silverstarmazda
11-25-2013, 08:17 AM
not sure if this has been posted somewhere but i cant find something like it.
just warning everyone to check the spare wheel compartment for rust!! the water plug isnt alway %100 water proof and a sufficient amount of water can seep past it. once its past it, the fabric sheet under the spare wheel will absorb it and hold onto that moisture for a good while because there is little to no air circulation in that area. this moist environment causes rust to form and grow.
in my case it seems like it started at the plug and worked its way into the fabric sheet where it in turn spread it all around the area. i have since removed the fabric sheet and sanded down the rusty parts. removed and cleaned the plug then generously sprayed the hell out of everything with rust proof (the oily kind). sprayed the inner grove of the plug to make sure it will give a good seal. reinstalled everything threw away the fabric.
with no plug
http://imageshack.us/a/img690/871/izpd.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img571/7130/jon5.jpg
fabric was also showing signs of mold and was beginning to give off a very bad smell. i have not heard of any rattling or metal on metal contact since i have removed it. i will however eventually cut a small rubber mat for the spare to rest on.
+also not a bad time to check the condition of your spare tire while its out. nothing worse than swapping a flat for a flat.+
just warning everyone to check the spare wheel compartment for rust!! the water plug isnt alway %100 water proof and a sufficient amount of water can seep past it. once its past it, the fabric sheet under the spare wheel will absorb it and hold onto that moisture for a good while because there is little to no air circulation in that area. this moist environment causes rust to form and grow.
in my case it seems like it started at the plug and worked its way into the fabric sheet where it in turn spread it all around the area. i have since removed the fabric sheet and sanded down the rusty parts. removed and cleaned the plug then generously sprayed the hell out of everything with rust proof (the oily kind). sprayed the inner grove of the plug to make sure it will give a good seal. reinstalled everything threw away the fabric.
with no plug
http://imageshack.us/a/img690/871/izpd.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img571/7130/jon5.jpg
fabric was also showing signs of mold and was beginning to give off a very bad smell. i have not heard of any rattling or metal on metal contact since i have removed it. i will however eventually cut a small rubber mat for the spare to rest on.
+also not a bad time to check the condition of your spare tire while its out. nothing worse than swapping a flat for a flat.+