Hinge corrosion prevention

[Chrisazm]

So this weekend I installed the Terraflex tire carrier. I have a 2022 and live in AZ probably the last place the corrosion should happen. However I did notice some light bubbling on the tailgate underneath the hinge. I used steel wool to remove it and terrflex provides a gasket to cover the aluminum so I think that will prevent further damage.
the tailgate hinge is steel so I would think corrosion would happen there faster than the aluminum door hinges. However I’m considering what I can do to the door hinges to prevent corrosion in the future. My best idea so far is to remove each hinge and put either silicone or black RTV to make them water tight. If water can’t get in that should help prevent corrosion, right?
Does this make sense or am I just wasting my time and effort here and should just wait for the inevitable bubbles?

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[mmcbeat]

Starting in 23 or 24 Jeep started putting a shim (zink I think) between the door and the hinge. if you look close there is a gap about the width of a credit card between the hinge and the door. These shims should be available in the parts department or maybe do it yourself.

 

[Mike_Hawk]

Starting in 23 or 24 Jeep started putting a shim (zink I think) between the door and the hinge. if you look close there is a gap about the width of a credit card between the hinge and the door. These shims should be available in the parts department or maybe do it yourself.

I have a 22 and have the shims, I'm not sure when they started installing them or if they'll make a difference (hopefully they do)

 

[Chrisazm]

I have a 22 and have the shims, I'm not sure when they started installing them or if they'll make a difference (hopefully they do)

That’s interesting. I know mid 2022 production run they made a few changes. Mine is earlier. I took one door hinge off and I know that I don’t have zinc in there. According to my research a zinc plate will slow down the corrosion but not prevent it completely. Maybe that is their goal to slow it down until the warranty period expires? If I put a zinc plate in there it won’t prevent water from getting in there so eventually… tiny bubbles?

 

[Mudduck]

When I first started seeing and hearing about the corrosion issue, I took my hinges off, and vinyl wrapped the backsides and put them back on. mines a 2021, and lives outside, no issues.

Maybe m lucky, maybe it's the wrap? It cost me $10 in film and a half day.

 

[Chrisazm]

When I first started seeing and hearing about the corrosion issue, I took my hinges off, and vinyl wrapped the backsides and put them back on. mines a 2021, and lives outside, no issues.

Maybe m lucky, maybe it's the wrap? It cost me $10 in film and a half day.

were you able to remove the torx bolts without damaging the factory paint? If so how?

 

[Mudduck]

were you able to remove the torx bolts without damaging the factory paint? If so how?

I did my best. But in anticipation of this, I bought some touchup paint. IIRC, I had to touch up 3 bolts.

 

[TheNewGuy]

That’s interesting. I know mid 2022 production run they made a few changes. Mine is earlier. I took one door hinge off and I know that I don’t have zinc in there. According to my research a zinc plate will slow down the corrosion but not prevent it completely. Maybe that is their goal to slow it down until the warranty period expires? If I put a zinc plate in there it won’t prevent water from getting in there so eventually… tiny bubbles?

I don't believe the zinc shims are available as a standalone part. Jeep mildly redesigned the hinges to accept the shims. The new design hinges come with the shims already affixed.

 

[hamiamham69]

If you are already seeing evidence of paint bubbling you might as well get the warranty process started it took me a few months to get the appointment and the dealer had the Jeep for 2 weeks to complete the work. I believe this is relatively quick as these things go..

FWIW - and I know this is discussed often - but the service manager in the body shop did not believe this was due to galvanic corrosion but instead due to paint issues on the door and an unpainted area on the door under the hinge itself.

 

[Terrymo]

I don't believe the zinc shims are available as a standalone part. Jeep mildly redesigned the hinges to accept the shims. The new design hinges come with the shims already affixed.

According to Benny from @AllMoparParts.com you are correct. They are not available as a separate part.

 

[Swisskidd]

That’s interesting. I know mid 2022 production run they made a few changes. Mine is earlier. I took one door hinge off and I know that I don’t have zinc in there. According to my research a zinc plate will slow down the corrosion but not prevent it completely. Maybe that is their goal to slow it down until the warranty period expires? If I put a zinc plate in there it won’t prevent water from getting in there so eventually… tiny bubbles?

I would coat all mating surfaces with white lithium grease (the paste variety you can buy in a little tub, not rattle can) before assembly (even the bolts). This will largely keep moisture out of crevices. Once assembled, neatly wipe off the excess.

Mine is a 2023 with the shims - As a preventive measure, I’ve been spraying my hinges with a penetrating grease once a year, in hopes of hindering hinge corrosion in the future.

 

[Terrymo]

Hi Tom,
I do not see any and I dont believe there will be. I think that the supplier of the hinges has these shims pre-installed onto the hinges. As per the TSB it requires a complete hinge swap. I did some reading online and found this product that may be an option https://www.heskins.us/products/corrosion-protection-tape

- Benny

 

[hamiamham69]

You want to physically - and electrically - isolate these parts. The advice above is good and - if you want to go a step further - you can find composite or rubber parts like washers. My old RR even had composite nuts and bolts in some places. Some how RR figured out this issue prior to '97 when my D-90 was built. Humm....

 

[Chrisazm]

You want to physically - and electrically - isolate these parts. The advice above is good and - if you want to go a step further - you can find composite or rubber parts like washers. My old RR even had composite nuts and bolts in some places. Some how RR figured out this issue prior to '97 when my D-90 was built. Humm....

I considered a rubber barrier but if you add that in you need to remove the hinges from the body to slide them out a bit.

 

[hamiamham69]

Aren’t you still under the 5 year rust guarantee? If so they will give you the fancy new zinc lined hinges for free…

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