2015 Tacoma w/rust on the connection between upper/lower muffler assembly

Hello all!

I apologize if I've overlooked a similar question in the forum, however I've got a question. While changing my oil today i noticed a large amount of rust on the connection between the upper/lower muffler assembly. I think that's what it is called. Terribly sorry, i am very new to working on my own Truck... Any suggestions on what i could use to clean it and prevent it from coming back?

thanks so much in advance!


*** Update ***
I posted 2 pictures below. I wasn't able to apply them to my initial post.

 

Can you get us a picture or 2?

 

That’s normal. Only way to not have that is to go with a full stainless steel exhaust including fasteners.

 

thanks so much! .. I was super worried about it. thanks again.

 

I think "normal" is a bit subjective and very dependent on age and location of the vehicle. IMO that's quite a significant amount of rust for a 5yr old vehicle and something I would consider addressing. Not an urgent problem but I'd keep an eye on it as it's more than just surface rust. You can see the rusted metal is flaking off already and I bet that nut/bolt is going to be a PITA to remove if it even comes off without breaking. If you want to be proactive you can take it apart, grind off as much rust as you can and apply some high temp paint to help slow/prevent the rust. Based on how quickly that's rusting you may likely run into a problem whenever/ifever you need to remove that part of the exhaust. Or, you could develop an exhaust leak there at the flange.

For reference, here’s the same flange on my 2010. Plenty of surface rust but the material isn’t really breaking down at all yet.

 

Yup, I just went to town underneath my 2015 with a angle grinder, drill and assorted wire attachments. It wasn't bad, but best to stay on top of it. I put primer and matte black rattlecan over everything. This fall I'll hit it all with FluidFilm.

 

Wow, that's a big difference from your 2010 to my 2015! .. Dang, I've got some issues to deal with. Maybe i should just purchase 2 new bolts/nuts and replace those old ones. Then clean & use the high temp paint to slow it from happening again. Ugh! ... new to this & i'm already over my head!... I seriously appreciate all the help. Thanks so much!

 

Where are you located, Zakain? If you're in the rustbelt, that's normal. It will be back no matter what you do. Tacoma exhaust is stainless, lower grade stainless, so it still rusts. It just rusts slower.
Those bolts are rusty enough that you'll need to cut them off(if you need to work on it). A cutoff wheel, torch, or Sawzall will get it done.

 

What he said. Unless it is leaking - and i don't seen any "soot" signs of leaking - then just go with it. Noting to worry about until it starts leaking. Same job then as it would be now.

 

I live in Tennessee. I don't drive it too much. Purchased it new & now just hit 40k miles on it. I would like to repair it if possible. Replace the bolts i am thinking for sure. Where would i buy those bolts?

 

you might open up a can of worms trying to replace the bolts. Just leave it. My 15 TRD sport looks worse. Ill just wait until I see signs of leaking.

 

If you do replace, use quality stainless bolts, like a 318SS or similar. 304 will still corrode. Replace one at a time to minimize disturbing the joint enough to cause a leak.

 

If it were my truck, and I wanted to replace the bolts, I'd replace the gasket at the same time. It's a cheap gasket. Although, I would leave them alone, since those bolts are going to stay together for the life of the rest of the exhaust.
The collector's gasket can tolerate some, but not a lot, of movement. When you're replacing the bolts and gasket, don't let the cat pipe sag.
Home depot and lowe's both carry stainless bolts. Both flanges are through-holes, and not threaded.