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-   -   Best Way to Remove Rust/Grime (https://www.bikeforums.net/bicycle-mechanics/625536-best-way-remove-rust-grime.html)

RoadJerk 03-02-10 01:32 PM
Best Way to Remove Rust/Grime
 
What is the best way to remove light rust/baked on grime from steel rims/spokes/hubs?

EDIT: Sorry mods. Move to maintenance forum, if you please.

filtersweep 03-02-10 02:34 PM
White vinegar and steel wool? I assume you won't mind the pitted post-removal appearance....

eMXiMeR 03-02-10 02:36 PM
not an expert in the subject but I believe naval jelly is supposed to work on rust

ianjk 03-02-10 03:12 PM
Depends.

Personally, I won't use steel wool (finest grade) on chrome unless the part is ready to be tossed out. I prefer buffing/rubbing compound, which is a little more gentle on the finish.

Siu Blue Wind 03-02-10 03:13 PM
Moved per OP request to Mechanics from SS/FG.

Torchy McFlux 03-02-10 03:15 PM
Why were you baking your wheels?

Zef 03-02-10 03:16 PM
The best way to remove rust and grime from steel rims is to buy new wheels with aluminum rims. Steel rims are really ****e for braking when they are wet. Your ability to stop when the rims are wet is significantly improved with aluminum.

wrk101 03-02-10 08:03 PM
Do a search on rust, its been discussed hundreds of times. Lots of opinions and advice out there, I am in the oxalic acid camp.

+1 If you plan to ride the bike much, toss the steel rims and get a set of alloy ones.

Doohickie 03-02-10 08:14 PM
Meh. Forget the haters. Keep the steel. I use lemon juice an aluminum foil (which is easier on chrome than steel wool). I've gotten excellent results.

FlatSix911 03-02-10 08:37 PM
Hard to believe that after 9 posts, the BEST way to remove rust has not been mentioned ... Oxalic Acid :thumb:

If you research the best techniques for removing rust from chrome, you'll find up to nine different techniques people swear by to clean up their bike frames, chrome wheels, chrome furniture and more. See Before and After results on rusted bicycle chrome using Ted Carl's 'Old School' Oxalic Acid soak (from VintageBMX.com's Forum) http://www.vintagebmx.com/community/...04702-450.html

http://s3.amazonaws.com/curbly_uploa...sbefore0sp.jpg

http://s3.amazonaws.com/curbly_uploa...mpafter2ga.jpg

JanMM 03-02-10 09:21 PM
Originally Posted by Greenfieldja (Post 10471714)
The best way to remove rust and grime from steel rims is to buy new wheels with aluminum rims. Steel rims are really ****e for braking when they are wet. Your ability to stop when the rims are wet is significantly improved with aluminum.
Perhaps he doesn't have rim brakes; this was moved from SS/FG.


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