Rust on exhaust and underside

[Bobsled]

So I crawled under the car this past weekend to install a Magnaflow axelback exhaust on my LFX. I was surprised to see rust on both the pipes and chassis of my 2012 Camaro (2/12) with 1,900 miles in So. Cal.

Is this normal? Here's a picture showing the new PS exhaust and OEM DS exhaust w/ rust and all.

[Chevyg1rl]

That doesn't seem right. I'd take it to the dealer and get the pipes replaced under warranty. If they're going to replace them, maybe they'll install your axle-back for free.

[2SS45th]

They dealer won't replace the exhaust, it isn't 304 stainless steel, so it will have surface rust. If it isn't corroded through, I wouldn't worry about it. Secondly, I do not see chassis corrosion in the pic. Most likely road grime, or something of the sort.

[Bobsled]

Originally Posted by 2SS45th

Secondly, I do not see chassis corrosion in the pic. Most likely road grime, or something of the sort.

Yeah, that picture isn't very good at showing the chassis. It's just little spots of rust (kind of like on the pipes) not rampant everywhere. But it's still there. According to the door tag the car was manu. in Feb 2012. We bought it August 2012 w/ 55 miles on it.

[puertoricanfont]

my stock exhaust looked like that and mine was on for two years before being removed. Its mostly surface rust bc its "cheap" stainless steel.

[2SS45th]

I can snap a pic of my exhaust, it was pulled at 600 miles if you want.

[Bobsled]

^ No, not sure that would prove anything. I saw it and thought it was odd at first sight. No rust on either my 2002 Tahoe (in the background) which is a garage queen or my 2005 Camry. If it seems to be the norm then oh well I guess.

[Apex Motorsports]

OEM exhaust is 400 series stainless. It is going to rust. That is something to keep in mind when you buy aftermarket exhaust. You can get another 400 series system that is also going to rust or go for 300 series and it will be around until the cows come home.

[ChrisBlair]

Just a thought but I installed tubular headers on my '70 GS455 clone in '92 and I drove the car daily three seasons a year until 2006. The headers never rusted out; definitely not 300 SS. Every couple years I painted them with Eastwood Tool Co's exhaust manifold paint. I just wired brushed them, and painted with a brush; they looked new for another two years. But those tubes get really hot and baked that paint in. Not the best pic but you get the idea. Maybe you can give Eastwood a call and see what they can do for you re: high temp exhaust paint, to fight that rust

[SlingShot]

It's because they are made of 409 stainless, there is more iron than nickel in the mix and they are also magnetic. A quick test for either 300 series or 400 series SS, is to use a magnet, 300 series is non magnetic.

[oldfriend]

Next thing you will see will be rust on the rotors , just trade it in for a new one [ ZL1 ]

[Mr. iNCREDIBLE]

cheap ass pot metal.. gotta love the GM bean counters.

[Avalnch]

I believe I can see a significant amount of rust on the LCA and its body mount point. This is not right, especially in SoCal. Do you live next to some kind of factory spewing out acid? I'd take it back to the dealer and ask them to explain it. I believe most new cars have a rust warranty. It might have been exposed to some damaging chemicals prior to your delivery.

[Mr. iNCREDIBLE]

Originally Posted by Avalnch

I believe I can see a significant amount of rust on the LCA and its body mount point. This is not right, especially in SoCal. Do you live next to some kind of factory spewing out acid? I'd take it back to the dealer and ask them to explain it. I believe most new cars have a rust warranty. It might have been exposed to some damaging chemicals prior to your delivery.

living anywhere near the coast salt water/air causes this as well.