Is this undercarriage rust a cause for concern?

[tambrico]

Was under my 2022 Bronco Badlands trying to find the fastener for the air filter box that I dropped into the engine bay (RIP) and I noticed some rust starting to form on some of the undercarriage components. Is this normal/expected rust or is this something that needs to be mitigated?

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[tambrico]

Last image was added by mistake.

 

[Ducati1098]

Pretty normal. It’s just surface rust

 

[Imaginary Friend]

Normal. If it really bothers you, grab a can of Rustoleum Rust Reformer and blast those spots. Repeat as necessary.

 

[BlueWaffle]

Rust

Try out the salt belt for a few years. You'll learn what rust is.

 

[Gassyjack]

Fluid film or any similar product, even used engine oil, wiped onto the underside will help. If you’ve ever had vehicles that had an oil leak you’ll notice the the difference in corrosion, at least I have. Wipe off the oily parts and it was like new underneath. I remember the frames on older vehicles seemed different, they would develop a rust colored patina and not this flakey rust. That was before all the de-icing of highways though.

 

[Valhalla]

Spray that shit with some paint!!!

 

[DALOLA]

Wow, looks pretty good for a '22 driven in NY! Do you drive much in the winter? Maybe they don't use much road salt where you are?

 

[1199Ducati]

You may want to try this Military Grade Wax to prevent anything further

 

[JT58Bronc]

When I lived up north, I would painstakingly sand, primer, paint and/or undercoat mostly all steel parts on the undercarriage of my vehicles. A lot of work but the ultimate solution.

 

[NC_Oak]

if you plan to keep it, several cans of fluid film before winter.

 

[VirginiaHeritage]

You can tap those areas gently with a hammer and/or scrape with a flathead to knock off any loose rust chunks or paint (where the rust is underneath) to expose as much rusted metal surface as possible before hitting it with either a rust converter or rusty metal primer, followed by paint. I use Rustoleum. If you’re a bit more committed, put a dust mask on and hit it with a brass brush or sandpaper after the hammer step and before painting and priming.

I have way more experience with this than I would like due to work trucks. Not on the Bronco (yet).

 

[Broncian]

That is very light. Sand and scrape off loose rust. Degrease and prep surface with POR-15 prep and then apply POR-15 rust convertor.

Then top coat with a good frame paint (not the rubberised crap that will create pockets of humidity as it peels and cracks with time).

Then apply a waxoil/Fluid film/CRC product on frame and body or pay someone to do it.

I would absolutely avoid using used engine oil. It is full of metals that will eventually promote oxidation and the build up of rust. It is easy to find scientific assessments of the different methods and used engine oil is never the appropriate choice.

If you’re going to do it, look up videos on YouTube and content on here.

I live in the Canadian rust belt and have spent dozens of hours repairing rusted frames.

 

[MC1313]

Salt Shift “rust shield”
If you don’t want a sticky undercoating look this is the best stuff and easy to use.

 

[Luckylat]

Living in NE, I spent much time researching this topic.

1) Any hard coat or rubberized undercoating typically protects but at the risk of sealing in moisture and hiding the rust, r problem areas.
2) There are many options to consider
3) Fluid Film and Woolwax were consistently mentioned as a top consideration
4) Both are owned by same parent and each has its unique benefits:

• Fluid Film is less viscous and aids in mitigating rust. it is an oil-based option that offers deep penetration. Needs to be reapplied every year.
• Woolwax is more viscous, a wax-based option providing long-lasting protection depending on winter conditions. It can be reapplied every other year. Ideal if applied to a newer vehicle with little or no rust.

While researching other quality products, the general consensus was that either Fluid Film or Woolwax were always on top of many reviews. I went with Woolwax since my Bronco was new. After two winters and a lot of beach/sand/snow driving, I just reapplied another coat. At close inspection, vey little rust underneath on my 2023 and am very satisfied with how Woolwax has protected my Bronco.

There are many You tube videos on the topic with all sorts of information and DIY tips.

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