How to remove rust from inside long (1.5m) hollow metal bar?

[jimster]

Hi all,

I have a bike trailer that has a long metal hollow beam that serves as the axle (1.5m-ish). The outside is fine but the inside has become a bit rusty. The inside is (roughly) 10cm x 10cm so I can get my hand in (a bit) but can't reach to the middle.

Is there any easy way of cleaning out the rust? I've been thinking about this for ages and cannot think of a way for the life of me. Possibilities:

- Electrolysis: I am planning to try electrolysis for some smaller rusty items but this is too big. I could do the ends, but that would leave the middle!

- Sandpaper it out with somehow sandpaper attached to a pole? Unlikely to be practical. Is there some kind of drill brush wheel on a pole?

- Get it sandblasted? Never done this before; would it be affordable/viable? I'm not also keen to have to repaint the outside of the beam. Are there any sandblasting places in SE London that would be willing to do this?

- Spray vinegar /citric acid inside and try to scrub it out? But difficult to reach in.

This must be a common issue and I am sure the professionals will have figured it out. I am keen to hear your suggestions. Thanks!!
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Current: Yamaha Diversion XJ900
Previous: Yamaha Diversion 600cc, Piaggio Zip 50cc, Honda CG125-W, Siamoto Caddy 50cc moped

[jimster]

Actually, this looks like it might do the job? What a neat idea!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XE_fwxuZ1Z4

For those too lazy/bandwidth limited to click on the link, you get one of those brushes on a long thick wire and then stick it in your drill!
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Current: Yamaha Diversion XJ900
Previous: Yamaha Diversion 600cc, Piaggio Zip 50cc, Honda CG125-W, Siamoto Caddy 50cc moped

[Pete.]

Wire brush zip tied to a broom handle. Use it to remove all the flaking dtuff and use rust converter on the remainder. The rust converter will leave a protective coating or you can pull an oil/diesel/paint-soaked rag through a few times.
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a.k.a 'Geri'

132.9mph off and walked away. Gear is good, gear is good, gear is very very good

[stinkwheel]

Blow some waxoyl up inside it and get on with your life.
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[WD Forte]

fuck the magic chemicals
Just get a stick with some rag on the end
dip in it old engine oil and stuff it up the hole a few times
I seen/done this to old car van chassis and bike frames and swinging arms and it works.
A swinging arm I repaired and treated like this in 2005 was still sound when I flogged the bike in 2021 ish
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bikers smell of wee

[jimster]

Thanks all for the replies. I like quick dirty & simple so will try the rag on a broom idea (and maybe the bottle brush on a drill!)
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Current: Yamaha Diversion XJ900
Previous: Yamaha Diversion 600cc, Piaggio Zip 50cc, Honda CG125-W, Siamoto Caddy 50cc moped

[MCN]

Cut it into 3" sections.
Pop them into a pot with a wax candle and boil it.
Remove the sections before the wax cools and sets.

I used to do this with my pushbike chains.

Seriously, what degree of corrosion is in the 'axle'?

If enough material has been corroded then using the acksel is not ideal.

Unless you know what you are looking at, you are making choices that may not only affect you.
If you intend to use it on a public road, ask a motor engineer to inspect it.

Or just be a pikey.
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Disclaimer: The comments above may be predicted text and not necessarily the opinion of MCN.