Discoloration around fender flares.

[RidingPathy]

Hello all,

This is my first post, as I am new to this forum. Looking forward to contributing.

About a 1 1/2 ago, I bought a 2002 Pathfinder in really good condition. Over the past six months, I have been noticing some discoloration (rust color) appearing on the rubber like material around my fender flares (see link below).

I have tried just about everything to get this off, but have had no luck. I have also noticed some Pathfinders around my area also have same problem, so it doesn't appear that it is just my Pathfinder.

Has anyone else ever have this problem? If so, does anyone know how I can remove it?

Any help is appreciated.

http://mason.gmu.edu/~ashiroma/IMG_0807.JPG

[KoukiS14]

Welcome to NICO!!!Is this under your fuel tank? I had this prob on my QX4. . I think it was just discoloration from fuel getting on it. . didn't cause any problems, but yeah it bugged me a bit.

[bmlawless]

Mine has it too, and it's on all four flares. It looks like it is actually under the clear seal. I need to remove the rear ones to have them painted so I should see if it can be cleaned up that way. It could probably be scrubbed off it the flare was removed from the vehicle.

[InfinQX4]

My QX4 has the same issue on all 4. I figured it was the AZ sun drying the material - rubber I think. I've tried to rehydrate them, but no luck. Figured if I keep it long enough, they would be replaced with a new paint job.

If anyone has a solution, I'd be interested.

[AZhitman]

It is common.

It's a result of "outgassing", the same process by which UV rays deteriorate tires, vinyl, rubber, etc.

Basically it's the same effect as you'll see on your tires (brown discoloration) if they're not cleaned / protected.

I believe "Back to Black" will remove it, as it contains solvents and plasticizers to clean / refurbish the finish.

I also had some luck with 409 and a green scrubby pad.

[99QX4]

I'm just here to say welcome! and to ask if you have more pics?

[bmlawless]

I remembered my problem incorrectly. I took another look at them and it's more like what other's have described. It almost looks like the rubber has been burned to an extent.

What's odd is that the seal is perfectly clear and pliable right up to the edge of the affected area. The area might be the size of a pencil eraser and then it's clear until the next spot.

[InfinQX4]

Here are some pictures of what mine looks like. The camera I used doesn't really get a good image of the detail, but you may recognize the color issue. It's more than just a darker color, but it looks like the plastic is disintegrating. This is on all four fenders.

http://i285.photobucket.com/al...4.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/al...5.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/al...6.jpg

[AlabamaDan]

I've got the same problem on all 4.

[AZhitman]

I'd say replace the seals. They're available from Nissan.

Those last pics look like simple clear plastic "burning"... Happens to convertible windows as well.

[InfinQX4]

Any idea on cost and ease of replacement?

[KoukiS14]

Here are some pictures of what mine looks like. The camera I used doesn't really get a good image of the detail, but you may recognize the color issue. It's more than just a darker color, but it looks like the plastic is disintegrating. This is on all four fenders.

http://i285.photobucket.com/al...4.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/al...5.jpg

http://i285.photobucket.com/al...6.jpg

This is exactly how mine were looking.

[timmack]

same here, all 4 wheels

[slickroger]

i dont have any burning or discoloration on my flares, maybe its the canadian air.

i was hit in the rear end and when i had repairs done the mechanic did a poor job on that little peice of rubber around the fender flare. im pretty sure he just used clear silicone and to reapply the weatherstrip between the body and the flare, so i cant imagine it being a dificult process. my weather stipping is still in place and looks decent

[WINNIPEGS_MOST_WANTED]

Also from Canada. Also no problems...

[MagicM]

Go buy some High Heat Ceramic Black paint and spray it, it will look like brand new , you can even use it on your tail pipes if they start to look a bit rusty.

[carnal_c30]

mine does the same, i'm not concerned about it