Rust on hydraulic rods

[EBS]

Can anyone tell me the proper approach to rust on the cylinder rods of hydraulic cylinders that have been exposed to weather? Is it better to use rust remover and/or steel wool or simply to leave them be and let the roughened surface rub on the seals? No, this isn't my Kubota; it's my 1948 D2 Cat.
Ed

[HalseyGreen]

Question - is the rust surface or is the rod pitted? I have repaired pitted rods by removing the loose rust with my dremel tool, then using a rust converter on whats left. Then filled the pits with epoxy and leveled and polished the epoxy to rod contour. We also had to replace the seals as they had fallen apart. I expect that your seals will need replacing also. Hope this helps.

[dieselpwr]

EBS

You should remove as much as possible - as any rough rust surfaces running over the cylinder packing or seals will eat them up in a hurry. Then you will have no choice but to recondition the rods & replace the seals. Hopefully yours aren't pitted too bad. Any inclusions typically won't hurt the seals or packing, however, they do offer small spots for possible leaks or oil consumption. I would soak the rust down with a good rust penitrant or diesel fuel for a while before polishing it off. Saves elbow grease. Be careful not to use strong penatrants near the seals though as some of them tend to break down rubber. :-( Good luck.

Troy

[Keoke]

As a rust preventive rub down exposed hydraulic ram shafts with chain saw bar oil. It sticks like the dickens and will not drop off.

later,
george

[EBS]

Thanks, guys. Good suggestions.
Ed

[cowboydoc]

I use emory cloth and then clean the rust debris off with brake cleaner and then lubricate them with a rag that has been soaked and wrung out in gear oil. I make sure not to get any of the cleaner down into the seal area though.