Rear wheel well bolt new limited

Apparently the rear seat belt bolt was added after the wheel well was undercoated. No big deal…. Just seems odd. Anyone else have this?

 

There's a lengthy thread on this on the forum. Long story short, some people think it's an outrage and worry about corrosion. Others note that it's been this way for years of rough use on their rigs and never been a problem. Many observe that those who are concerned can just spray the exposed part of the bolt with a rust preventer.

 

@Singleminded covered it.

I was super annoyed when I noticed it. But, now I don't think about it.

 

Thanks for the responses, no worries, just curious.

 

While your 4Runner is still “new”, squeeze a gob of black RTV sealant over the treads that are showing and you will be good to go.

 

All the 4Runner are like that. More bolts will pop up underneath the wheel wells as you drive around.
Counted eight at least.

Bought a can of 3M undercoating from Advance Auto Parts. I resealed each one on a hot sunny day.

 

I’ve been driving around a 2000 Rav 4…I was surprised it’s not anything new even on other models. Same seatbelt bolt in the wheel well.

 

During construction, they coat the frame, add suspension, make it a roller, engine/trans, add the body, then the interior, then install the interior. Its not that difficult to see why that is how it is.

 

I had the service team investigate when I took it in for service when I first bought my 4Runner. They said that was normal and not to worry.
I sprayed some 3m waterproof spray over it for peace of mind and called it a day.

 

I don't really think anyone is that confused about how or why it happens. I think some people, myself included, just think it looks shitty.

I think it would have been nice for them to touch up the undercoating at the end of the manufacturing process. But, the bean counters would surely shoot that idea down.

 

After reading this I went and checked mine. Looks like the original owner had already sprayed them with undercoating.

 

Ever look underneath your 4Runner? Lots of exposed nuts and bolts there. I just spray some undercoat or black paint as needed.

 

No, there are plenty of people confused by it, just read the threads on here. But more so, 1/4" of a bolt, hidden in the wheel well is pretty low on my list of issues with these rigs. If it was sticking up through the hood, another story.

 

I read through this thread, and nobody seems confused.

The OP asked if it was normal, and people replied.

I know there was another thread awhile back where a few of us weren't impressed.

Yeah, it's nitpicky. But, for $40K +, I don't blame anyone.