So... why in 2009 (as is my truck) does GM not bother to paint the driveshafts?

Why, when I'm under my vehicle marveling at the execution of the frame and suspension components (and wondering why such detail was not paid to the fit/finish of the body/interior)... are the driveshafts all rusted to hell?

seriously. they are so rusty they could have come from a 1946 battleship rotting at the bottom of the sea. No, those would be cleaner. without air, there is no rust.

My vehicle is washed all the time, never off road, never muddy.But clear as day under it, if you even look at the driveshaft (rear, or front diff to wheels) you will get covered in rust. it's just NASTY.

I should have painted them ACE hardware rustoleum gloss black when new...

now I have to sand off the rust and paint them. ugh.

was there a financial reason to not bother? do they last 36,000 miles then fall off?

Why paint the frame and not the driveshaft? Did it save $0.05?

 

shouldnt your truck have an aluminum driveshaft?

 

I shall snap a photo tonight or Tues.

 

ha ya I noticed the same thing when I was changing the brakes out. drive shaft and rear diff look like they are 50 years old. but yes I imagine it was to save $0.05 on this vehicle like in so many other areas.
wonder if the Esky is the same?

 

First, the frame has a petroleum based coating, not paint. Second you can get some POR paint and all you'll have to do is knock off any loose rust. It's great stuff.

They may not paint them because of balance issues. Probably a stretch tho.

Just curious, have you checked any Ford Expedition driveshafts for paint?

 

not yet; but I shall! Or I'll wait till the redesign. then check. (on ford) as for my wife's tribute, they are not painted either, but I believe the ones from the diffs out are.(it's wet out, so I won't be checking tonight)

the oil based coating on the frame is weird.
I'm sure the Esky is the same, GM saved $0.05 and will earn money when it rusts through.

nj85z28 - your 'signature' takes up my entire 15" laptop screen. top to bottom. just FYI.

 

I think the idea for the soft frame coating was that road debris would be less likely to chip it off like it would paint.

I've been around cars and trucks, some over 20 years old and have yet to see a driveshaft fail due to rust.

 

hmm i havent heard any other complaints..on my screen it doesnt appear that large and i have a 17" macbook pro...ill check into it thanks