Level 1 Repair (Driver Side and Passenger Side)
For driver side AND passenger side - no visible rust or only surface rustWARNING:
Perform repairs in a well ventilated area.
NOTE:
^ Plastic covers (fender protectors) in the wheel house area do not need to be removed.
^ Photos in this section are of the passenger side, driver side is similar.
^ For 4WD vehicles: If the drive shaft boot is ripped, it should be covered to prevent debris from entering the drive shaft joint.
1. Use a wire brush to remove loose rust in the area shown with dashed line.
2. Clean dust, dirt, or other debris from the wheel housing and strut housing area.
3. Cover the strut so it is protected from overspray.
4. Completely and liberally coat the strut housing and wheel house area with self etching primer.
^ Use DuPont Etch Primer
(P/N A-4119S) or equivalent.
^ Follow all product instructions.
^ Coat all of the exposed metal areas on the strut housing and wheel house panels.
^ A second coat may be needed for heavy rust spots.
^ Let each coat dry for 5 minutes.
NOTE:
Refer to the Parts Information for additional product details.
5. Completely and liberally coat the wheel house and strut housing area with rubberized undercoat.
^ Use 3M Rubberized Undercoating
(P/N 051135 - 08883) or equivalent.
^ Follow all product instructions.
^ Coat all of the exposed metal areas
on the strut housing and wheel house
panels.
^ Use a spray nozzle to spray the
areas behind the strut and other hard
to reach areas.
NOTE:
Refer to the Parts Information for additional product details.
6. Let the undercoat dry for about 1 hour before removing the strut cover.
7. Reinstall the wheel.
^ Torque wheel nuts to 118 - 147 Nm (12 - 15 kg-m, 87 - 108 ft-lb).
NOTE:
Do not wash the vehicle for 24 hours. This will allow the undercoat to cure completely before exposure to water.