Newbie question - fork corrosion/cleaning

[mark754]

The fork on my 2001 SV is in pretty bad shape - it looks like it's corroded, with lots of white residue or possibly marks from stones (though I don't think this is the main cause). What's strange is that one side is much worse than the other. The rest of the bike looks great by comparison. The bike only has 7k miles on it.

I've tried cleaning it off with soap & water, as well as Boeshield rust/corrosion remover, but these don't work.

Can someone suggest what to use to get it looking good again? Thanks.

[Dom]

are we talking about the tube that slides in and out or the bit at the bottom?

[mark754]

The bottom part of the fork, that attaches to the wheel. The upper part is fine. I think the lower tubes are made of aluminum and it looks like oxidation...but it's only on the front of the fork.

[Dom]

Well stock those things are painted. If the paint has been removed I might just think about taping it off and throwing some paint on there. Otherwise I would just get a good metal cleaner and then throw some wax on it to prevent further corrosion.

[blndweasel]

try some mother's metal polish. you won't be disappointed. if you have a stock can, try it on that too.

[mark754]

I tried using a steel bristle brush and brillo pads with soap/water and then metal polish. It's getting most of the corrosion off, but I'm sure the clearcoat is stripped as well. The problem is rocks make small chips in the clearcoat and expose the alum to corrosion, especially if you live near the beach, like me.

I'm going to use Boeshield to protect all metal parts. The stuff was developed for Boeing to protect aircraft parts and I use it on my bicycle. It's stupid how I take extra good care of my bicycle, but neglect my SV ;)

I might also tape the lower fork legs with some 2" clear packing tape. It'll act like a 'clear bra' (shoulda done that when I got the bike!). Or maybe buy some spray on clearcoat in an aerosol can.

[Tom]

Remember, if you keep the bike too clean, you'll never have a reason to get a new one. :D

[mark754]

LOL. Well, the reason I'm cleaning up the bike is so I can sell it and buy a new one ;)