Deflector plate corrosion?

[berickson926]

There was some corrosion/build up on the passenger deflector plate and body when I bought the car. Recently had DMC refurbish the deflector plates with new hardware while getting some other stuff done.

I noticed some water dripping from the new bolts and the beginning of new corrosion in the same spot a couple weeks later. I haven't washed the car since the refurbished plate was installed and it hasn't rained.

I am suspecting something to do with the battery compartment but the battery I have installed is new-ish. It was put in after I observed the initial corrosion and figured a PO had a leaking battery.

If anyone has suggestions on what to look for or ideas on what may be going on here, I'd appreciate it!

4431444315

[DMC-81]

Hi there,

When you replaced the battery, was the tray where it sits cleaned? Regardless, I would check there for residual battery acid.

Under the battery was a foam rubber pad, and then 3 "big head studs" that went through the floor to hold the deflector. Any water/acid would drip down through the 3 holes in the fiberglass floor and onto the air deflector plate.

I would take the deflector off again and remove the battery. Then clean inside and out and the deflector to ensure all battery acid is gone, and that your newish battery isn't leaking. It's also a good time to replace the battery pad if it is or was soaked in acid.

Without seeing the battery compartment, that's what I would suggest.

[David T]

That plate is called the trailing arm shield. In the Parts Manual it is called out as Air Deflector Plate LH and RH section 8-5-1. If liquid is dripping out those studs it is probably from the battery (or the old one you replaced) If the alternator is bad and over-charging the battery it will make it spew out electrolyte. Remove the battery and the plate and wash the area thoroughly. It can also be a coolant hose is leaking and you happen to see it dripping off of the studs. Once you remove the plate and the battery it should be obvious what is leaking. Check your voltmeter. If it goes over 14 volts get the alternator fixed. Check your coolant level and if it is low, add some and find and fix the leak.

[Josh]

Im thinking this is a battery problem. check out the battery compartment....

[DMCMW Dave]

Agree with Josh. You have a battery with a dead cell, a bad alternator, or a battery charger that is overly aggressive and overcharging the battery, boiling the acid. I'll bet your carpet in front of the battery box is ruined too.