Surface Rust on Undercarriage – 2015 Mazda3

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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

  1. Raise vehicle completely in air to clean and seal undercarriage
  2. 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.

 

Before

Exhaust

After

Exhaust

Exhaust

Exhaust

Chrome Exhaust Tip

Chrome Exhaust Tip

Rear Silencer

Rear Silencer

Exhaust

Exhaust

 

  1. 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.
Wire Brush

Wire Brush

Scotch Brite Pad

Scotch Brite Pad

 

Before

Brake Hose

After

Brake Hose

CV Drive Axle

CV Drive Axle

Suspension

Suspension

 

  1. Lower vehicle to the ground.

 

PART(S) INFORMATION

Suggested Product Part Number

(Locally sourced)

Description
RF129 Surface Rust on Undercarriage - 2015 Mazda3 | small light Rust InhibiterDupli-color Rust Converter (or equivalent)
6444 Surface Rust on Undercarriage - 2015 Mazda3 | small light 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)

 

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