2GN K frames rotting and causing drivability issues

BlackRoseRacing · Post by **BlackRoseRacing** » Mon Aug 01, 2011 10:14 pm

If anyone's front K frame is rotting prematurely on a taken care of vehicle, post any pictures of the frame with current mileage. I've been getting replies of numerous vehicles with low mileage having issues with the front k frame rotting prematurely and causing control failure.

Cokedoctor · Post by **Cokedoctor** » Mon Aug 01, 2011 10:15 pm

This is my 2001 Dodge Neon R/T's crossmember. I'm borderline wanting to consider my car unsafe to drive, and I just bought the dang thing. I think it's got 145,000 miles. The rest of the car underneath is in really good condition. Still has factory overspray showing.

Midnight_Rider · Post by **Midnight_Rider** » Tue Aug 02, 2011 1:01 am

Yikes, that's scary.

Haganracing · Post by **Haganracing** » Tue Aug 02, 2011 1:16 am

Wow, that blows.

So glad my neon has a "self-lubricating" chassis

r/tguy02 · Post by **r/tguy02** » Tue Aug 02, 2011 8:53 am

yeah my r/t looks similar to his, and it has 150k on it and other than a couple pinch welds with some very light surface rust, there isnt any rust anywhere else on the car. its unfortunate that the crossmember is so bad, i'm debating to replace it while i have the engine and trans out.

ZeroChad · Post by **ZeroChad** » Tue Aug 02, 2011 1:44 pm

I'm at about 120k and mine looks the same. I blame it on Michigan's salt roads. I'll swap it out eventually, but its not causing any problems now aside from weight reduction.

Donkeypuncher · Post by **Donkeypuncher** » Tue Aug 02, 2011 3:56 pm

Damn those are some scary pictures, I'd bet the salt and snow up north has a lot to do with it. I wonder if an undercarriage tray would have stopped that from happening.

Mine looks damn near brand new, but we don't drive in snow or salt around here and it's been garage kept for most of it's 86k miles.

hansken_yo · Post by **hansken_yo** » Tue Aug 02, 2011 5:30 pm

Haganracing wrote:Wow, that blows.

So glad my neon has a "self-lubricating" chassis

Oil leak?

furyman67 · Post by **furyman67** » Wed Aug 03, 2011 6:26 pm

It is common for rust belt Neons to need a K-member replaced, lousy rust coating when new, sold many when I was a Chrysler/Jeep service advisor

Tom

Post by **occasional demons** » Wed Aug 03, 2011 9:13 pm

Even the one I bought new as a replacement, and put like 5 coats of paint on, is beginning to rust through the paint. I soaked it in and out.

The Certifit hood I bought, and painted with the same brand, is holding up better. Tho it does get much more engine heat to dry it out...

The LCA's arent much better.

They are likely already beginning to rust when they are "painted" at the vendor's facility, or when they were/are received.

Cokedoctor · Post by **Cokedoctor** » Wed Aug 03, 2011 9:46 pm

I'm going to need to replace mine before the end of the year. I don't feel comfortable driving mine, but it'll have to do for now. It's a real shame that so many people have needed/need to replace the cradle, and Chrysler looks the other way. It's a safety concern.

About 2 years ago now, Kia recalled all Optima models for the very same problem. None of them I saw them pull off (I worked at a Kia dealership) were near as bad as mine is.

Ford just issued a recall this week, recalling Fuel Tank straps on 1997-2004 F-150 models, as they were breaking.

Chrysler needs to do something about this. Perhaps if we all call Customer Service and file a complaint, maybe they will do something.

Midnight_Rider · Post by **Midnight_Rider** » Thu Aug 04, 2011 1:31 am

Not excusing the current Fiat/Chrysler Group but this may not be too high on their list due to our cars being from the DCX era.

I hope that my car being Ziebarted helps in keeping mine from rusting like this. I plan to get underneath and check it ASAP.

Post by **jonnymopar** » Sun Sep 11, 2011 11:56 pm

Man I should really look at mine. 140k miles and it's only been garaged one winter.