rust

[ben(tn)]

broke down a tractor tire today,and lots of rust on the inter tube,whats the best way to remove it with out harming the tube? the rim was trash not worth saving,shame its a hat rim,wasnt loaded but had been at some time

 

[Harold Hubbard]

Blow the tube up fairly hard. Use a lot of gasoline, or liquid pre-buff cleaner, and whatever hand or SLOW air operated buffer you would use when you glue on a patch. Do not use an electric tool, (sparks=BOOM). I have had good luck with a coarse drywall sanding sponge. It will take several applications of the liquid, and I have wound up sort of prying up the big flakes with a dull knife blade. You just have to be careful not to cut or grind through the tube.

 

[john in Utah]

Ben,

I just did this job last week. Inflate the tubes to a fairly firm state. Then, take your wood rasp and scrape off the big chunks. If you want it really clean, put your round wire brush in your electric drill and go to work. Don't use an angle grinder buffer--too aggressive. Finish off with a stiff brush and some Dawn dish detergent in a bucket of water. Mine turned out almost good as new. I would stay waaaaay away from gasoline! (it doesn't dissolve rust, anyway).

John

 

[1130Leo]

I would think PB Blaster would help alot, besides eating at the rust, the oils in it would help condition the rubber as well???? Just a thought, Gasoline would be way too explosive, and would also dry out the rubber in the tube.