I think the rust is coming from the steel washer. I had a little rust on mine after a month and just lubed it with WD40. Haven't seen any rust since and if I do I will just lube it again. Also, I have tire carrier too and have had no squeeks or pops. Very Solid and worth every penny.

 

It's the washers according to TF I believe

 

has anyone removed said steel washer, then replaced it with stainless? for $0.25 seems like a simple fix.

of course for a $450 carrier, it should have COME stainless.

 

i blasted them with WD40 as well, but they still look grungy and rusted. I'm not really worried, still love the hinge. I won't care unless the hinge craps out and TF doesn't replace it.

 

Checked mine today the washers are rusting. Will change out to stainless.
Hope new carriers have stainless.

 

Just installed mine with the TF tire carrier and 3rd brake light extension ( stupid commonwealth ). I had a small rattle but it turned out to be the brake light extension and just had to move the tire in a bit more to support it. Overall love the TF set up. It cost some money but I don't have a bad thing so say about it so far!

 

Mine rattled a while back. It turns out I readjusted the adjustable tire carrier and didn't tighten the clamp bolts enough. Problem solved.
I bought mine second hand. The PO had the carrier cracking problem on the first gen, that was replaced with the second gen carrier. So I essentially got a used hinge and new carrier lol.

I love the look, and function. Washers are more dis colored than rusty, but not an issue for me.

 

To the people saying the washers are rusting..prior to install is it easy to open of the hinges and replace with stainless washers, or a PITA?

 

Out of the box, my hinges were a MAJOR PITA to open. I had to lightly use the flat side of a pry bar to open them. With the spare mounted and some use, they do get easier though, I think it's just an issue ( if you'd even call it that ) right out of the box.

 

I have had mine for about a month with a 40'' on it and no rattle. Well worth the money.