by Alan D. » Fri May 28, 2010 10:22 pm
I'm just rebuilding a front subframe so I thought I give the vinegar a try!
I purchased a painters kettle ( a large rectangular bucket, big enough to take the long drive shaft) and 10 litres of malt vinegar at £ 2.29 for 5 litres ( about 2.65 euros) I soaked various components, including hubs, backplates, the little brake springs, the handbrake levers that go through the backplates, drive shafts, etc. I left them in the kettle for six days, mainly because I didn't get back to the garage!
When I removed the parts from the kettle, I was a little disappointed as there was no visible change. Then I pressure washed the parts and the results were amazing. The rust, paint and grease just came away! There is a benefit to the rust staying on the components, in that it doesn't foul the vinegar too much and can be used again! The hubs looked new, with the ball joint threads looking pristine! The back plates were wonderful. Where the paint still had a good key, it didn't have any effect, but these areas, will be easily wire brushed off!
So I was delighted, ( I'm easily pleased, I need to get out more) my brother in law spent hours cleaning similar parts with wire brush, for the Domino.
Well spotted Stuart!
Alan