Safe to media blast cast iron steering knuckle/spindle?

[95maxrider]

I would like to clean up and paint my front hubs/knuckles/spindles which I believe are made of cast iron, and media blasting seems to be the fastest and most thorough method of removing rust. Is there any risk of hardening the metal or generating too much heat with blasting? I don't want to do anything that might affect the durability of the metal or make it brittle. I was planning on using coal slag as my media. Any input would be appreciated, thanks!

 

[Chris_Hamilton]

No. Blast away.

 

[Worn Out Welder]

They used to shot peen some things, like steering knuckles to make them tougher.
I believe those would be forged steel.
I would protect any connecting or bearing surfaces.

 

[Chris_Hamilton]

They used to shot peen some things, like steering knuckles to make them tougher.
I believe those would be forged steel.
I would protect any connecting or bearing surfaces.

Good point. Yes, make sure you use something to protect the machined surfaces. Gorilla tape duct tape is pretty strong/thick and works good to protect an area when media blasting. Whatever you use be sure it's thick enough to protect those surfaces.

 

[95maxrider]

Cool, thanks guys. I was planning on covering up the bearing areas to protect them.

 

[CamarosRus]

If your close to a large city, many machine shop/rebuilders have metal shot blasters which will
give the most accurate looking finish in the shortest amount of time (a few minutes)

Were you planning to coat the cast iron parts with "paint" or try to preserve them with a
rust inhibiting product....I havent done this, but Ive read a about CERAKOTE that comes
in many different shades, some of which replicate CAST IRON.......

 

[clubairth]

Also tape any threads up before blasting!
I also fill any threaded holes usually with just a bolt.
.
.
.

 

[95maxrider]

If your close to a large city, many machine shop/rebuilders have metal shot blasters which will
give the most accurate looking finish in the shortest amount of time (a few minutes)

Were you planning to coat the cast iron parts with "paint" or try to preserve them with a
rust inhibiting product....I havent done this, but Ive read a about CERAKOTE that comes
in many different shades, some of which replicate CAST IRON.......

I want to blast them myself to get used to my new blaster and get some practice, and yes, I'll be painting them.

Also tape any threads up before blasting!
I also fill any threaded holes usually with just a bolt.

Now that's a good tip!