Rust on Oval side steps again!

[urbancowboy]

On my 2011 Sierra 1500 slt cc, my Oval sides have rusted for a second time. They were replaced last spring as well as front bumper for rust spots. Well today I brought the truck in today to show them the rust spots again and they said the sides steps were already replaced once Gm will not go good for them. I asked aren't they covered under the 3 year bumper to bumper. NO ! as they have been replaced already once, what has that got to do with anything. I told him what do you think they are going to look like after next winter. He gave me some bs story about the stuff they are using on roads is very corrosive. Also I have white diamond paint and noticed little yellow dots all over the paint almost looking like little rust spots. I mentioned why is this happening and he told me its from rail dust. I said ok, but I waxed my truck last fall and they were all removed, and look now theres twice as many this spring. He told me nothing they can do, its because of the rail transportation, well I'm a locomotive engineer for a railroad and said I don't think that would cause those spots to reappear 18 months later. Basically told me your out of luck again. Anyone else run into these same issues? I would like to go over the dealers head and contact Gm directly to voice my displeasure. Anyone have a number or email to call? We only have one Gm dealership in town so limited where I go when issues arise. I'm not too happy right now.

[Doug_Scott]

If you got rail dust spots in the first year of ownership, would you not expect it to reappear with

in a year? I would. The rail dust does not know you already polished it off once. It will continue to be an issue for as long as the truck is exposed to it. Do you park your truck at work? You say you are an engineer for the railways, does that mean your truck is left in the work yard while you are working?

You are free to call the number in your owners manual to contact GM.

[urbancowboy]

I don't park any where, near where trains are located so that would not be an issue, and as far as brake dust is concerned I've never heard any one at work complain about this on any of there vehicles from any other manufacturer. Why mine? I think there are other issues with the paint that is causing this. I never noticed any spots on the truck in the 12 months, so are you telling me they appear later on?

[RyanbabZ71]

Photos?

 

 

Ryan

 

 

[MS3DALE]

Rail Dust Damage Repair

Warning: Refer to Eye Protection Warning .

 

 

Note: If rail dust has penetrated into the basecoat, the panel requires refinishing. Ensure all the rail dust has been removed prior to refinishing or the rust spots will return.

 

 

Rail dust damage comes from the tiny iron particles produced from the friction between the train wheels and the track. It can also be deposited on vehicles if stored near any operation producing iron dust (i.e., steel ore yards). This dust can either lay on top of, or embed into the paint surface. It is usually diagnosed as bumps in the paint surface or rust colored spots in the paint.

 

1. Move the vehicle to a cool shaded area and ensure the vehicle surfaces are cool during the removal process.

 

 

 

2. Thoroughly wash the repair area with Liquid Wash and Wax GM?P/N?1052870, or equivalent.

 

 

 

3. Wipe the area dry.

 

 

 

4. Clean the affected area with silicone, wax and grease remover.

 

 

 

5. Perform the removal process according to the manufacturer's directions of the type of repair material used (Gel Type Oxalic Acid or Clay Type Non-Acid Based). If, upon inspection, some particles are still present, the process may be repeated. If the damage has been repaired, complete the repair to the entire panel.

 

 

 

6. Polish the entire panel after the removal process. Refer to

Clearcoat Repair Specifications - 3M Products . If small pits remain in the clearcoat after all of the damage has been repaired, refer to Clearcoat Repair without Repainting

 

 

[MS3DALE]

I don't park any where, near where trains are located so that would not be an issue, and as far as brake dust is concerned I've never heard any one at work complain about this on any of there vehicles from any other manufacturer. Why mine? I think there are other issues with the paint that is causing this. I never noticed any spots on the truck in the 12 months, so are you telling me they appear later on?

 

 

Your truck was probably transported by rail to a railyard,then transported the rest of way to your dealer,it was while on the train car that the rail dust embedded itself in the paint.

[MS3DALE]

Heres a better TSB....

 

#05-08-51-008C: Bumps or Rust Colored Spots in Paint Due to Rail or Iron Dust (Remove Rail Dust) - (Jun 22, 2009)

 

 

 

 

 

Subject: Bumps or Rust Colored Spots in Paint Due to Rail or Iron Dust (Remove Rail Dust)

 

 

 

 

Models: 1994-2010 GM Passenger Cars and Trucks (Including Saturn)

 

 

 

2003-2010 HUMMER H2

 

 

 

2006-2010 HUMMER H3

 

 

 

2005-2009 Saab 9-7X

 

 

This bulletin is being revised to add model years. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 05-08-51-008B (Section 08— Body and Accessories).

Condition

 

Visible rust colored spots or bumps on a vehicle's paint surface from rail or iron dust.

Cause

 

Rail dust comes from tiny iron particles produced from the friction between train wheels and the tracks and gets deposited on the vehicle surfaces. Iron dust can get deposited on the surface if the vehicle is stored near any operation producing iron dust such as an iron ore yard. Either material can lay on top of , or become embedded in , the paint surface.

Correction

 

Because the severity of the condition varies, proper diagnosis of the damage is critical to the success of repairs. Diagnosis should be performed on horizontal surfaces (hood, roof, deck lid, pick up box, etc.) after the vehicle has been properly cleaned. There are two types of repair materials recommended to repair rail dust or iron dust:

 

1. GEL TYPE OXALIC ACID:

 

 

 

- Has the characteristics of the liquid type oxalic acid but stays where you put it because of its gel consistency.

 

 

 

2. CLAY TYPE NON-ACID BASED:

 

 

 

- Requires surface lubricant during use.

 

 

 

- Has different grades available.

 

 

 

 

Caution: Rail dust remover (Oxalic Acid) is an acidic substance containing chemicals that will break down the iron particles embedded in the finish. When working with rail dust remover, use the necessary safety equipment, including gloves and goggles. Follow the chemical manufacturer's directions closely because it may require special handling and disposal.

 

 

 

If, upon inspection, some particles are still present, the various chemical manufacturer's processes can be repeated.

After the removal process, small pits may remain in the clearcoat and can be corrected, in most cases, with a finesse/polish operation.

Procedure

 

 

1. Move the vehicle to a cool shaded area and make sure that the vehicle surfaces are cool during the removal process. DO NOT PERFORM THE REMOVAL PROCESS IN DIRECT SUNLIGHT OR ON A VEHICLE WITH HOT OR WARM BODY PANELS.

 

 

 

2. Wash the vehicle with soap and water. Dry it immediately and clean the affected areas with a wax and grease remover.

 

 

 

3. Perform the removal process according to the chemical manufacturer's directions.

 

 

Once the damage has been repaired, the final step involves a polishing process.

<a name="N65664">Rail Dust Remover Manufacturers

 

Use the chemical manufacturers listed below, or equivalent:

Auto Magic® or Clay Magic® products available from:

?

 

Auto Wax Company, Inc.

1275 Round Table Dr.

Dallas, TX 75247

(800) 826-0828 (Toll-Free) or (214) 631–4000 (Local)

Fax (214) 634-1342

www.automagic.com

[email protected]

 

E038 Fallout Gel or E038E Liquid Fallout Remover II available from:

?

 

Valvoline Car Brite Company

1910 South State Avenue

Indianapolis, In 46203

(800) 347–2439 (Toll Free) or (317) 788–9925 (Local)

Fax (317) 788-9930

www.carbrite.com

[email protected]

 

*We believe these sources and their products to be reliable. There may be additional manufacturers of such products. General Motors does not endorse, indicate any preference for or assume any responsibility for the products from these firms or for any such items which may be available from other sources.

If rail dust remover is not available in your area, call one of the numbers listed above for a distributor near your location.

[MS3DALE]

Now about the steps......were they factory installed,installed "at the time" of delivery (IE-at the time you were purchasing the truck) or did you purchase them "after" you purchased the truck?

[MS3DALE]

#02-00-89-014F: New Labor Operation Codes for Dealer-Installed GM Accessories Replaced During Warranty Coverage Period - (Nov 11, 2009)

 

 

 

 

 

Subject: New Labor Operation Codes for Dealer-Installed GM Accessories Replaced During Warranty Coverage Period

 

 

 

 

Models: 2010 and Prior GM Passenger Cars and Trucks

 

 

 

2003-2010 HUMMER H2

 

 

 

2006-2010 HUMMER H3

 

 

This bulletin is being revised to add the 2010 model year. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 02-00-89-014E (Section 00– General Information).Important: Labor operations in this bulletin are also available in the Labor Time Guide (LTG).U.S. Dealers: To review these labor operations, select the following categories from the LTG main menu:Preface > Preface > Introduction> Dealer Installed GM Accessories or by typing“Accessories” into the keyword search field.Canadian Dealers: To review these labor operations, build the vehicle, select the Reference icon, then select Forwards from the left menu and scroll to Dealer Installed GM Accessories.

 

Under the guidelines for GM Parts Warranties, all GM Accessories sold and permanently installed on a GM vehicle PRIOR to new vehicle delivery will be covered under the provisions of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

For the U.S., in the event GM Accessories are installed AFTER new vehicle delivery, or are replaced under the new vehicle warranty, they will be covered (parts and labor) for the balance of the vehicle warranty, but in no event less than 12 months/12,000 miles.

For Canada, in the event GM Accessories are installed AFTER new vehicle delivery, they will be covered (parts and labor) for the balance of the vehicle warranty, or up to 12 months/unlimited kilometers depending on month installed. For replacement after the New Vehicle Limited Warranty expires, but within the 12 months/unlimited kilometers coverage, refer to claim type“B” guidelines.

When a dealer-installed GM Accessory is replaced during this period of warranty coverage, a labor operation code should be used that correlates to that particular component.

When such a replacement is necessary, please refer to the following labor operations for DEALER INSTALLED GM ACCESSORIES.

These labor operations should be used when filing warranty claims against GM Accessories that were installed by a GM Dealer or an Accessories Distributor Installer (ADI). This includes GM Accessories that were ordered as Accessories Catalog Offerings (ACOs), as Regular Production Accessories (RPAs), limited production orders (LPOs) or purchased from an ADI. Refer to Corporate Bulletin Number 01-00-89-015A for more information about RPAs.

[Wires]

Urbancowboy, I feel your pain. My 08 has the same issues with 29,000km on the odo.

 

Last winter it developed rust spots down the body panels, chrome trim, bumpers and oval steps. Another thread said it's most likely caused by following snow plows in the winter (that was a possibility for me).

 

I clay barred and waxed it, and that fixed the paint. I had to scrape off coin sized areas of rust on the bumpers and touch them up. I still have discolored spots in the chrome trim on the body side moldings though.

 

So, much like you, pretty PO'd about it.

[Coolmaker]

Wow, am I glad ordered them with the truck and they were on it when I took delivery.

[urbancowboy]

Thanks Rich for replies, greatly appreciated, for the oval steps the Gm dealership installed when I bought truck, first pair replaced no questions asked, they said Gm would only replace one set. Now because they already replaced one set, the 12 months would be up on the first set, maybe they are going by that. Its pretty sad one winter and rusting out already. As far as the paint, the side markers had spots all over, they said because not metal would fix them, as far as the rest of the metal on the truck covered with spots, not likely to get fixed.

[scooby5121]

Your in my moose hunting area!!! ThunderBay

Same rust spots on the paint as you explained... Phone Gm Directly. Not the dealership

[GMCustomerService]

I would like to look into this for you. Have you been in contact with customer assistance? Please contact me privately with your name, contact information, last eight of your VIN, current mileage, and dealer name and I will be able to set up a case for you. I look forward to hearing from you.

 

Tricia, GM Customer Service.

[pm26]

I would like to look into this for you. Have you been in contact with customer assistance? Please contact me privately with your name, contact information, last eight of your VIN, current mileage, and dealer name and I will be able to set up a case for you. I look forward to hearing from you.

 

Tricia, GM Customer Service.

 

 

Here is a suggestion: Start making these oval steps out of good quality polished stainless. GM is already charging over $ 600 for a set of cheap chromed steps that do not seem to last through one winter without rusting. A set of polished stainless steps should not cost much more than about $ 800 with a decent profit margin. And there would be no need to replace them under warranty.

 

As you know, there are aftermarket nerf bars that are made of polished stainless, such as Nasta bars. Some even come with stainless mounting brackets for about $ 350 total cost.