Quick question about potential rust

So I’ve never had to deal with rust due to the fact that I live in sunny SoCal, but I recently made a thread about me going to Zion during the winter and driving through sanded roads in the park. I came back and with some advice here I just rinsed off the undercarriage and went on about my day not thinking anything of it. I then noticed this. Like I said I’ve never dealt with rust but anything I could do precautionary or do I need to even think twice?

 

Looks like new. Some of the parts are not painted from the factory. Could shoot it with some black cosmoline if it bothers you.

 

That's flash rust on cast iron. Totally normal and exists in all vehicles. Forget you ever saw it and go on about your life!

 

Cool thank you!!

 

Thank you, I appreciate it!

 

What many do not realize is that surface rust on exposed cast iron is actually a good thing! The surface rust creates a protective oxide layer (just a fancy term for rust) that protects the metal below it from corroding further. As others have stated, this is perfectly normal and nothing to worry about.

 

No, no, no its toast, part it out asp!...lol

 

https://por15.com/collections/all

Here you go

 

lol!

 

This, so long as there’s no additional influencers to the situation.

- a guy that’s worked in the corrosion prevention industry for 16 years.

 

Agreed!

PS: I was a nuclear plant chemist for 10 years so I know a thing or two about corrosion control as well.

 

really good tip about the surface rust! Thanks! I’ve always wondered about rust extending deeper, but haven’t researched

 

I guess it’s akin to anodizing aluminum?

 

For different reasons, but same basic concept of protecting the underlying metal, yes.

The OP has a natural passivated layer, where the corrosion byproduct itself actual begins to shield the mass of metal underneath it. It’s great (though not cosmetically pleasing) but it can be effected easily by things like road salts and physical wear from the environment the truck operates in. OP is in Cali though, so as long as he doesn’t drive the truck in too much salty beach air/water on the regular, it should hold up just fine.

Anodizing isn’t natural, rather a specific chemical alteration and thus it can create a more robust layer of protection that is harder wearing than just natural passivation.

Both prevent oxygen/moisture from interacting with the metal surface and that’s how they stop the electrochemical process of a corrosion cell.

 

I'd have the underneath rust sprayed. Really couldn't hurt!

 

Products like Fluid Film are preventative measures, not corrective.

 

Yeah I live near the ocean in Florida so rust is a huge problem that I battle. So when I got my 2022 Tacoma, I inspected it and immediately sprayed entire bottom with Woolwax. But while I was doing that I noticed that lots of parts were machine flat and then not painted at all on some items. This included parts of the engine and then random parts underneath like you showed. Woolwax is lanonlin and nice and thick. Best stuff ever to make my cars last when I have zero garage and 1 block from the ocean and in humidity.

 

It’s totally normal. It’s just surface rust. My other suggestion would be to wash it with Dove soap and apply some Vaseline or lavender scented lotion. Gentle rubbing may be needed to get the rust off. Make sure the water is luke-warm.

 

what do you guys think of the liquid that reacts with rust to form a paint primer?