Hybrid Technology Unique topics related to the 2004 -2009 RX400H model hybrid drivetrain and other features/options found only on the RX400H. Please use the main forum for discussion about shared components with other second generation RX models.

Chrome sort of pitting on rear...

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 07-08-07, 07:54 PM
  #1  
w@ntonsoup
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
 
w@ntonsoup's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: CO
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Chrome sort of pitting on rear...

Anyone experienced this? The chrome on the the rear (lexus badge, horizontal strip above license plate area, etc) has gold colored spots all over, like tarnish, that won't come clean. Like the chrome has been eaten away or something.



Last edited by w@ntonsoup; 07-08-07 at 08:02 PM.
Old 07-09-07, 08:16 AM
  #2  
mandyfig
Moderator
 
mandyfig's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: GA
Posts: 12,300
Received 416 Likes on 366 Posts
Default

Wow, like it has been eaten by acid rain. I have not seen emblems do this. No amount of polish can get rid of it?
Old 07-09-07, 09:22 AM
  #3  
w@ntonsoup
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
 
w@ntonsoup's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: CO
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Nothing we've tried has worked. I'll be bringing the 400h in to Lexus for the 15k service and also a few other minor issues - I'll see what they can do about this!
Old 07-10-07, 08:27 AM
  #4  
mandyfig
Moderator
 
mandyfig's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: GA
Posts: 12,300
Received 416 Likes on 366 Posts
Default

They should be able to replace the emblems, how about the paint, are they ok?
Old 07-10-07, 09:57 AM
  #5  
Lil4X
Out of Warranty
 
Lil4X's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Houston, Republic of Texas
Posts: 14,926
Received 12 Likes on 12 Posts
Default

Chrome is usually plated onto another metal plate rather directly on the object. Copper or brass is the usual intermediate, sometimes with nickel plated over it before the final chrome layer. This makes for a hard, impervious finish that adheres tightly to the underlying surface.

It appears that your medallion was somehow contaminated during this process, preventing the final chrome layer from properly adhering to the intermediate layer. Your dealer should be happy to replace it in warranty.
Old 07-10-07, 12:42 PM
  #6  
w@ntonsoup
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
 
w@ntonsoup's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: CO
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

It's actually happened to every piece of chrome on the back - the Lexus logo, the Lexus badge, and the horizontal piece above the license plate too.

Anyway, I'm brining it in first thing Monday morning, we'll see what they say!
Old 07-10-07, 02:30 PM
  #7  
mandyfig
Moderator
 
mandyfig's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: GA
Posts: 12,300
Received 416 Likes on 366 Posts
Default

It is just weired that you would have all of the emblems degrade at the same time. Lexus Chrome emblems are made by reliable platers. I have experience with plastic plating. This appears to be corrosion-contamination as previously mentioned.
Old 07-10-07, 02:31 PM
  #8  
Lexmex
Super Moderator
 
Lexmex's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Miami, Florida
Posts: 17,247
Received 164 Likes on 140 Posts
Default

We have people in Mexico that can do this quite easily and cheaply for plastic. I know of at least one nearby my uncle's place.
Old 07-10-07, 08:33 PM
  #9  
woof
Driver School Candidate
 
woof's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Colorado
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Driving in Colorado during the winter could also do this. My Avalanche's chrome was very pitted, even the rims (triple plated) showed that the chrome was eroded (showing the zink underneath)..... one of the negatives of a good winter....
Old 07-11-07, 10:54 AM
  #10  
w@ntonsoup
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
 
w@ntonsoup's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: CO
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I've been driving in Colorado for ... 15 years. Never had an issue like this before.
Old 07-11-07, 10:32 PM
  #11  
woof
Driver School Candidate
 
woof's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Colorado
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

I've been driving for an equal time and just noticed the damage this year. Here is an interesting article:
http://trailer-bodybuilders.com/mag/...ion_explosion/
I can post pictures of my paint/chrome/rim damage also and you may find that it is very similar to your pictures above.
Old 07-13-07, 01:46 PM
  #12  
mandyfig
Moderator
 
mandyfig's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: GA
Posts: 12,300
Received 416 Likes on 366 Posts
Default

Post your pics and we will have a look...
Old 07-17-07, 09:11 PM
  #13  
w@ntonsoup
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
 
w@ntonsoup's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: CO
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Well, as expected they're blaming it on the mag chloride. They're probably right, but there has to be a solution. The whole POINT of a chromed piece is that the multiple layers provide a long-lasting durable beautiful finish!
Old 07-19-07, 10:38 AM
  #14  
mandyfig
Moderator
 
mandyfig's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: GA
Posts: 12,300
Received 416 Likes on 366 Posts
Default

So, they did not replace them?
Old 07-21-07, 10:56 AM
  #15  
w@ntonsoup
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
 
w@ntonsoup's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: CO
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

They did not.


Quick Reply: Chrome sort of pitting on rear...



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 10:29 PM.