Blank rubber grommet

[yaris2011-07]

I recently noticed three holes in the bottom of the frame rails that reside under the front driver and front passenger area. Should these holes have blank rubber grommets similar to the grommets that are used in the floor pan?

The next time you happen to be under your car could you please take a look and let me know if you have these holes plugged?

My car is 2008 Yaris hatchback CE.

Thanks!

[yarisugi]

Yes, they're supposed to be plugged.

[WeeYari]

Originally Posted by yarisugi

Yes, they're supposed to be plugged.

Frame rail holes are not plugged. Floor pan holes yes, frame rail no.

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[06YarisRS]

I would not plug them. Water can get into these rails along where they join the floor pans. Plugging the holes traps the water and allows rust to propagate unhindered. Spray a rustproofing oil of some kind in there. Even used motor oil will help. Something like fluid film would be best. It's so easy to do with the spray cans.

[yaris2011-07]

Thanks yarisugi, 06YarisRS and WeeYari for the reply. I do live in an area that gets snow and salt on the road, so that was something I was wondering, is it better to have those holes plugged or unplugged.

So far it doesn't look rusty around those holes. Spraying oil/grease/fluid flimn into the frame rail holes is probably a good idea.

While I was down there I did notice rust around the plugs in the floor pan, so I removed those plugs and painted around the area, and then put some grease on the plugs and put them back in. I will need to take the carpet out sometime and see if there is any rust on the floor pan inside of the car.

I hope water and salt is not making its way into the floor pan inside the car.

Thanks again for the replies!

[06YarisRS]

Originally Posted by yaris2011-07

Thanks yarisugi, 06YarisRS and WeeYari for the reply. I do live in an area that gets snow and salt on the road, so that was something I was wondering, is it better to have those holes plugged or unplugged.

So far it doesn't look rusty around those holes. Spraying oil/grease/fluid flimn into the frame rail holes is probably a good idea.

While I was down there I did notice rust around the plugs in the floor pan, so I removed those plugs and painted around the area, and then put some grease on the plugs and put them back in. I will need to take the carpet out sometime and see if there is any rust on the floor pan inside of the car.

I hope water and salt is not making its way into the floor pan inside the car.

Thanks again for the replies!

Sounds like you're doing the right thing; painting the rusty holes etc. I would be careful what you use for a rust proofing product that contacts the rubber grommets. I've seen them swell a lot and then they lose their sealing ability when a oil-based product is used. I believe Fluid Film will not swell rubber but don't quote me on that. I think most rust on floor pans comes from the inside out. Carpet/underlay is like a large slow-drying sponge. That's why I'm such a big fan of floor liners - keeps the water from getting there in the first place.

[yaris2011-07]

Originally Posted by 06YarisRS

Sounds like you're doing the right thing; painting the rusty holes etc. I would be careful what you use for a rust proofing product that contacts the rubber grommets. I've seen them swell a lot and then they lose their sealing ability when a oil-based product is used. I believe Fluid Film will not swell rubber but don't quote me on that. I think most rust on floor pans comes from the inside out. Carpet/underlay is like a large slow-drying sponge. That's why I'm such a big fan of floor liners - keeps the water from getting there in the first place.

I used white lithium grease on the grommets, not sure if this will affect the performance of these grommets.

I also have used rubber floor mats inside the car since it was new, so I don't think any water/salt would be coming from shoes/boots. I hope there isn't any other source of water inside.

[06YarisRS]

Originally Posted by yaris2011-07

I used white lithium grease on the grommets, not sure if this will affect the performance of these grommets.

I also have used rubber floor mats inside the car since it was new, so I don't think any water/salt would be coming from shoes/boots. I hope there isn't any other source of water inside.

I'm sure you'll be fine with the lithium grease. Rubber floor mats are great but sometimes stuff can spill over the edges. Once any water gets into the carpet underlay, it can be a really long time before it evaporates. It can actually be worse with rubber mats or floorliners as that further slows the drying process. Good on you for making the move to preserve your car. Few people are willing to do this.

On a similar note, today I drilled my rocker panels and also drilled holes just below the door latch on the rear doors of my 08. I dumped about a liter of ATF in each rocker panel and sprayed rust check in the rear holes to soak the rear panel, wheelhouse and dogles areas, then plugged them with the 1/2" body plugs. The atf dripped out all along the rocker, so it should be well protected against this winter's salt attack.

EDIT: So that the environmentalists among us don't get upset, I collect all drips into containers and recycle it.