Removing rust from fork tubes

[Ryerr]

Any tips on how to get rid of a bit of light rust on my fork tubes? I don't want to do anything that is going to mark up the tubes.

The rust is not bad at all.... mostly surface rust from what I can tell.

 

[speedknot]

You could use some light scotch brite, neverdull, Bar Keepers Friend or just some light polishing compound if you have it. I've found these to work quite well if its just light rust. Obviously there are some pitting issues if the rust is clearly visible. When there is a small break in the chrome surface, moisture gets in these cracks/pits and begins to rust from underneath. If its not too bad the rust will come off and you will barely see the pits. After you get the desired results, I would suggest giving it a light coating of silicone or WD-40 to keep the finish up. Once the chrome pits it needs more attention to keep the rust away.

 

[Swagger]

When i got my first streetbike in highschool (CJ360) it had light rust on the tubes too. I took them apart and took 1000/2000 grip wet/dry sandpaper to them upon recommendations from an grizzly old biker friend of the family. The trick is to use borax and a cotton rag on the tubes first to get the majority of the flake off. The using soapy water and work radially around the tube NEVER inline!!!! It'll dull the polish but once you're done with the 200 grit (wet often) you cna hit it with a buffer.
By working around the tube rather than up and down, your fork seals will still work.

 

[malloy]

here is the best way I found and super simple. If you have a rust spot that are raised on the chrome. (like little baby mounds) knock then level with a razor. then get a piece of alumium foil and ball it up. (not to tight) wet the foil and scrub the fork tube. the aluminium foil will clean the chrome very effectivly and leave 0 scratches. it works like a charm.