Hello,

I have an 02 Durango SLT+ and the rear suspension (leaf springs) have an orange-ish color. As far as the performance I don't notice anything but I'm fairly sure the hue is not normal. What should I do about this? Thx in advance

 

Surface rust on the springs is normal

 

Really? Why is this? Also, on what part of it would rusting be a reason for concern then?

Nice D, btw

 

I'm not an expert, but I live within the "Salt Ring" where a little orange is the norm. My guess is that as long as it doesn't look like something is gonna break, drive it. Not saying it's right, but that's what I'd do

Chad - 03 Dakota Sport Quad Cab, 01 Durango R/T, 98 Ram Quad Cab

 

Ooh rusty springs. Better swap in new ones.
Once they get a little dirt on them and water they're finished.
They rust because the electrochemical antioxidant vapor deposition circumferential coating gets rubbed off during use.
Put on new springs. Trailer the van home and park it with a tarp over it.
Never drive it and the springs may stay new if they didn't get scratched during installation or loading on the trailer.

 

I would say that is typical considering the age of your vehicle.

If you are worried about the look, I have read about people "Plasti-Dip"-ing their leaf springs. It is a flexible rubber "spray paint" that you can spray over them. Just clean them up good (to get the surface rust off), and coat them. Stuff tends to be pretty durable for the most part considering the material.

 

Over time whatever coating was on them (if any) comes off from the springs flexing and then you get surface rust on them. It's not hurting anything other than looks really. Now if things start rusting so bad that they're getting thin and flaking apart, that's another story. If you want to make sure it's just surface rust for peace of mind, take some sandpaper or a wire wheel to the springs and you should have good solid metal under the orange. I sprayed my springs with a rubberized undercoating a while back just so they don't look orange anymore.

 

I coated mine with rust-olem (black) back when i bought the truck almost 4 years ago.. still look pretty decent.