Vibe9

Not even sure what this part is called - I assume it's part of the 4WD differential axle, but I am no mechanic by any means.

I wanna know:
a) if this is normal;
b) if not, then is it warrantyable (the jeep only has 2300 kms); and
c) wtf is that rusty part called?

Here are some pics:





Thanks!

deepdiverterry

That rusty part is sometimes called the steering knuckle. It is sort of odd that it's the only thing rusted. Looks like it missed the paint booth. I really don't think thats going to be under warranty even though it doesn't look right.

jlau76

Mine is like that to. I noticed it right after I drove it off the lot. I think most of them are like that (i hope)!

deepdiverterry

I'll go take a picture of mine right now but how do I get the picture up like on the first post ? Oh , I think I figured it out

Vibe9

Thanks Terry - mine name too btw ;-)
When you post a photo, it asks you for the full URL, which means you need the photo to be hosted somewhere on the web. I chose to put mine on Google Picasa, but the options are obviously endless, e.g. Flickr, DropBox, PhotoBucket, the list goes on - those are the major ones (and likely the most user-friendly / easy to use).

deepdiverterry

OK....I can't figure this out just (pic) yet but anyhow , mine are rusty too and maybe a little more but it does have 19,000k on it .

deepdiverterry

I hope this works...

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=16128668&l=d64c080be6&id=526125531
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=16128670&l=e7dfa5ba4f&id=526125531
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=15323393&l=cc977fdf59&id=526125531

coilrod

Your steering knuckle is a bit rusty, not extreme. If it was on my cherokee, i would just rub it down with oil. On my jk...I would just rub it down with oil.

wiredup

Mine is the same. I think I may ask the dealership why the part is all rusty. Never thought about it.

coilrod

I am not a metallurgist but I know that some steel and alloys are designed with certain shear/ elastic properties. I was building formwok on a bridge where we were advised by the project engineer to apply an epoxy coating to certain high risk of rust areas. The majority was left uncoated as it was expected that the oxidized patina would prevent damaging corrosion.
Maybe our steering knuckles are the same. I have heard of the bolts siezing but never of a knuckle failure due to rust.