Tailgate body rust

[CJ3Flyr]

I had read about this potential issue a while ago and decided to have a look for myself. I was surprised to find that even in my mild climate, minimal off-roading, no spills, no rains with the windows down that my T4R has a developing issue. The factory weather-strip seems to trap water along the bottom edge of the tailgate seal and sets the body up for some rust development.:bugeye:




Rather than hassle with Toyota I decided to proactively address the issue. I may have shot myself in the foot but I promise, it won't be an issue for me, ever. I will continue to watch and address it as necessary.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

 

[CJ3Flyr]

After swabbing out the nasty stuff I cut a little hole in the bottom of the strip to function as a drain. There was a substantial amout of water along the strip. With the OEM setup there's no place for the water to get out. Based on where this strip is and the bumper etc the only way that my hole let water in is to swamp the whole vehicle. I guess a 2nd way would be to lower the spare and aim a pressure washer at the top, underside of the bumper and I'm not sure that would do it...

I hope this helps somebody else...


:cheers:

 

[trey99ek]

Wow, that is crazy. I still would have brought it to the dealers attention. They do have a body rust warranty don't they and to think it's only a year old.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Wow, that is crazy. I still would have brought it to the dealers attention. They do have a body rust warranty don't they and to think it's only a year old.

I hear ya... My rust was very minor surface rust that was on it's way to being an issue. I am not saying you're wrong it just wasn't the path for me.

IMHO the dealer would have wiped it down and maybe put some treatment on it and told me I was good to go. I know it would have involved 2 trips, 1 for assessment and one for the fix.

My point of the post was to plant the seed to check yours not to suggest I had the "only" fix...

What's "right" and what gets the job done is often different. Perception is 99% of reality many times. My "reality" is this was the quickest, most effective, most permanent fix available.

:cheers:

 

[mike508]

Rust

I checked mine and don't see any rust although there are a few spots along the seam that do not have paint. The real question in my mind is how you discovered this? It sounds like you must have taken the vehicle apart to find this sort of thing since it is not visible otherwise. Don't get my wrong, I appreciate the heads-up on any things like this you find to make the vehicle last longer.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

It was a very old thread at T120 (I think) so I decided to look at mine hoping/expecting to find nothing. I figured it would be worth a look because if it was messed up it couldn't be that messed up yet.

That's what got me started on it...

:cheers:

 

[chronicanomaly]

Rusty Goo

After reading your thread, I pulled the seal on my 03 yesterday while detailing it. The seal was filled with a LOT of some sort of rusty paste, which also covered the metal lip. I cleaned it out the best I could and put grease in there, but if it has been there for 6 years, then I'm guessing the damage is done. Hopefully it is superficial enough to where it won't cause any long term damage over however long I keep the truck.

 

[Carl_G]

Chris, I am going to attempt this modification over the next couple days. How has you modification worked out? Was it effective? Thanks.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Chris, I am going to attempt this modification over the next couple days. How has you modification worked out? Was it effective? Thanks.

I looked at it a few weeks ago. Seems to be doing just fine.

 

[Carl_G]

Ok thanks Chris, here goes nothing! I am new to the forum but I will attempt to take a photograph and post it as well.

 

[Carl_G]

OK here is my version of your modification. Hope it works out well like yours did. I guess the idea is to let most of the water drain and also let the moisture out as there are no holes on that part that I can see.

 

[Carl_G]

Btw if anyone tries this make sure to cover the bumper with plastic or something. The zinc paste or whatever it is on the seal is very hard to clean off the bumper (mine is the gray plastic bumper)

 

[Aquabear]

Just checked under my gasket on my 2008 T4R (47,000mi) and I have no issues. BUT it appears that maybe toyota had put some sort of goop or protectant there. I have no rust or discoloration just what seems to be a thin film of protectorant

 

[dwulffusa]

Yup, found the same thing about 2 yrs ago when I randomly pulled the weather seal off the seam. I couldnt believe that I had any corrosion since its always been an upcountry car and immaculately maintained. Didnt look bad enough to do anything about since the whole area was still covered in grease. I didnt realize how the seals around the tailgate 'trapped' water until recently after it had been standing facing downhill a few days and it had rained. When I opened the tailgate the water flowed out....

Isnt corrosion warranty 5yrs? Does it cover this repair?