Aluminum fender corroded thru by its attaching Steel Bolt.

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

08-10-2015, 07:57 PM

#21

toddstang

Senior Member

Join Date: Jan 2015

Location: Louisville

Posts: 315

Likes: 131

Received 58 Likes on 34 Posts

Quote:

Originally Posted by Derodeo

Ford knew very well they have to use special coated fasteners in locations like this. Because if you don't his is exactly what inevitably happens. So I'm going to assume someone on the assembly line used the wrong bolts.

My guess is it went into paint and body repair right off the line. Think about it: It would take a LONG time if it were to corrode all the way through. From the pics I can pretty much say it looks like it was spot sprayed by a repair person who didn't prep the surface as he should of.
The dealer will grind all the crap off and make the proper repair.

Reply Like

08-10-2015, 08:08 PM

#22

4js8wh

Senior Member

Join Date: Apr 2015

Posts: 900

Likes: 2

Received 170 Likes on 122 Posts

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigandtall

I'm worried this is a systemic problem with all 2015 F150s. All the exposed ones I can find on my truck are this kind. Those are the tip of the iceberg. How many body panels are connected this way that I can't see?

I have no faith that Ford didn't just go with cheaper steel uncoated bolts after a quick life cycle cost analysis assumed corrosion would be much slower to onset.

How many exposed bolts did you test with a magnet ie are steel instead of something else

Reply Like

08-10-2015, 08:14 PM

#23

Commander316

Unofficial Glass Guru

Join Date: Apr 2011

Location: Raceland, LA

Posts: 1,664

Likes: 30

Received 69 Likes on 58 Posts

we did some work on a 15 and the fender bolts werent even tightened all the way.. they were sticking up a good 1/2 inch or so.. the owner never opened the hood since he bought it..

Reply Like

08-10-2015, 08:29 PM

#24

T_R

Senior Member

Join Date: Apr 2015

Location: Maine

Posts: 1,090

Likes: 3

Received 262 Likes on 184 Posts

Looks like paint sprayed over seam sealant to me.

If I saw that on mine, it wouldn't bother me. That part of the truck isn't supposed to look pretty.

Reply Like

08-10-2015, 08:47 PM

#25

powergator

Senior Member

Join Date: Dec 2014

Location: Tampa/Brandon Area

Posts: 108

Likes: 8

Received 13 Likes on 11 Posts

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigandtall

Here we go. Front passenger fender has corroded through due to its very own attaching steel bolt and washer.

I guess Ford did not study up on what happened to the old aluminum bodied Land Cruisers that used steel bolts throughout.

History repeats itself.

After checking all the obvious fasteners on top of both fenders on my vehicle, the bottom washer in the picture is consistently nonferrous.

I thought I found one steel one, but there was a steel piece underneath that tricked me at first. Use a very small magnet and you can tell if the washer is or not. The fasteners are definitely steel. Does make me a bit nervous about folks working on the vehicle.

Reply Like

08-10-2015, 08:56 PM

#26

bigandtall

Senior Member

Thread Starter

Join Date: Jul 2015

Location: Central Indiana

Posts: 552

Likes: 48

Received 108 Likes on 77 Posts

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4js8wh

How many exposed bolts did you test with a magnet ie are steel instead of something else

6 bolts, their respective washers, and their respective second washer below the first washer. Tested with a small, precision, high strength magnet that I used to use to test for the presence of body filler when shopping for classic cars.