Rusty wheel wells of the F150 trucks are a common problem due to driving on dirty and snowy roads. In addition, it also comes due to drivers’ negligence when you do not wash the dirt or mud from these areas on time.
How to Fix Wheel Well Rust on Ford F150? You can fix the wheel well rust on Ford F150 by using rust reformer sprays, primers, rust extend neutralizer coats, and Bonds to fill the holes and cracks due to rust. You can also attach the new piece of metal to recover the large patches of corrode area. Try the cheapest methods at the initial stages, including using vinegar, baking soda, acid-base cleaners, and sandblaster to remove the corrosion.
The corrosion in this area also comes from the rusty brake pedals and door panels. You should remove them as soon as possible because it can also damage the tires and their bearings.
What is a wheel well?
It is the part on the lower side of your truck where the wheels are located. It is considered to provide a protective coating or shelter them.
It is the opening or space where your automobile’s tires reside.
In addition, it is also helpful to protect them from all types of damage and road hurdles. For example, the small sand, dirt, dust, and gravel particles return during driving.
The wells protect the tires from these foreign particles. In addition, it makes the pickup truck safe for off-roading by protecting it from sand and rock particles.
What are different methods to fix wheel well rust on Ford F150?
Many Ford F150 users complain that this specific part of their vehicle has corroded. Moreover, holes and cracks are also present in the affected area, which makes them worried.
Rust reformer method
The rust reformers are the sprays specifically used in these methods to get rid of corrosion. It is helpful to covert the affected area into a smooth and stable surface.
It also provides future protection because of its chemical composition. The water base spray contains the tannic acid to inhibit the oxidation reaction on iron and other metals.
First, you must sand the area with low to high grit sandpaper. The sanding is necessary to clear the holes and cracks o you can fill them well.
Start from the low grit sandpaper and then sand the surface well with high grit sandpaper to expose the holes.
You should also clean them from the inner side after removing the plastic covers of the wheels.
Apply the rust reformer or inhibiter spray on the service after surface preparation. You must wait about 4 to 5 hours to let the paint dry.
Use the primer to fill the small holes and cracks on the painted surface. Sand the area to balance the whole surface of the wells with sandpaper.
You can apply more primer if you see that holes are not appropriately covered. Apply more layers of primer and give the smooth touch with high grit sandpaper.
Move towards the paint procedure after smoothing the surface. Purchase paints that exactly match the exterior body of your truck.
It is preferably suitable to use spray paint rather than a brush. Place the newspaper on the sides to prevent splashes on the floor.
Addition of a new piece of metal
Sometimes the rust eats the whole metallic area and makes large patches there. You cannot apply putty or primers to cover these large patches.
You need a new metal piece to attach to the affected surface and remove the old ones. Then, take the electronic sander to remove the corrosion from the sides.
Cut down the most affected area with an electrical cutter. Purchase the high-quality metal sheet from the market and cut down the piece.
Attach this new metal piece using small nuts and bolts. You also have to paint this surface so it cannot look like a different part.
Use of Extend rust neutralizer
Extend rust neutralizer is the coating that is used to inhibit the entry of corrosion. The latex-like milky white coating acts as a primer and prepares the surface well for repainting.
You must apply the wire brush to affected areas before the extended treatment. This method is only useful for the less exposed and damaged areas.
It does not help cover the large patches and marks on the wheel wells. The wire brush contains hard metal wires that can easily clean the rusted area.
Apply the coat of extended rust neutralizer after tearing it with electrical wires. It is helpful to turn the existing corrosion into black and further block the oxidation processes.
You can apply the clear coat on this latex coating to give the furnished and new appearance to your whole truck because this blackish material looks awkward.
Try white vinegar or baking soda
Many people also try these home-based methods to treat mildly affected corroded surfaces. You can try them when it does not deeply penetrate the metal.
These home-based methods cannot work with large cracks, holes, or patches. These methods are only helpful for the initial stages when only a change in color of the exterior wheel well occurs due to an oxidation reaction.
You can mix white vinegar and warm water in a large bowl. Dip the sponge in it and clean the corroded area with this sponge.
The acidic acid present in the vinegar helps erode the corrosion. You can also try the baking soda and a water mixture to fix it.
Use acid-based cleaners
Many people use acid-based cleaner for the wheel wells. These cleaners contain strong acids that can easily dissolve the corrosion and stop the further oxidation reaction.
You can use them frequently after 2 to 3 months when you see these parts’ brownish or blackish appearance.
Applying these cleaners makes the surface clean and protects them from the formation of holes.
Use sandblaster
Sandblasters are electronic devices that spray the sands with high pressure and make the corroded surface clean and clear.
Remove the wheels and their bearings before using sandblasters to fix the rusty wells. Turn on the sandblaster and use short and mild strokes of sand.
It starts from the sides and keeps its nozzle on the affected areas. As a result, it cannot damage the metals but gives them a textured appearance.
A clear coat or spray paint can give a smooth look at the end.
Use of Bondo
Many mechanics prefer to use the Bondo to fill the holes and cracks of the corroded surface. It is a putty or filer-like material that is a mixture of talc and plastic.
It Is beneficial because paint also sticks to it effectively, and you do not have to apply the primers. Instead, park your truck in the garage and sand the area using an electric sander.
Fill the holes using a Bondo by applying it on a stick. Sand the area again after the application of Bondo to give them a textured appearance.
It is easy to paint the textured surface using spray paintings or nozzle paints.
What type of wheel wells are more susceptible to rust?
The wheel wells’ material depends on the truck’s exterior manufacturing material.
The old model of the Ford F150 is more susceptible to corrosion because of the use of more steel and iron material in its exterior body.
The new and latest models contain alloys like aluminum and other metals to decrease the risk of corrosion.
The iron type has a greater chance of oxidation reaction than alloys like aluminum.
What causes rust on the wheels wells of Ford F150?
Several factors can make the wheel wells of the Ford trucks rusty and make them look bad and old.
Exposure to water and road salts
The rust on wheel wells comes from exposure to acid rainwater while driving on the roads in rainy seasons.
In addition, the moisture on the road and road salts during the winter also comes in contact with the metal surface and causes an oxidation reaction.
Exposure to mud from the dirty roads also causes this problem.
Damaged clear coat
A clear coat is present on these structures to provide a furnished appearance. However, these coats start to damage due to the presence of scratches.
The scratches on these surfaces make the metallic part in the exposure to oxidative chemicals.
In addition, many people use harsh acids to clean these surfaces that can dissolve the paint and clear coat layers.
How do you prevent rust on Ford F150 wheels wells?
It is necessary to control the corrosion on these parts of the pickup trucks because it gives an aged appearance to your exterior, which decreases the resale value.
Weekly maintenance
You should plan the weekly maintenance schedule for cleaning purposes and keep the rust away from their metal surface.
Wash them at home with pressure water to remove dust and dirt from their surfaces. The pressured water also removes the mud from them that comes during driving.
Clean their surfaces with acid-based cleaners after a week or two.
Proper drying after washing
Many people do not keep let their trucks for a few hours after the washing procedure to make them dry.
The inappropriate dryness and water exposure to the metal surface produce an oxidation reaction and erode the surface.
It is necessary to leave them for a few hours in an airy space for proper drying of all the parts.
Use undercarriage sprays and protective coatings
It is also good to use the undercarriage sprays on the lower side of the chassis structure to inhibit the oxidation reactions there.
Most of the latest models of vehicles also come with a protective coating on these sides because these are the most exposed components.
How much does it cost to fix wheel well rust on F150?
The average cost to fix the rust on wheel wells of the Ford F150 is about 1500$ to 2000$. You have to pay more when taking your trucks to the mechanics.
The above costs also included the costs of the mechanic. The price range differs according to the situation of the affected areas and the methods you use.
You must pay less using the cheapest methods like vinegar and acid-based cleaners. The cheapest methods cost about $500 to $1000.
You have to spend more for ruts reformer sprays and Bondo putty because these are costly and useful to fill cracks and holes.
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