Just did a tire rotation at 5000 miles on my 2015. While swapping the front tires I noticed that the knuckles ( 51211-TZ5-A00 ) appear to be bare metal. And have a good coating of rust on them. It seems unusual that any metal parts would not be painted or coated with a rust inhibitor.

Has anyone else noticed this ?

 

where do you live? theres no coating on them but weather/climate conditions will speed up the process.

 

Pa. I find it a little easy that acura would not coat these. This is only is only 5 months old and winter is just starting here in Pa. I can only imagine what it is going to look like next spring after it has been exposed to road salt which hasn't happened yet.

I've worked on many vehicles and am not use to seeing rust like this on a car like this. My 2002 TL doesn't have any rust on its undercarriage.

I like my MDX but I'm starting to wonder about its long term reliability.

Thanks for the response.

 

Did you ask Acura service?

 

Is it more than just surface rust?? I would talk to your dealer and see what they say. Otherwise maybe use a clear acrylic spray to seal out the moisture
I do agree that it seems odd.

 

Unless this rust leads to malfunction or perforation, i doubt that he would get a sympathetic ear....

 

The knuckles/spindles on your 2002 TL are definitely rusted also. My 03 CL has had them rusted for 11 years plus now and no issues. It is normal on cars in this price range. More expensive cars will use aluminum. The TSX started using aluminum rear knuckles in 04 or 05.

It is nothing to be concerned about. If you are always looking under the car and it is bothering you enough, you can fork out the cash to powdercoat them.

My brand new 2014 Ford Focus ST was already rusted when I did my first oil change. Saves on cost. Parts will still last 15 years when most owners keep them 6 months-2 years. They would only lose money painting them, plus most owners never look under the car.

 

Well it is of concern to the OP and would be to me as well. So he needs to at least start with the dealer and see what they say. It's a MY 15 with 5K and around $50K, i wouldn't expect to see this.

 

It's made of cast iron, the surface will rust but the knuckles will last forever. it's not going to affect reliability at all

 

x2 Acura uses Iron knuckles. Nothing to be concerned about.

 

Brian6speed I assure you the ones on my TL are not rusted. I just put the snows on it and everything is fine. My 2001 Jeep didn't have any rust on the sub-frame and I don't remember seeing any on my 2008 Civic when I was under any of them.
Although the civic and jeep are go now I would have noticed a rust issue with either of them.

I did contact Acura customer service. Their response after a couple of days was check with dealer. Talked to dealer and they say it is normal. Just wanted confirmation that this is normal in this vehicle.


Thanks for all the reply's.

 

We/I are talking about knuckles not sub frames. The subframe is painted but will still rust. Are you saying your iron knuckles have no rust and your subframes are rust free? I doubt that. You must be the only 2nd Gen free of any rust.

We had a 01 jeep and everything on that vehicle was rusted.

Let's see some pics of the 2nd Gen rust free knuckles.

My 2nd Gen stays in a heated garage, rarely ever sees rain, and never sees snow or salt and my knuckles are rusted.

 

If your knuckle are rusty than I suggest you stop dragging then on the ground.

I see I hit a sore spot by challenging your statement . So
rather than get in a useless debate about this I will not respond further.

To everyone else thank you for your responses.

 

Why not just take a quick pic of your TL knuckles to prove him wrong?