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2015 MAZDA3 – RUST ON UNDERCARRIAGE
APPLICABLE MODEL(S)/VINS
2015 Mazda3 (Mexico built) vehicles with VINs starting with 3MZ (see attached VIN list)
Some vehicles that were held in Port Veracruz may exhibit surface rust on the undercarriage.
Port Veracruz is at the southern part of Mexico, facing the Gulf of Mexico. This area is known for very harsh environmental conditions such as extremely hot conditions, acid rain, strong winds and heavy rainfall.
The combination of these natural elements can result in surface rust to the exterior chrome moldings and metal undercarriage components.
To prevent this issue from occurring, MMVO has started the application of a Rust Protective Coating (KATS #6028) to the undercarriage. Since this coating is permanent, no removal will be necessary at the dealers.
NOTE: This addresses customer satisfaction concerns with the appearance of the undercarriage. The surface rust addressed does not cause any long term durability issues to the vehicle.
REPAIR PROCEDURE
- Raise vehicle completely in air to clean and seal undercarriage
- Using a semi-rough scrub pad, remove any surface rust/rust from the entire (top, bottom and sides) exhaust system. Wipe the exhaust with clean paper towel. If the vehicle is equipped with chrome exhaust tip(s), use a soft/fine scrub pad and remove the rust from them. Using the same pad, clean any rust from inside the exhaust tip. Using a large wire brush, clean the flange between the rear silencer and the front exhaust pipe.
NOTE: DO NOT use Rust Fix on the exhaust system.
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- Using a large wire brush, clean the sub frame mounting bolt area of surface rust. Apply rust fix spray to the sub frame mounting bolt area after cleaning. Visually inspect for any other concerned areas such as the bottom of the mounting area of the shocks, the bottom area of the strut spring support, etc. If any other concerns are identified, clean them using a wire brush or “Scotch-Brite” pad and apply rust fix afterwards.
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- Lower vehicle to the ground.
PART(S) INFORMATION
| Suggested Product Part Number
(Locally sourced) | Description |
RF129  | Rust Inhibiter – Dupli-color Rust Converter (or equivalent) |
| 6444 | Sanding Hand Pad – Scotch-Brite (or equivalent) |
| 10D449 | Wire Brush – Tough Guy (or equivalent) |
| 7920-00-267-1215 | Wire Brush – Ability One (or equivalent) |
| A50078 | Scratch Brush – Anderson (or equivalent) |
