Black Streaks

[vanib]

it's just grease oozing out. They obviously wanted the grease to last a lifetime. I don't have this problem though. It is happening to only those who like in hot weather or during summer only?

It I were pissed with this, I would open the car panel and look at the handle mechanism and degrease it a little.

[pico]

Originally Posted by doane2u

It would be interesting to get some of this gasket material, get it wet and see if it bleeds onto a light colored surface.. rain water is acidic, so it should be tested with rain water, not tap water.

Excellent point. Rainwater is acidic. It is raining as I type this and I will try to get a picture to show the streaks on my super-white RAV4. (I have a manual camera which helps.)

[vanib]

Try diluted vinegar to test if it is not raining in your area.

[doane2u]

Vanlib: I don't think it's grease.. the gasket would keep grease from leaking out or water getting in. Also, when I wipped it off with my finger there was no slippery grease feel to it.

And.. Viniger is pretty strong, but mixed with water might be a good test for the gasket material.. good idea.

[pico]

Originally Posted by vanib

Try diluted vinegar to test if it is not raining in your area.

I don't know if that would work. The Ph of vinegar is close to that of rainwater if mixed 1 vinegar and 2 parts tap water, but it is not acetic from the same substance which is acetic acid for vinegar, but nitric acid plus sulfuric acid for rainwater. It is not necessarily the acetic quality but the interaction of the later two chemicals with our vehicle.

My bet is that the streaking is from the weather seal.

[doane2u]

Pico:

Good point about the ph difference.. don't know how much difference it might make. I think rain water is about ph 5?

Anyway, I agree, I think it's from those rubbery seals too, just wondering if the acedic rain is what triggers it. If someone could find a piece of the materal and do some test on it, it might show if that is the actual problem.

[pico]

Originally Posted by doane2u

Pico:

Good point about the ph difference.. don't know how much difference it might make. I think rain water is about ph 5?

Close!

4.8 to 3.8, depending largely upon location. Highly local thunderstorms are usually least acidic.

Surprising, isn't it? The general acidity of rainwater is lower today than it was twenty years ago. Some of the EPA mandates work!

(Sometimes the old academic in me shows up.)

[doane2u]

That's why I had to have the top and hood of my 2002 repainted before I sold it.. it was beyond any clay bar rescue.

[rob west]

I also have the streaks under all 4 door handles and the tailgate handle, These only showup after rain or washing. I use Z6 to get rid of them.

This has happened since I bought the Rav in Oct 2011....Barcelona Red.
I can only assume its lubricant/grease from the door.

I know they are not permanent because I have clayed the Rav prior to Zaino.

Its just bothersome. You would think eventually this would stop....will see.

[doane2u]

Rob-West: Just curious why you "can only assume it's lubricant/grease"?

It doesn't feel greasy or have any smell, does yours?