I've noticed there is quite a difference in what a rubberized compound covers inside a wheel well for driver vs passenger side.

Here is the passenger side:



You can see the rubberized compound covers the whole top of the wheel well.

Here is the driver side:



This looks like a half-*** job. Also is there a bolt missing in the middle? My concern is that compound is supposed to protect from rust caused by the stone chips. How it looks on yours?

 

I think it is more for sound deadening and yes it does look like you are missing some.

Koz

 

Should I just buy a spray can or drive it to the dealer and ask them to take a look?

 

When I get home (6pm) I will check my truck and see if there is more on mine and let you know. Yours looks like a base model and I wonder if there is less!

Koz

 

Thanks, also if you could check whether that bolt hole I have in the middle is empty on yours as well or used to hook some gear for the premium version that would be great!

 

My 2012 has the same insolation inconsistency from right to left side as well as the "missing" middle bolt. I think you are OK or we both have the same issue-- KH

 

I'm thinking about at least covering that hole with some 3M outdoor tape... From my experience with owning other cars during winter salt and road debris get into the holes inside wheel wells and then start to rust and corrode stuff inside the engine bay. Need to check whether that hole indeed ends up in the engine bay first though. Did you figure out what the material not covered by the insulation is made of? Trying to figure how rust prone it is.

 

So I popped up the hood and the hole is going directly into the engine bay. I'm gonna plug it with some 3M tape.

 

The undercoat is probably done by robots. They wouldn't "half-***" the spray, it was programmed that way.

Looks like it's deliberately uncoated, and with the unfilled hole right there I would think it was for installation of a part or option for a different market.

I'm going to plug the hole with a dab of clear silicone.

 

I've counted 3 holes going directly into the engine bay on the driver's side and one on passenger. When I opened the hood there were already some debris kicked up there. I've put 3M outdoor tape on them (that tape is tough) to block them off. You're probably right, it's likely the same chassis shared with Premium/Prado and extra holes are there for add-ons or different configs.

 

I have a Premium and will take a look this weekend and let you know what holes are there. You're right though, they should be plugged. I'm surprised Lexus didn't fill them with plastic plugs.

 

Mine is the same. I will look for a plastic plug (electrical) that fits the hole. I'm just wondering if the holes are there for a purpose. Lexus/Toyota doesn't do anything unless there is a purpose!

Koz

 

water drainage holes?

 

Good call, I was also thinking it might be there for flex and expansion.

 

I don't see how water could drain from the top of the wheel well!

Koz