4 replies to this topic

[FDW]

Hi everyone, got a couple hubs I'm redoing to put on my car and just got a few questions (not about wheel bearings)

 

Firstly, where do people recommend for ball joints? Not sure I'm too keen on getting Minispares genuine but where else have people got theirs from?

 

Next part is a pain to pick out but the parts will all need to be derusted and cleaned, I have a big container I can leave them to soak in but wondering what people's go to options are - So far I have vinegar, citric acid or CLR type stuff.

 

And finally once they are clean, what process do you recommend next, what paints and primers do you use or should I just get them powder coated. These last two kind of apply to all suspension bits and an engine I'm pulling apart soon so any input is great, constantly scratching my head to the best option. 

 

Cheers for the help, if I think of anything else I'll pop it in here.

[Spider]

You need to be careful when derusting structural parts, like suspension arms, hubs etc and some chemicals can cause hydrogen embrittlment. The term is normally associated with plating, though, it's not the plating process that causes this but the cleaning process.

 

I'd suggest mixing up about a 10:1 mix of Water and Molasses and leave the hubs in there for a couple of weeks. It the Bearing Tunnels are rusty beyond a mild surface rust, then I'd say the hubs are karput.

[timmy850]

If you use any chemicals for derusting you need to make sure they are completely clean of grease and grime as vinegar for example will not lift the grease.

I just used a wire brush in the drill for my hubs. Avoid going on the bearing surfaces or you can create issues. My favourite paint is VHT Chassis Black

[richmondclassicsnorthwales]

Wire brush in / on a drill,  works wonders - wear eye protection

 

As for paint - 2K black,  powder coating is fine until it starts chipping

[FDW]

Cheers everyone, Spider made a good point that I've been told before but didn't cross my mind this time... Gonna whip out the wire wheels and I have some brush on paint to finish it off.