My trucks have been semi-rusted for awhile, should I worry?

The Mad Mule · 01-03-2010, 10:37 AM

Hey everybody,

since I've owned my board (Rayne Timeline) last summer, I have run it through some occasional puddles, and sometimes even in the rain. (I know...

)

As a result, the screws holding the trucks, the part of the trucks where the wheels go, and the bushings (that washer-like metal circle, right?) all have rusted to varying degrees.

I haven't noticed any performance decrease with them, but as I'm about to pull the trigger on a pair of Super Swiss 6 and two Bones Reds, I'm wondering if I should focus on replacing the trucks/bushings first.

Any tips/opinions/recommendations?

Many thanks in advance!

dpomykacz · 01-03-2010, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Mad Mule

Hey everybody,

since I've owned my board (Rayne Timeline) last summer, I have run it through some occasional puddles, and sometimes even in the rain. (I know...

)

As a result, the screws holding the trucks, the part of the trucks where the wheels go, and the bushings (that washer-like metal circle, right?) all have rusted to varying degrees.

I haven't noticed any performance decrease with them, but as I'm about to pull the trigger on a pair of Super Swiss 6 and two Bones Reds, I'm wondering if I should focus on replacing the trucks/bushings first.

Any tips/opinions/recommendations?

Many thanks in advance!

Your screws don't need to be replaces right away, but you should consider doing that as soon as you can (they are only about 4 bucks). The same thing goes for your bushing WASHERS (they are about 3 bucks).
What is most important is your Axle (The part where the wheel goes). I do not know the extent of your rust problem, but I would suggest that you first try to use some rust remover first. If the majority of the rust comes off and the axle is smooth, then you should be good to go.

The Mad Mule · 01-03-2010, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dpomykacz

Your screws don't need to be replaces right away, but you should consider doing that as soon as you can (they are only about 4 bucks). The same thing goes for your bushing WASHERS (they are about 3 bucks).
What is most important is your Axle (The part where the wheel goes). I do not know the extent of your rust problem, but I would suggest that you first try to use some rust remover first. If the majority of the rust comes off and the axle is smooth, then you should be good to go.

Well I'm in college where there aren't many viable (hardware) shops around...isopropyl alcohol is all I have with me right now.

Brute379 · 01-03-2010, 11:15 AM

Use some steel wool to clean up the axles.

A light coat of triflow (or similar) on the axles will help with the rusting.

Why not just get a set of bones reds...why mix and match?

The Mad Mule · 01-03-2010, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brute379

Use some steel wool to clean up the axles.

A light coat of triflow (or similar) on the axles will help with the rusting.

Why not just get a set of bones reds...why mix and match?

Thanks for the precise "ingredients" to solve this.

Would coarse or fine work better...?

Amazon.com: steel wool

And is this triflow (w/ teflon) good stuff?

Amazon.com: steel wool

As for the wheels, I was looking at trying some SS6 because they're on sale for only $20 right now...want to see if they're really worth the price difference against the $5 Reds.

Brute379 · 01-03-2010, 12:51 PM

Steel wool, just get at your local grocery or hardware store. Scroth brite pads may work.

Lesson 1, don't spend money on bearings, maitain them. then you have money for wheels etc.

Removable shields are all that is really needed. some have better tolerances for keeping dirt out longer...

The Mad Mule · 01-03-2010, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brute379

Steel wool, just get at your local grocery or hardware store. Scroth brite pads may work.

Lesson 1, don't spend money on bearings, maitain them. then you have money for wheels etc.

Removable shields are all that is really needed. some have better tolerances for keeping dirt out longer...

Alright thanks, I'll just find some medium/light steel wool and buy some new Reds. +REP for the both of you helping.

Chainmaillekid · 01-03-2010, 02:49 PM

Get some grease.

A little rust isn't even a problem, stopping it from rusting further is more important than cleaning the rust that's already there.

The Mad Mule · 01-03-2010, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chainmaillekid

Get some grease.

A little rust isn't even a problem, stopping it from rusting further is more important than cleaning the rust that's already there.

Can you recommend some grease? I'm really horrible with knowing anything requiring mechanical knowledge.

Or would that aforementioned Triflow work?

Chainmaillekid · 01-03-2010, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Mad Mule

Can you recommend some grease? I'm really horrible with knowing anything requiring mechanical knowledge.

Or would that aforementioned Triflow work?

Well...
I'm not exactly sure. Because of the bushings and the wheels, you'll want to avoid petroleum based stuff.

White Lithium grease might work, Just applied real thin on the places where it needs to go.
And its thick too, so it won't be going anywhere.
Triflow would work on the axles, but I don't know if you'd want to put that on your washers.

Brute379 · 01-03-2010, 06:39 PM

Any silicone additive style lube works well on axles and does not migrate.

It is not a cure all, but merely a short lifespan barrier lube.

If you do any amount of wet riding you should have a specific maintenance program.

Chainmaillekid · 01-03-2010, 06:42 PM

dontbuyfromplayitagain · 01-03-2010, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Mad Mule

Hey everybody,

since I've owned my board (Rayne Timeline) last summer, I have run it through some occasional puddles, and sometimes even in the rain. (I know...

)

As a result, the screws holding the trucks, the part of the trucks where the wheels go, and the bushings (that washer-like metal circle, right?) all have rusted to varying degrees.

I haven't noticed any performance decrease with them, but as I'm about to pull the trigger on a pair of Super Swiss 6 and two Bones Reds, I'm wondering if I should focus on replacing the trucks/bushings first.

Any tips/opinions/recommendations?

Many thanks in advance!

Clean bearings are essential don't ride in the rain it rusts your bearing and trucks and warps your deck. If it rains don't ride it will ruin your board.

The Mad Mule · 01-03-2010, 08:46 PM

Yes, I do understand by now that riding in the rain is a no-no.

And I just inspected by board again...only the screws holding the truck underneath are really rusty; the bearings are the noisiest thing right now. So I guess I'm going to replace the bearings first after all.

Brute379 · 01-03-2010, 08:56 PM

Wet riding is a fact of life for many that choose to ride year round.

Waxing your deck and sealing any curb hits etc is advised.

Bearings can be serviced with a heavier lube such as axle grease.

Maintenance should include frequent disassembly and cleaning.

The Mad Mule · 01-03-2010, 09:04 PM

I love how that reads like like a manual.

Quick question: what size nuts should I buy for my trucks? I'm talking about the four that hold the baseplate down. I'm assuming it's a standard size?

Sorry if I'm being a noob pest.

Brute379 · 01-03-2010, 09:15 PM

The preferred deck hardware is 10x32tpi (threads per inch) and nylock nuts (plastic insert locking nuts). Stainless is available.
Trusshead or buttonhead hardware is what you are looking for.

asriehl · 01-03-2010, 11:32 PM

To remove rust on truck axles: use WD-40 and steel wool. Wipe off and then apply white lithium grease or axle grease to the truck axle, avoid getting an excessive amount on the threads. For bearings, wash them in 91% isopropyl rubbing alcohol, spray with an aerosol carb & choke cleaner or brake cleaner to remove alcohol and lay out to dry. Then apply bearing lubricant, I recommend Bones Speed Cream. This should keep them from rusting too much hopefully, as long as you make sure the seals are on correctly. If not, maybe a coat of white lithium grease or axle grease around the bearing seals could help the problem?

I've never had any problems with this method and think it's pretty thorough but let me know if you've got suggestions

Ogre · 01-03-2010, 11:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brute379

Steel wool, just get at your local grocery or hardware store. Scroth brite pads may work.

Lesson 1, don't spend money on bearings, maitain them. then you have money for wheels etc.

Removable shields are all that is really needed. some have better tolerances for keeping dirt out longer...

Brute is steering you in the proper direction while saving $$
clean your axles of rust..lube them with whatever you can find (hell a bit of oil off a dip stick from your car will work) new Reds or MHS bearings and you're good to go. Check for rust periodically and skate that campus up