpose cleaner and scrub it. Any water based tire dressing would make it look new after the thorough cleaning.

 

My game plan is not to make it look pretty though that may be a good side effect.

You want to increase flexibility and prevent dry rotting as long as possible.

At least that is my reason anything rubber gets sprayed .

 

Same here. I'm hesitant to use anything on it since I don't know if it will actually accelerate the deterioration.

 

Mothers back to black. Youtube'd it, found simple vid showing using a brush to apply. Restores everything I tried it on.
Before

After

 

Looks good! Back to Black looks to be a Mothers' product. Ultimate Black is the Meguiar's version. Which product worked for you?

 

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Looks great! Thanks for the tip. Will start with this, as I already have the product.

 

It is Mothers. Sorry for the mistake. I use both brands. Will edit and correct. Thanks

 

No sweat. The plastic pieces under the hood of my Taco 4x4 mud machine hunting truck as well as all the other 1st Gen Tacos need to be maintained if they are going to last us much longer. Our Tacos are getting pretty old; my '97 now rates an ANTIQUE TRUCK license plate here in MS. And your '96 Taco is even older yet. Mothers' products are usually top shelf. Same with Meguiar's. Will give the Back to Black a try next time I pressure wash all the mud out of the engine compartment. Thanks!

 

I use regular 303. It’s protects against UV degradation but is good for under engine plastics as well.

 

Turns out I had both and tried them on separate pieces, then went with Meguiars.

 

Highly recommend 303 Aerospace Protectant. It works really well on all plastics, not just black plastics. It also doesn't attract dust.

$24 303 Products Aerospace Protectant – UV Protection – Repels Dust, Dirt, & Staining – Smooth Matte Finish – Restores Like-New Appearance – 32 Fl. Oz. (30313CSR)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KN0UOEE