Classic & Vintage - Fork crown race took a dip in oxalic acid....oops

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BrianEugene
08-08-10, 08:26 AM
I didn't remove the fork crown race before soaking my fork overnight in oxalic acid. It's about as corroded as aluminum will get in 24 hours. Should I replace it? Is there any way to revive aluminum that has been soaked in oxalic acid?

miamijim
08-08-10, 08:29 AM
Its it aluminum there should be something else between it and the bearing therefore its probably OK. Its more than likely unplated steel that discolored. I wouldnt worry about it too much.
khatfull
08-08-10, 09:13 AM
I can't imagine hardened steel balls running on an aluminum crown race. I was under the assumption that the races were all hardened steel? I would check with a magnet and see if it is in fact ferrous or non-ferrous. I bet it's the former. If so, take 0000 steel wool and buff it lightly to see if the discoloration comes off. If so, I'd polish it up with some sort of metal polish as I think they work the best when they're shiny smooth. I always polish my races when they're disassembled: races and cups, both fork and BB.

wrk101
08-08-10, 10:00 AM
+1 Do a magnet test. I bet it is steel. I would clean it up and you should be fine. But I pull the crown race before soaking forks. I treated six forks yesterday (major rust campaign), along with several frames.