Undercarriage and Wheel rust problem

[karyins]

Hi guys, I bought a 2004 4runner recently. There are some pretty bad rust underneath it, especially some parts (which I'm not sure what it is) on the front wheels.

My main concern is safety. I will take it for the annual inspection soon but before that could you guys give me some idea how bad the rust situation is, and is it safe to drive?

Thanks!

Front wheels

Rear wheels

 

[jonesmw10]

It's looking crusty but we can't really say without seeing it first hand. It does look like where that trailing arm (?) mounts in the third pic, there is some cracking from the rust. Never a good sign.. May be worth reaching out to Toyota to see if they'll help in a frame replacement. Some members here had luck.

 

[karyins]

Thanks! I searched online and it seems rust problem is common for 4runners but Toyota doesn't care in general. Any tip on how to get help from Toyota?

Also any idea about the 2nd pic? I mean the almost completly rusted thin plate of metal inside the wheel. What is it? Is it some essential structure part?

Thanks!

 

[m85476585]

Those are just the brakes, nothing to worry about.

Seriously, though, the thin rusted metal plate is just a dust shield. Take the wheels off and inspect/ show us some more pictures.

 

[Vetteman15]

The rusty thin plate in the front wheels picture are dust/heat shields. These keep the dust and heat from the brake rotor away from the suspension parts. It should be easily replaceable by going with a on line toyota parts dealer.

 

[karyins]

Thanks guys. I am literally a car idiot but at least now I know it won't fall apart tomorrow! Guess I'll ask some pro to check it when I take it for inspection. Hopefully they'll be as helpful as you guys!

 

[Gatafly]

You said you just recently bought it. . . . I hope you nearly stole it. Why would you buy something so rusty?