3,600 miles - Should the front axles have this kind of rust already?

[21BL2DR]

I know the undercarriage parts are going to rust eventually, however these are the only parts I see a significant amount of rust on and it's only been 3,600 miles. Is this normal? I've done some light off roading about 3 times otherwise it's all pavement.

Jim

it's bare steel. the answer is yes.

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[21BL2DR]

This is super common (like 10 times out of 10) on Fords.

and Dodge, and Chevy, and GMC, and Toyota and every other motor vehicle built in the last 100 years using bare steel, uncoated parts.......

 

[LowerSlowerDelaware]

Sorry Folks but Neil Young tried to warn you

Rust Never Sleeps

 

[texashoya]

"Totally normal!"

On a practically brand new car.

It’s true though. Go crawl under brand-new BMWs or Mercedes or whatever at their dealership and you’ll see the exact same thing.

 

[PleaseDontRoll]

I spent a good bit of my career in Drive Train manufacturing, with time specifically with the worlds largest Axle and CV manufacturing company. I see a lot of comments talking about this being a Ford thing. Here's a secret for you - we built for every OEM from Ford to Ferrari - They all go down the same paint line and receive the same rust preventative coating.

In fact we usually used the exact same components for multiple OEMs if possible, maybe the IC shaft length would change but the CVJs/Plunge joints themselves were often common to a given torque and plunge (travel length) specification just etched/stamped differently.

Fun fact - the Honda CRV and Polaris ATVs used the exact same joints (smallest we made).

 

[SasquatchBronco]

Totally normal.

 

[lasttj]

It’s true though. Go crawl under brand-new BMWs or Mercedes or whatever at their dealership and you’ll see the exact same thing.

Except on those cars they practically cover the entire underside with plastic shields so you can't see the rusting parts. But, agree that this type of surface rust is totally normal and harmless.

 

[BroncoJLandCJ]

I know the undercarriage parts are going to rust eventually, however these are the only parts I see a significant amount of rust on and it's only been 3,600 miles. Is this normal? I've done some light off roading about 3 times otherwise it's all pavement.

Jim

100% completely normal.

 

[Busterbronco1]

its normal on unfinished iron / steel. some of the drivetrain parts are made that way with no painted surface finish. If you dont like it, then give it some clean up and coat it with paint.

 

[M&M Beer]

That nothing we live in Michigan and things rust with in a week of being exposed outside air. I have a Ford F-150 that I am watching turn back into the earth in front of my eyes. WD-40 my friend will keep the water off and slow down the rust.

 

[Bronco cat]

If you are truly worried about corrosion run it through a car wash once a week. That will do a lot to prevent rust through. As for drivers in parts like most posters are saying this is totally normal and expected. Like discs brakes getting rusty sitting.

 

[The Memedalorian]

It’s true though. Go crawl under brand-new BMWs or Mercedes or whatever at their dealership and you’ll see the exact same thing.

Nice try. I'm not going around and crawling under some German shitboxes just cause some dude on the internet told me to.

Again.

 

[Lagrange 6g]

I get it that is just surface rust and it happens. It's just a bit jarring to look underneath and see everything still looking brand new except for one part. You would think it wouldn't take that much extra effort to paint it.

I just wanted to make sure this wasn't the start of a problem.

I Think it’s normal Mines under 1000 miles in central Texas garaged not off road yet etc etc and looks similar was prob like this since day one and didn’t notice
If it looked like my 78 jeep I’d be concerned even though it runs great

 

[Bronco72]

Utilize Fluid Film - it’s fantastic ,comes in black and a neutral color. It neutralizes the rust and protects the undercarriage.

 

[MayhemMike]

Paying attention in science class has it benefits.

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