Need help with rusty spokes & info about Fuller dremel machine thing

**Padmei** · 27th July 2010, 21:41

The spokes on my new to me BMW R80GS are really rusty.

Anyone had any as bad as these & if so did you manage to get them halway decent.
http://i710.photobucket.com/albums/w...ustyspokes.jpg

Also I bought one of these to see if any attachments would work better than green scourer or steel wool ( which I've been told not to use but nothing works as well)
http://i710.photobucket.com/albums/w...yobidremel.jpg

I tried these attachments but the wire wheels seem just to polish the spoke not cut thru the rust. The grinding wheel I used very briefly & lightly but wasn't that appropriate.
http://i710.photobucket.com/albums/w...ttachments.jpg

ANy better ideas?

Also after they're at an ok stage what is a good treatment for them - fish oil? or similar

Thanks in advance.

**Warr** · 27th July 2010, 22:29

Originally Posted by Padmei

The spokes on my new to me BMW R80GS are really rusty.

Anyone had any as bad as these & if so did you manage to get them halway decent.
http://i710.photobucket.com/albums/w...ustyspokes.jpg
A daily dose of CRC 5.56 Penetrating Oil for a week will minimise breakage

Also I bought one of these to see if any attachments would work better than green scourer or steel wool ( which I've been told not to use but nothing works as well)
http://i710.photobucket.com/albums/w...yobidremel.jpg

I tried these attachments but the wire wheels seem just to polish the spoke not cut thru the rust. The grinding wheel I used very briefly & lightly but wasn't that appropriate.
http://i710.photobucket.com/albums/w...ttachments.jpg

ANy better ideas?

Also after they're at an ok stage what is a good treatment for them - fish oil? or similar
CRC Marine 66

Thanks in advance.

What are you trying to achieve ..... Best you define "to get them halway decent"
If you want them nickle plated you will need to dismantle the whole wheel and take the wire brushed spokes and nipples to the plater.
Could order some new spokes and nipples and get them relaced.
In my mind !!
.. That is going to be the most cost effective ........ best result ..sadly it would be expensive...

**Sam I Am** · 27th July 2010, 23:28

maybe look at > http://www.wheelandspoke.co.nz/services.html

Spokes: Custom Made Sets - Stainless From $175.00

**bmwilly** · 27th July 2010, 23:54

Originally Posted by Sam I Am

maybe look at > http://www.wheelandspoke.co.nz/services.html

Spokes: Custom Made Sets - Stainless From $175.00

What he said.Also,what is the condition of the rims?May have to bite the bullet.

**Brian d marge** · 28th July 2010, 02:51

Honestly wheels arnt that difficult to re-lace , look on internet for instructions

if you go slow and number mark each one the tension as per instructions ( I can help if needed ) youll be fine

I welded up a jig and clamped a dial gauge to it , and as the wheel is assembled measure any offset ( internet) and bobs your uncle

The first one is a learner , but after that , you will be buying hubs and rims separate from then on

Stephen

**jellywrestler** · 28th July 2010, 07:43

get a chain drive bike, then the chain lube will keep the rust away

**F5 Dave** · 28th July 2010, 10:20

oh my word.

ok the pic is low res, but it looks like there is some severe pitting going on. to make any difference you'd have to turn ~1mm off the dia Clearly a dumb thing to try. Have to admore your optimism with the dremel. But they are a great tool, used carefully they have 100s of uses

I'd go further to say I'd replace those as a matter of course esp if you intend to ride the bike off road, or if the bike had any appreciable power or weight, which clearly it doesn't & does in that order.

**jellywrestler** · 28th July 2010, 10:38

I've got an R80GS and have had cracks in teh rim from spoke holes, check carefully for these too

**Spearfish** · 28th July 2010, 17:33

I have been cleaning up some spokes using some green abrasive synthetic wool (spokes only it will destroy chrome) but mine aren't as bad as yours. Its slow work so if your impatient or your time is valuable then a new set of spokes is probably best way, plus you get a chance to polish the hub properly before its laced.
I'm using Autosol metal polish on the spokes after cleaning off the rust its very good on rims as well.

**Padmei** · 28th July 2010, 17:51

Ok sounds like I may add spoke lacing to my set of averagly adequate skills.

cheers

**Big Dave** · 29th July 2010, 08:45

I would replace them for safety. Only needs one to snap from that sort of fatigue and it can get ugly real quick.

**Flip** · 29th July 2010, 09:08

These spokes look stuffed, very pitted and corroded. I don't think you will get the nipples off without problems. Time for a new set if for no other reason than safety..