How much surface rust on a new 2025 Wrangler is normal?

[dirtwheeler]

I'm narrowing my shopping down to a few 2025 Wranglers right now. One of the Wranglers I looked at had more surface rust than the others. Here's what I noticed:

I looked at some other Wranglers and hardly saw any rust at all in these same spots, so I thought I'd ask.

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[Steph1]

Totally normal. Within a few months, unless well protected, any vehicle with thick metal frames and components will do that.

 

[Pape]

Break will rust in a blink of a eye, too bad FCA does not grease them, would prevent rust

 

[Heimkehr]

I wouldn't worry about flash rust on rotors, as pictured, because it will dissipate or disappear after the first proper drive.

As for rust on other parts of the vehicle's underside, that could be an indicator of how long it's been sitting on the dealer's lot. I'd have to see it, and make a judgement call.

 

[Reinen]

It all looks superficial in the pics. Easily fixed by using the brakes or a quick rub with a wire brush and applying some Fluid Film to anything metal. I recommend that regardless of condition. I've gone 4 years on heavily salted roads and a bunch of visits to the Bonneville Salt Flats and I'm surprised how rust free it is down there. Fluid Film works.

It does indicate a possible indirect problem though. To get that amount of superficial rust it likely sat on the dealer lot for a long time. That's really hard on the batteries and significantly shortens their lifespan.

 

[jadmt]

normal..back in 2012 or so I contacted Dana Spicer about the amount of rust on my new JK Dana 44's and they said that was by design and it was actually surface rust that prevented deeper rust...

 

[Ratbert]

normal..back in 2012 or so I contacted Dana Spicer about the amount of rust on my new JK Dana 44's and they said that was by design and it was actually surface rust that prevented deeper rust...

Did you believe them?

From what I understand, surface rust doesn't seal the metal and holds moisture / contaminants. That, of course, accelerates deeper corrosion.

If it was intentional then I'm not sure why OP found it on only one Wrangler instead of them all.

 

[jadmt]

Did you believe them?

From what I understand, surface rust doesn't seal the metal and holds moisture / contaminants. That, of course, accelerates deeper corrosion.

If it was intentional then I'm not sure why OP found it on only one Wrangler instead of them all.

yes I believe them. reputable company..and every single new rubicon i have looked at has rust on the undersides especially the ends of the front swaybar links. my buddy and I both have Jan build dates mine the 17th his the 18th we both picked them up in Feb as they were unloaded at the dealership and both were the same..look at how the ends are on the rubicon and tell me that is not going to rust in a day...they have a defined line where there is no coating..

 

[Pape]

Did you believe them?

From what I understand, surface rust doesn't seal the metal and holds moisture / contaminants. That, of course, accelerates deeper corrosion.

If it was intentional then I'm not sure why OP found it on only one Wrangler instead of them all.

By design is probably the cost portion of the design. I have keep my JK for 15 years up here, the frame and axles where cover in rust most of it life to no structural weakening. Heck my dad cj 7 of 40+ year is still holding up on the axles side of thing.

 

[jadmt]

quick google search..
AI Overview
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Rust, which is iron oxide, can act as a barrier to further rusting by reducing the rate at which oxygen can reach the underlying metal. While rust isn't a perfectly protective layer like some other metal oxides, it still hinders the process of oxidation and therefore helps to prevent more rust from forming.

Here's a more detailed explanation:

• Rust is a barrier:
  Once rust forms on the surface of iron, it creates a layer of iron oxide. This layer acts as a physical barrier, making it harder for oxygen and moisture to reach the underlying metal and initiate further corrosion.
  
  
• Reduced diffusion:
  The rust layer slows down the diffusion of oxygen and water vapor through the surface, which are essential for the rusting process.

 

[Ratbert]

quick google search..
AI Overview
Learn more

Rust, which is iron oxide, can act as a barrier to further rusting by reducing the rate at which oxygen can reach the underlying metal. While rust isn't a perfectly protective layer like some other metal oxides, it still hinders the process of oxidation and therefore helps to prevent more rust from forming.

Here's a more detailed explanation:

• Rust is a barrier:
  Once rust forms on the surface of iron, it creates a layer of iron oxide. This layer acts as a physical barrier, making it harder for oxygen and moisture to reach the underlying metal and initiate further corrosion.
  
  
• Reduced diffusion:
  The rust layer slows down the diffusion of oxygen and water vapor through the surface, which are essential for the rusting process.

Interesting. I get opposite results from Google when I query "can a thin layer of rust protect steel":

No, a thin layer of rust, or iron oxide, on steel does not provide protection against further corrosion. Rust is permeable to air and water, so the metal underneath will continue to corrode. In fact, rust can accelerate corrosion, making the steel weaker and more susceptible to damage.
While some metals, like aluminum and copper, can form a protective oxide layer, steel rusts and does not form a protective oxide layer. Steel rusts because it is a mixture of iron and carbon, and the rust that forms is not stable enough to shield the metal from further oxidation.

Elaboration:

Rust's Nature:
Rust, or iron oxide, is a porous and flaky material that does not effectively block the passage of air and water to the steel underneath.

Accelerated Corrosion:
The rust itself can act as a catalyst for further corrosion by providing a pathway for corrosive substances to reach the steel.

Steel vs. Other Metals:
Some metals, like stainless steel, contain chromium, which forms a protective chromium oxide layer that shields the metal from corrosion.

Protecting Steel:
To prevent rusting and corrosion in steel, it is recommended to use protective coatings, anti-corrosion alloys, or regularly maintain the steel to prevent exposure to moisture and oxygen, according to the Hardscape Blog.

 

[Brad Hearing]

Did you believe them?

From what I understand, surface rust doesn't seal the metal and holds moisture / contaminants. That, of course, accelerates deeper corrosion.

If it was intentional then I'm not sure why OP found it on only one Wrangler instead of them all.

my jeep sat on a lot for almost a year and zero rust on it. ive never heard the argument about rust being something that prevents further rust.

 

[billrob71]

Nothing painted is gonna rust
Climb underneath and start spraying , Eastwood makes a lot of products and coatings

Jeeps are no different then any other vehicle and manufacturers, rust preventer on hard components is usually not done .

I cc deck over mine and retouch up every time I do a oil change, every 3K

 

[Ratbert]

Nothing painted is gonna rust

I guess galvanic corrosion (what happens frequently to our painted doors and hoods) isn't technically rust.

 

[billrob71]

I guess galvanic corrosion (what happens frequently to our painted doors and hoods) isn't technically rust.

Yes but the doors and hinges are aluminum , completely different. My wife’s Cadillac had hood corrosion and 8 years later trading it is still never broke the paint just look like crap

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