Bought OEM Korean airbag module for dash but there is rust - what would you do?

[leecm]

*edit* Not sure why I put 'for dash' in thread title. It won't let me edit it out. This is the airbag module in the steering wheel. *edit*

I recently bought the Korean E airbag module and planned on replacing mine but when it arrived (shipped crazy quickly from Korea), there was rust on it. I cleaned the surface rust off but it still looks like the metal was eaten away some (see pics. closeup pic is after it was carefully scrubbed with the corner of a lightly damp cloth.)

I contacted the seller (who has been very responsive, even before the transaction) and he stated that other international buyers have reported this too. He contacted Hyundai Modis about this, and Hyundai stated that the rust originated in the factory, but it would not affect functionality. Should I push back and request an exchange or refund? I know that life isn't easy for an ebay store, especially one that has low prices and ships free internationally. It came in the factory sealed, original KIA part box, so he couldn't have known beforehand that it would have been rusted. I guess my main concern is that it will continue to rust and eventually cause issues with functionality down the line.

What would you all do in my situation?

 

[Stinger GT SS]

Firstly I’d ask for a refund & return it or have the seller check other stock to find one not rusted & swap it over.
Personally I would not be comfortable fitting that knowing it’s in that condition.
Nor would I try & treat it with some form of rust preventative.

 

[Flameangel]

When you buy something for your car you expect it to be A1 and function correctly anything questionable and below par I personally would request exchange or refund.

 

[NS_Stinger]

The backs of airbags often do this during shipping and even while sitting in the warehouse. It is very common since the they use untreated metal. You have nothing to worry about.

 

[leecm]

The backs of airbags often do this during shipping and even while sitting in the warehouse. It is very common since the they use untreated metal. You have nothing to worry about.

I was curious about just how common it is. Should I treat it or anything Seems like just leaving it untreated would allow it to get rusted once it is installed.

 

[NS_Stinger]

I was curious about just how common it is. Should I treat it or anything Seems like just leaving it untreated would allow it to get rusted once it is installed.

Once it's installed in the dry interior of a car it should be fine, it's not exposed to the elements or anything once installed.

If you do a bit of research online you'll find it happens across all manufactures and just about every thread about it ends with the same result, it's normal after it's been subjected to a humidity change during shipping or storage. Manufacturers and dealers both stand behind it not being anything to worry about. Now if you buy one used at a junkyard that has been rained on and the back is a total mess, that's another story.

 

[Aarvix]

Surface rust like that can happen in a matter of days in a salty and humid environment (container ship).

I'd tape up the connectors and spray it with some rust converter and use it.

 

[MerlintheMad]

There is once-off rust, and "active" rust. As already said, no further exposure to moisture should keep the surface rust dormant. And, you have your "E" steering wheel badge, which is why you did this in the first place. I'd be carefully scoping out the cosmetics and ignore the hidden (dormant) bit of rust.

 

[oddball]

I'd keep and use that module. That's not any kind of notable damage.
I would recommend first scrubbing the plate with some 3-in-1 oil on a rag. Keep it out of the connectors. 3-in-1 is quite good at cleaning up light surface rust and protecting the surface. You can clean that off with some wax and grease remover then spray with a converter if you want, but I don't think that's necessary.

 

[Gtecko]

I'll take it off your hands @leecm , send it over

 

[TheSting]

Seems your are not the only one with this issue:
Rust on newly purchased OEM Airbags BMW

Here is a photo in a magazin, with rust too:
Don't even drive them: 20,000 cars with defective Takata airbags classified as 'critical'

here some more:
Armaturenbrett Airbag FORD S-MAX (WA6) 2.0 TDCi AG91042A94GA | E2-B3-60-2 | | B-Parts Ford

Gebrauchte Fiat Punto Airbag Himmel rechts - 30363307 - Boonstra Autoparts Fiat

and so on... seems to be "normal". Dunno why they dont coat the metal, but they pass are legit tests without coating.

Edit:
just found a video on youtube with an airbag uninstall.... and tataaa rust on the back of it.

 

[eflyguy]

I've encountered rust on metal brackets behind the dash on brand new vehicles.

It's as stated - in places, the metal is not coated, and it's a non-issue.

 

[leecm]

I'd keep and use that module. That's not any kind of notable damage.
I would recommend first scrubbing the plate with some 3-in-1 oil on a rag. Keep it out of the connectors. 3-in-1 is quite good at cleaning up light surface rust and protecting the surface. You can clean that off with some wax and grease remover then spray with a converter if you want, but I don't think that's necessary.

Should I use that specific product or would wd40 suffice?

 

[Aarvix]

WD-40 is not a good surface protectant, it's too light and evaporates away quickly.

You want a thin film of oil or grease to keep oxygen from reaching the surface. Gun oil, motor oil, white lithium, vaseline, pretty much anything oily that's hard to wash off will do.

I've seen people store engine parts for years with a coating of vaseline.

My favorite is LPS 3, that's what we use on airplanes, but I guess I like it most because it's free once the can expires and they have to toss a perfectly good half-used can.

 

[oddball]

3-in-1 is available at any hardware store, even grocery stores. It specifically has cleaners in it to help remove rust. That's one of the "3" - rust prevention, cleaning, and lubrication. It's super helpful around the house, too. Use it on squeaky door hinges, cabinets, drawer slides, etc. Don't use WD-40. WD-40 isn't a lubricant or cleaner - it's just rust prevention.
WD-40, for all its goodness (I have a block waiting for a build that I just hose down with WD-40 every few months), doesn't have any cleaners in it. It won't do anything with any rust that's already there. By comparison, I have a spare crank sitting in a corner that I know I won't touch for years (already been ... 8 years?), so I coated the journals with wheel bearing grease.
I wouldn't use a grease just due to the mess factor.