Well I just recieved some of my parts for the 5 lug conv.(brakes, springs/strut assembly, all t2 parts). The spring/strut assembly's covered with mud and seems to have spots of rust on it. I was thinking the best way to clean them would be to run some water and use a nylon/brass brush to clean the surface crap off then go over them again with some kinda metal cleaner/polish. Anyone have any better ideas? Also, will the rust (only on surface level) compromise the integrity of the springs or strut assembly?? Thanks

Side note- My 800th post

 

Nismo

No, surface rust shouldn't be a big deal. however, how used are these struts, replacing worn struts with worn struts isn't a good idea IMHO.

Also, you don't need struts for a 5 lug conversion, just the brakes and hubs.

Don't use Castrol Superclean on aluminum parts for very long. I use Gunk degreaser and a wire brush.

PaulC

 

Thanks for the reply Silkworm. These struts have about 80k miles on them I believe compared to my 100k. I know its not a huge difference but my struts are pretty much gone and I plan on using them as something to hold me over for the next couple months till I get a new spring/strut set up.

 

Well I started on cleaning up the rotors/calipers. I tried cleaning the strut assembly but the rust on the springs isnt really coming off. It looks like it had an out paint coat which protecting againist this and its pretty much come off Is that the case or can it be cleaned? BTW- What colors are the 4 piston calipers supposed to be? lol.

 

I cleaned my 5 lug conversion with wire cup brushes and wheel brushes in a drill motor. I used wd-40 as a cleaner as well. Don't get the wd-40 on your pads. I bought a gallon of it at the hardware store and a spray bottle. You can get the wire wheels at hardware stores too.

If you want I have pics to show how they turned out. I'll e-mail them to you.

The front calipers are just silver aluminum, unpolished. The rears are cast steel.

 

Ok cool got it, I'll try and head out to the store now and pick up those wire cup brushes. Ive been using fine grit sandpaper for the caliper but its a PITA to get some of the in between areas. Dude, around the lug nut mounting bolts on the brake assembly theres rust, is that ok ?? My emails Jinn444@aol.com. Thanks for the help

 

btw- is it ok to sand paper or use the brushes on the area around the mounting bolts?

 

Well after really looking the parts over, it looks like im gonna need new rotors and pads for both front and rear. It was to my understanding from the buyer that these were in "good" condition but im not gonna be able to put them on till I have enough for the new parts which sucks cause i wont have them on by 7stock

 

Yes, you can use sandpaper to clean up those areas, just don't go overboard.

Sorry to hear you got ripped.

PaulC