Why do many aftermarket bolts rust so fast?

[tomd]

I’ve installed quite a few exterior mods from various manufacturers, and often the bolts rust quickly.

is there a coating I should be applying when I install an aftermarket bolt?
(By quick I mean within months, in summer Midwest conditions. No salt exposure)

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[Jeepeto]

Cheap hardware. Usually good quality parts come with stainless, but if they don’t I can usually find something at ACE Hardware. Also, if you’re installing something into aluminum skip the stainless for HDG (hot dipped galvanized) to prevent galvanic corrosion.

 

[TX_Ovrlnd]

I’ve installed quite a few exterior mods from various manufacturers, and often the bolts rust quickly.

is there a coating I should be applying when I install an aftermarket bolt?
(By quick I mean within months, in summer Midwest conditions. No salt exposure)

They're using the cheapest material possible. Stainless steel bolts or powder coated stainless steel would be necessary to avoid the heavy rust problem.

 

[tomd]

Agree^^^^
So perhaps don't use the crap that comes with accessories, make trip to hardware store before install?

 

[tomd]

I installed a terra flex reinforced spare carrier, 3 months later bolts are rusting, streaks down paint

 

[dragoneggs]

Cheap hardware. Usually good quality parts come with stainless, but if they don’t I can usually find something at ACE Hardware. Also, if you’re installing something into aluminum skip the stainless for HDG (hot dipped galvanized) to prevent galvanic corrosion.

Yep and hot dip vs zinc plating... will last longer.

 

[[DELETED USER 82058]]

I installed a terra flex reinforced spare carrier, 3 months later bolts are rusting, streaks down paint

No shit? I was going to go with the adjustable carrier down the road. Guess not now.

 

[tomd]

The carrier is great, i don't think i should have to upgrade included bolts on a $1000 product.

Other mods are similar

 

[Chugiakguy]

I installed a terra flex reinforced spare carrier, 3 months later bolts are rusting, streaks down paint

There is NO excuse for corner-cutting crap like that!

Come on, accessories manufacturers! Spend a couple extra dollars and supply us with stainless steel, or at least galvanized, hardware that is worth a damn!

 

[TX_Ovrlnd]

I love the Teraflex carrier, it's a solid product. I'll be watching those bolts now.

 

[AVGeek99]

I installed a terra flex reinforced spare carrier, 3 months later bolts are rusting, streaks down paint

Wow!! I have the Terraflex reinforced tire carrier and have had no issues of any kind with it. It was the first accessory I installed this time last year, a couple days after I took delivery. So it has survived one MN salty winter.

I had the T-Flex on my JK (2012) as well. My JK came with it when I bought it in 2018 so I don't know how old it was. But when I sold it last year it was still in extremely good shape, not perfect, but very good.

 

[Carlton]

I noticed this on most brands well. I had the Teraflex carrier on a JK years ago and same thing happened.

If you hit the bolts with some rustoleum it helps. I'm sure there are other products that are even better.

 

[PhoenixM3]

Use non-ferrous fasteners to avoid rust. If a magnet can pick it up, then it will typically rust.

 

[dragoneggs]

Use non-ferrous fasteners to avoid rust. If a magnet can pick it up, then it will typically rust.

Yes... but as mentioned earlier, non-ferrous (stainless steel) fasteners in contact with aluminum structure will result in galvanic corrosion... not rust, but not good just the same.

 

[ChuckQue]

Awe man, I was leaning heavily toward ordering that carrier…I already have the relocation part ?

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