On 03 Oct 21 15:11, Mark Hofmann wrote to Roy Witt:



 RW>> I think it should be incumbant on manufacturers to replace any line
 RW>> that rusts to the point of failure. Even if the vehicle is out of
 RW>> warranty.

 MH> I agree 100%.  That goes with all of the manufacturers, because it
 MH> isn't just Dodge.  I have seen it happen in Ford and Chevy, and I'm
 MH> sure it happens in foreign vehicles as well.

The problem arises when stainless isn't passivated and passivation of
tubing on 100-500 ft long rolls isn't exactly a walk in the park.
Passivation is a method of nitriding stainless steel products to reduce
the chances of a drop of water creating a rust spot that can spread over
the surface of the SS product. Stainless is referred to as CRES in the
industry; aka corrosion 'resistant' steel. But that doesn't make it
non-corrosive. Never has and never will.

 RW>> If you can remove the line without spoiling the original
 RW>> configuration, it shouldn't be that hard to duplicate by hand.

 MH> From the great step by step - complete with pictures - writeup that
 MH> someone did for the Durango, it shouldn't be too bad.  The bolts are
 MH> very rusty, just like the lines - so they will probably start to fall
 MH> apart while I remove them.

WD40 now makes a penetrating solution that will help to free up those
rusted bolts. Give it a day or so to do its job before tackling the
replacement work.

 RW>> [????] OEM means Original Equipment Manufacturer...I don't
 RW>> understand the statement. If you found an Aftermarket Manufacturer
 RW>> who has those lines in Stainless Steel, that would be ideal.

 MH> I meant aftermarket.  According to some of them on Rockauto.com, they
 MH> are chromate plated for rust and corrosion protection.

That's kinda like gun bluing (or browning)...you allow the material to
rust to a certain point, then stop the process with a chemical bath ...
thing is, it is a rusting probability for the future if not treated
correctly.

 RW>> Take it to a Dodge dealer and see what they offer in compensation
 RW>> for having to replace failed lines that aren't supposed to be made
 RW>> out of ordinary steel. Then go buy the aftermarket lines.

 MH> Probably nothing, since I didn't buy the Durango new.  I should do
 MH> that just out of principle.

They're probably already aware of it, but giving them more to report to
the district managers can lead back to the manufacturers.

 MH> If you are interested in the repair with pictures, here is the link:

 MH> http://tinyurl.com/bh95yp9

I'll give it a look-see...


            R\%/itt


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