Rust on the LC250

[Clemson TLC]

I did my first oil change on the 250 (previous oil changes by the dealer). With the front skid plate removed, I was shocked by the amount of rust on drivetrain and suspension components. My 29 year old 80 series has much less rust. Both vehicles are garaged when not in use.

I bought my 250 First Edition in May 2024 and there could have been coating issues on the early production or maybe Toyota is just getting that cheap. This is unacceptable for a Land Cruiser. I wonder if they have cut corners on the 300 series and LX570 as well.

 

[Rednexus]

This is nothing new. Toyota frame and suspension component coatings have sucked throughout the entirety of this century. Despite having to replace multiple frames under recall (the Tacoma was hit the hardest), Toyota has never learned that lesson and continue to use crappy underside coatings. Cast components, fasteners, and welds on the frame seem to get rusty first. I'm not sure if the 100/200 had this problem, but the 120/150 and corresponding 4Runners definitely had it - along with the Tacoma and Tundra.

They all need to be undercoated to avoid this from happening and getting worse. Luckily it's not a hard job - I DIY undercoat my frame with Fluid Film (inside the frame rails) and Woolwax (outside) about every 3 years. My frame is almost 20 years old and still in good shape.

 

[izzyandsue]

Must be that funky syruppy-smelling water in Lake Hartwell thats is doing that.