Brand new 2023 gladiator, how can I prevent hinge corrosion?

[GladLad]

When brand new, I treated all of my hinges, doors & tailgate with Boeshield (I bought a gallon of it a while back). I have not treated my hood because it is steel (Mojave).

Why would you not treat it because it's steel?

Which reminds me, I had planned on using Fluid Film or Surface Shield in the hood (spraying into cavities, let it sit where corrosion/water sits), and full undercoat. But here I am a year later and not a spritz complete.

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[jac04]

Why would you not treat it because it's steel?

I've never heard of any rust issues on any steel JK/JL/JT panels.

 

[Dmag33]

It's difficult to avoid if it happens. So far my hinges have been fine, but I do have a couple bubbles on the lower edge of the hood below the stickers (not underneath the stickers).

Mine have been fine, no bubbling or corrosion at all, 2020 Gladiator Rubicon, color Sting Grey.

 

[ArchEtech]

I thought about this too since I just bought a 2023. I guess my issue is the worst corrosion I’ve seen is not even on the hinges. It’s on the edges of the hood and doors.

 

[JTGuy]

Don't go where they salt the roads and park it in a garage. I live in So Cal and rust is the least of my worries.

 

[PuddleJumper]

I take my doors off all summer. but i use chain lube or HD grease on the pins whenever i remount. As far as the exterior of the hinge, I just bought a Mopar paint pen match to my color code. Every time i get a chip I just clean it up and paint over it.

 

[PBCounty]

I really never knew this was such an issue until I joined a GLadiator Facebook page the other day....and....damn. That's a whole, whole lot of people complaining about corrosion on the hoods, tailgates, and doors.

 

[CVrubi]

I have had the corrosion issue already on the doors, hood, and tailgate of my 2022 Sarge Green Gladiator Rubicon. It doesn’t matter that I garage keep it and maintain it clean. It’s a factory issue and once it’s under the paint it’s there for good until you take it to the dealer for service. It’s under warranty so let them take care of it. Mine took 4 months from the time I finally found a dealer to look at it to the time it was actually completed. 2 dealers near me wouldn’t even look at it because I did not buy the Jeep locally. The dealer that completed the work did a fantastic job so I’m very pleased, so far. I imagine from what I’ve read that the corrosion may come back. 5 years corrosion warranty should cover it but after that it’s on the owner. That sucks coz I planned on keeping the Jeep for a very long time. Good luck.

 

[Stan H]

Hi all, picked up a new sarge green rubicon yesterday and I want to ensure I don't get hinge corrosion. I had a few ideas that I had to potentially prevent it from occurring, such as unbolting the hinges and painting underneath or making a custom rubber shim. Would these actually work at preventing corrosion? I want to prevent it if possible.

Leave it parked in the garage and don't drive it .

 

[JTPatriot]

2020 StingGray JT Rubicon. Just noticed some corrosion starting on the hinges, tailgate and seam of one door. Be curious to see how they try and get out of it since it is lifted, have a hood decal and 5.7 hemi installed.

 

[PBCounty]

I've only had mine for three months and I'm already checking it every time I drive it (weekends) thanks to all these posts. Sucks I have to worry about such on a brand new vehicle.

I wonder if there are any statistics on Gladiators which are more prone, like color, year, location, etc.

 

[GladLad]

As far as the exterior of the hinge, I just bought a Mopar paint pen match to my color code. Every time i get a chip I just clean it up and paint over it.

To assist with preventing the chips, try https://www.rockstopperz.com/ Pre-cut protective film, can't even tell they're there.

 

[AustyPosty]

To assist with preventing the chips, try https://www.rockstopperz.com/ Pre-cut protective film, can't even tell they're there.

Installed a set on my Jeep the other day! Pretty easy to install

 

[LouisvEarlleJT]

Being a '23 you should have the shims between the hinges, mine is a Feb '23 build and has them. Even still I put a few drips of Boeshield t-9 on them every 6 months or so.

Totally understand the concern, when you spend this kind of money on a vehicle you want it to last.

 

[MikeSalt]

If "new" means '23 or '24, you may (or probably) have the new hinge with a zinc shim under it. The TSB shows how you can tell if it does: there will be a slight gap between the door and hinge. My '23 was built sometime around April last year (I think) and has the gap so I assume it has the shim.

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2023/MC-10234479-9999.pdf

The zinc shim helps I rinse mine after each beach use. I have. Sacrificial zincs on my boat too.

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