Undercarriage stock black coating peeling off

Hello!

Had a few questions to see if I should be concerned or not.

2020 ORP w/12000 miles.

I noticed a spot on the frame where the coating appears to be chipping off. Is this the zinc coating originally from the factory or is it just cosmetic paint. Additionally, is this normal or a defect? Also, should I be concerned about premature rust? Finally, it is starting to peel and flake on the other side in the exact same fixture (mirror image). Please see attachment. Thanks in advance!

 

I’d clean it, get the flaky paint off, then paint some rustoleum on there. Then I would consider going greasy and coating the whole underside in woolwax.

Having a bare spot in the exact mirror location is a testament to toyota’s ability to reproduce things with insane levels of consistency.

 

Would it be better to take it in under warranty first? I should also say I coated it with BOESHIELD T-9.

 

I seriously doubt they'll do anything about it, probably just call it normal wear and tear. Sad fact is, it's a Toyota, it's going to rust.

I'd do what McSpaz suggested, clean, paint, woolwax, etc. You'll prob want to repeat this process every year if you plan on keeping this a long time.

I'm not familiar with Boeshield, is that similar to Fluid Film or Woolwax?

 

I can't tell from your picture what part of the frame that is? but I personally haven't experienced a big flake of paint coming off the frame structure. Can't remember any posts with your specific issue.

A more common observation from several of us on this forum is frame paint flaking off the frame welds. Small flakes.

A forum member here, posted a really good explanation stating it had to do with the weld metallurgy.

 

Tagging along this thread, who applies undercarriage in Denver. I would like to apply that on my new truck. Thanks!

 

Isnt Denver the Shangrila of 4runner frames. A place where 4runners die of old age with perfectly preserved frames?

edit: and welcome to the forum!

 

The flakey paint does seem to be in an area of weld, but I wouldnt have expected that much glass slag would have come from it.

In any case, that is what nacent rot looks like. A little baby rot that looks cute and shiny now, but will be hollow, flakey and disgusting in 10 years. Kill it. Kill it with rustoleum and sheep grease.

 

Use Sand paper and wire brush to remove any flaking paint. Clean with solvent. Spray thin layer of Noxudol 750 aerosol can corrosion protection wax, then after 24 hours, spray Noxudol 900 undercoat on the top of 750. These two chemicals are designed to work together and will prevent from further corrosion.

 

THAT PAINT IS NOT OEM PAINT COATING ....FACTORY .

 

My previous truck had it from factory. Kept my undercarriage in pretty good shape, peace of mind.

 

Yes, Boeshield is similar to Fluid Film but apparently attracts less dust and has better lubricating properties. It was developed by Boeing as an anti-corrosive preventer/lubricant, so it is supposed to resist water wash better than anything else. It is quite expensive though, I think a spray can is $20+. Personally, due to lower costs, I would use Fluid Film undercoating regularly, if living in the rust belt or where there is salt on the road.

For the specific frame issue OP mentioned, I would use a phosphoric acid based solution (like a rust neutralizer - many producers (like Loctite for ex) have it as gel, spray or just can), that would neutralize the rust and prepare the surface for paint. I would not waste my time going to the dealer, they will likely just cover it with spray paint and there is no guarantee they will do it as good as you...

 

In my opinion I say this is "normal" for 4runners but I would also say Toyota should improve the quality of the undercarriage and the coatings they apply during manufacturing. Sure, as an owner you can sand it, apply this and that to protect it, but should we really need to do that?? We're talking about a relatively new truck. Toyota should be delivering a higher degree of quality for this specific area. I've owned many older vehicles where they have no underside issues.