mud sump......

[gaf99]

Anyone noticed the huge mud sump behind the rear wheels of the Yaris - is a closure plate missing ? It has no drain hole and a capacity and shape specifically designed to trap mud/stones & crud. Are Toyota blind to such oversights ?

[johnnyfive]

i have not noticed, but i have noticed a low, almost mudflap looking plastic piece behind the rear wheeles, maybe yours is missing?

i will have to check mine closer in the morning...

[mikeukrainetz]

its like almost every other car out there just slightly more prevelent on the yaris. its an area you defenitely want to keep clean. after having two used cars which rusted in this area I make damn sure that area is kept clean. clean it and spray in some undercoat.

[gaf99]

is it easy to do the undercoat? how thick? is this something that toyota can do with one of there packages that are offered? i hate to start tinkering with stuff like this esp when it come to rust issues on a new car. will mud flips help? i have not seen the area that we are talking about but i am concerned b/c i will be in the market to buy one in march and don't want to be hassled with this.

[nsmitchell]

I wonder if you could clean it really well and carefully fill the areas with "Great Stuff". Then use undercoating to seal everything.

[mikeukrainetz]

thatll work too so long as the foam doesnt work itself loose.
its easy to undercoat this area, just do an exceptional job cleaning the area with a brush and soap, rinse clean. Tape the leading edge and portion of the the outer fender to prevent overspray and spray away. You can get aerosol cans of undercoat at pretty much any auto store - it gets everywhere so be carefull.

while your at it you might as well do the whole inner wheel well - chris had a good DIY for this.


the area btw is right infront of the rear tire

[gaf99]

do you have to undercoat or will just cleaning it weekly prevent rust?

[mikeukrainetz]

keep it clean is fine, after a while though it tends to slip the mind. $5 worth of undercoat is just better insurance and piece of mind.

[Katana]

There is a lot of space down there.Tha undercoat is a great idea.