Excessive dirt & rocks in underbody and frame

2020FordRaptor said:

Just go to a self service car wash and spray the underbody or if you have a power washer spray the vehicle. Be careful that you don't damage plastic trim or graphics (if applicable).

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khammer said:

I was planning on spraying it this weekend and seeing how much better I can clean it up.


While I AM constantly finding new places where dirt is located, I do not think it is that dirt is returning after washing it out. More so that dirt is continuing to appear out of places I have not been able to fully clean out, i.e. behind the 3rd brake light onto the rear window and at body panel seams and trim pieces. I pulled the front bumper assembly off and removed the front license plate bracket within the first couple months of owning it. I remember it being quite dusty and rocks/pebbles throughout.

One concern I had with the amount that is actually inside of the frame is that it had been buried/sunk in mud or something. I would have thought a flooded or sunk vehicle would exhibit major issues and failures mechanically/electrically and hopefully show up on vehicle history (none of which are present at the time). The running boards are fine and nothing else looks out of place.


My intention is to have a good detail and advise the shop to get in the nooks and crannies on the exterior to try and get this taken care of.


That was my fear. I live in East TN so not much corrosion otherwise to worry about, but I suspected this left unchecked for extended time would not be ideal in the long run.

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Going_Going_Gone said:

There's aways the shade tree undercarriage wash method: place an oscillating lawn sprinkler under the vehicle.

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2020FordRaptor said:

Just go to a self service car wash and spray the underbody or if you have a power washer spray the vehicle. Be careful that you don't damage plastic trim or graphics (if applicable).

Click to expand...