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ARMc Samba Member
Joined: February 10, 2012 Posts: 116 Location: Wisconsin
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Posted: Fri Sep 22, 2017 1:46 pm Post subject: Metallurgical Make up of Steering Knuckles and LCAs? |
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I've got my front end apart on my syncro, and before I put it all back together I want to make my time down there look good, so de-rusting and coating the steering knuckles and cast lower control arms is in order. I've used electrolytic rust removal before but on non automotive items with great success. Apparently with electrolysis steels of a high hardness hydrogen embrittlement can be a problem. Hydrogen gets trapped in the steel lattice structure and can cause it to flex less, and well become more brittle. This can be reversed by baking, but the internet doesn't seem to agree on the temp or time needed It would help my decision if anyone knew if these parts are just basic mild steel or if they are a harder steel alloy. Hey maybe I'm just overthinking it, but I'm sure someone here knows! |
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levi Samba Member
Joined: February 11, 2005 Posts: 5522 Location: Las Vegas
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Posted: Fri Sep 22, 2017 3:38 pm Post subject: Re: Metallurgical Make up of Steering Knuckles and LCAs? |
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Without actually knowing, I think we can assume that any suspension components are going to be made with hardened steel.
How about putting it in a bath of vinegar solution ? _________________ One of these days I'm gonna settle down,
but till I do I won't be hangin round.
Going down that long lonesome highway,
gonna see life my way
https://youtu.be/cSrL0BXsO40 |
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ARMc Samba Member
Joined: February 10, 2012 Posts: 116 Location: Wisconsin
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Posted: Fri Sep 22, 2017 4:10 pm Post subject: Re: Metallurgical Make up of Steering Knuckles and LCAs? |
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Yeah Levi your right, and an email to Burly confirmed such.
As my research continues, I asked myself that question, why not use vinegar? (I'm learning all the my high school chemistry I missed today...) According to research any acidic solution, such as vinegar, will allow for hydrogen embrittlement. I think the question with either process is how deep does that embrittlement go? Is it purely surface level or deep enough to cause significant weakening if not alleviated correctly by baking out the hydrogen.
My Google efforts offer: It seems others with less concern or greater understanding than I have gone about EER with steering knuckles without issue. Or at least without reported issue. I'm not sure if that is enough to go on for me.
Perhaps this is too deep of a metallurgical study for me to indulge in at this time. Stay focused, there are only so many warm days left in the autumn where fingers work well with tools in hand. Just knock off the rust with a brush and spray em quick, stick them bearings in there and bolt it all back together. Next item of repair. However if any alchemist or metallurgist knows the wiser, do tell. |
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