Rust Removal Soaking Solution

Kickdeez

Kickdeez

Well-Known Member
Joined
Apr 6, 2010
Location
Charlotte
I am trying to disassemble and remove parking brake hardware from some backing plates. The backing plates are already removed from the axle. The pins holding the small internal cable to the external bell crank arm are frozen up with rust. I've tried the usual tactics (WD-40, PB Blaster, air hammer/punch thingy). I am trying to avoid cutting anything in the hopes that I can reuse the bell crank and not damage the backing plates in the process. I think my next course of action is submerging and soaking them in some sort of rust removal solution. What is the go-to solution for breaking down rust?
 
If this is a Toyota, you can buy all those bell crank parts pretty cheap. I use PB blaster for a few weeks then heat if I'm dealing with rust. Or I just start cutting shit apart and repair it later.
 
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gslander said:
If this is a Toyota, you can buy all those bell crank parts pretty cheap. I use PB blaster for a few weeks then heat if I'm dealing with rust. Or I just start cutting shit apart and repair it later.
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Cutting shit apart is still on the table, but trying to save that as a last resort. Mostly because I'm trying not to damage the backing plates. Parking brake replacement parts are cheap (enough) and easy (enough) to find. But replacement backing plate assemblies for the FJ80 full floater are higher than giraffe pu$$y, or whatever Benjamin Franklin said.
 
Evaporust. They sell it at Harbor Freight and at least one of the auto parts stores has it in stock. I spent some time cleaning all the rusted crap in my old bolt bins and it did a really good job. It works over like 2-20hrs, and you can let it go longer, but if you forget and leave stuff in it for days/weeks, it can have a negative effect, haha.
 
Kickdeez said:
Cutting shit apart is still on the table, but trying to save that as a last resort. Mostly because I'm trying not to damage the backing plates. Parking brake replacement parts are cheap (enough) and easy (enough) to find. But replacement backing plate assemblies for the FJ80 full floater are higher than giraffe pu$$y, or whatever Benjamin Franklin said.
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Yea those are expensive. I thought you were trying to get the bellcrank itself off and not messing with all that other bullshit inside there.

Im about ready to go on my annual "make the parking brake work for one day for inspection" journey myself lol. Im looking for an electric parking brake caliper to replace it, that's probably a next year project though.
 
You tube "remove rust with battery charger"
Electrolysis works. Need a battery charger, a plastic container, scrap metal, distilled water and washing soda (sodium carbonate)
 
fourtrax said:
You tube "remove rust with battery charger"
Electrolysis works. Need a battery charger, a plastic container, scrap metal, distilled water and washing soda (sodium carbonate)
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This sounds like some kind of backwoods homebrew MacGuyver shit right here. Might have to check it out on youporn, I mean youtube. Maybe.
 
I always just use white vinegar, couple days and the red rust is black and wipes off.

baking soda stops the reaction when finished
 
fourtrax said:
You tube "remove rust with battery charger"
Electrolysis works. Need a battery charger, a plastic container, scrap metal, distilled water and washing soda (sodium carbonate)
Click to expand...

Kickdeez said:
I picked up a gallon of evapo-rust from HF on my way home from work today. Just dropped the worst side in for an overnight bath. I’ll report back with results.
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If that doesn't work, try the electrolysis, it's amazingly simple and works.
 
Pulled the first one out this morning after about a 12 hour bath and dropped the other side in. There is definitely a visible difference. Rust particulates have started to dissolve and are easily wiped off with a rag. Parts are starting to move a bit, but it’s going to need more time in the bath. I’ll pull the second one out tonight and drop the first side back in for another overnight soak. #Progress
 
Kickdeez said:
Turns out waiting for rust to disintegrate is about as interesting as waiting for paint to dry.
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I once watched a pot of water come to a boil. Just sayin.
 
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