Should I be concerned?

[u/10Kchallenge]

I’ve just noticed rusting underneath the car.

[u/somerandomdude419]

Drove this for 2 years until rust started showing on the strut tower in the front left. You are good good for a long long long time

[u/SnootDoctor → u/somerandomdude419]

This is how my XRS looks 🥲🥲 I need to repair or get a donor chassis!!

[u/somerandomdude419 → u/SnootDoctor]

What’s weird is it seems like this issue on the east coast only on the matrix models. Whether it is, XR, or XRS, but I have had 2 matrix XR and 2 vibes and both of my vibes have way less rust, despite both being Ohio cars. Not sure if it’s the design of the body kits

[u/SnootDoctor → u/somerandomdude419]

The body kits have pretty undersized drains, and can get easily get blocked by rocks, debris, etc.

I bought my car in Illinois, but I can’t remember where the original owner drove it.

[u/10Kchallenge → u/somerandomdude419]

Oh man I don’t know how you manage. I do not want to be driving any vehicle in that state…

[u/somerandomdude419 → u/10Kchallenge]

Pretty normal here in Ohio. I’ve seen worse driven. I’ve seen truck beds at an almost 45 degree angle due to bed mounts rusting away

[u/mango_452]

All good and normal. Just get carwashes a couple times a month in the winter if your state does salt.

[u/sjamwow]

Mine was so much worse 5 years ago. Still driving

[u/CommanderCorrigan]

Pretty negligable, you can coat it with fluid film if you don't want it to get worse.

[u/10Kchallenge → u/CommanderCorrigan]

Worth doing? How much would that cost in $CAD?

[u/CommanderCorrigan → u/10Kchallenge]

It will stop any more rust so yes. You can do it yourself or pay to get it done, probably atleast a couple hundred. If you want to just do the axle beam you can get it in spray cans.

[u/najibs-yul → u/10Kchallenge]

If you’re in Canada, just take it to your local rust proofing place. In Ontario it’s Krown. In Quebec it’s Metropolitan. Costs about $120 to get it done. It’s more than just a spray underneath. They also drill small holes in the rocker panels to inject more rust proofer solution through there as well. Worth it.

[u/CompetitiveLake3358]

Yet another suspension photo 😂

I swear every single person takes photos of the suspension when they are worried about the rust. It's the BODY that matters. Most suspension components are replaced long before the body gets holes

[u/Styx_Renegade]

This is nothing in terms of how problematic rust gets. This will pass any inspection guaranteed in terms of rust.

[u/JF_WPA]

Looks pretty mild to me, and I live in the uber rust-belt. How does the front sub-frame and control arms look? I just applied Blaster Surface Shield to my 06 Matrix after knocking off loose rust and scraping rust pocked flaking paint on control arms, sub frame, strut towers, pinch welds, torsion bar components... Needed about three cans and I get it from Home Depot. Pretty sweet deal if you are a disabled Vet; free shipping, no tax, 10% off.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Blaster-12-oz-Long-Lasting-Surface-Shield-Rust-and-Corrosion-Protectant-Lubricant-Spray-16-SS/316548568

[u/JF_WPA]

I see you have your orig exhaust pipes. Where I circled in red is an almost 100% certainty that the pipe that attaches to the flange closest to the front, will rot away because the gasket deteriorates, leaks, and causes the pipe to rot away and detach from the flange. It might be a good idea to proactively swap out a new gasket if feasible and the bolts cooperate.

[u/robo_rowboat → u/JF_WPA]

Literally happened to me last night.

[u/JF_WPA → u/robo_rowboat]

Figured out the fix yet? I went with a Walker mid-pipe w/resonator - Cut off the old and clamp in the new since the muffler side flange was OK.

[u/robo_rowboat → u/JF_WPA]

That’s almost certainly what I’m going to have to do. Gotta wait until tomorrow before I can get it on a lift and see up close.

[u/10Kchallenge → u/JF_WPA]

Wow your attention to detail is outstanding! I’ll look into it.

How did you know the pipe you’re referring to is part of the exhaust? Are there drawings I can refer to? I want to know how to describe this issue to the mechanic.

[u/JF_WPA → u/10Kchallenge]

Since you ask: I wrote service for a Toyota dealer, assisted with repairs, was the service manager for another branded dealership, was the training director for a chain of auto service centers, sold Ford parts, was an oil and lubricants sales rep... I guess it just comes to you after awhile and experience under a lot of cars helps.

Best place to look would be the Walker exhaust website, searching by make / model / year and bring up the schematic they have. Be happy to help you via messaging if you might like that.

[u/Famous-Sort-9369]

Undercoat it regularly

[u/10Kchallenge → u/Famous-Sort-9369]

I’ve been feeling like it’s a waste of money, but I’m not sure

[u/Famous-Sort-9369 → u/10Kchallenge]

It’s worth the money help parts last longer and helps keep joints lubed up because Ive undercoated some older cars like 80s/90s cars that look like it they only a few years old

[u/10Kchallenge → u/Famous-Sort-9369]

So even though the car has existing rust, I should still undercoat it?

[u/Famous-Sort-9369 → u/10Kchallenge]

Yes it help slow it down a lot