DIY PS shaft re-chroming?

Before I look at spending cubic dollars to send a part overseas to get this work done, or settling for a corroded shaft that will cause problems again later, is this possible?

If you don't mind dieing from 7 different types of cancer, sure.

Whats a PS shaft? Why does it need to be chromed?

A PS shaft is the rack from a power steering rack, which is also the hydraulic piston.

It needs to be re-chromed if there's any wear or corrosion on it.

Could there be someone local to you who refurbishes motorcycle forks? Same sort of concept, maybe more likely to be around you?

Nope, called a couple of places that were most likely to do it, it was the most high-end machine shop in the country that told me that nobody does any sort of re-chroming here.

I don't think you can DIY chrome. Really? Nobody can chrome locally? Talk to some restoration shops.

Also talk to some shops that re-build hydraulic cylinders on heavy equipment. Same idea, different application.

Actually the first shop I called is the only one that does heavy equipment hydraulic repairs here (although construction companies usually order parts from them and do the repairs in-house)...The high-end machine shop I called is probably the closest thing to a "restoration shop" here...they do a lot of work on race cars and classics.

Found a company in Trinidad that can do it at a good price, it's not gonna be cheap overall, but about the same as getting the rack pulled out and rebuilt a 2nd time...

EPA has killed most real chrome shops and you need HARD chrome not show chrome so yes it will cost a small fortune. Try a large hydraulic rebuilder such as US Hydraulics in NH they maybe able to point you in the right direction

44Dwarf wrote: you need HARD chrome not show chrome

This. as mentioned check with hydraulic ram rebuilders. It may be easier to simply replace the whole rack.

Finding a rechromer isn't hard. Finding a good one that can do the sort of work you need done, that's harder.

It's one thing to just plunk a part in a bucket with an electrical connection. They are still a dime a dozen, and you can even buy a DIY kit, or buy the ingredients through a supply house and skip the kit, just use a battery charger.

But you actually need the shaft built up and polished down properly, filling a specific wear area. That is much more technical and precise. In both the application of the chrome and substrate, and the tolerances. That's what is making it hard to find someone who can do the job.

There are businesses that specialize in this. Pick up a copy of Hemmings Motor News, they tend to advertise there. You likely won't find them using the internet and Googling.

There is also the matter of necessity. As in is it really needed. Many times, ime, a shaft doesn't actually need to be built up, the seal needs to be replaced. They've both worn. While a simple seal replacement will not last as long as a full rebuild, it costs a whole lot less, and will work for years many times.

Warranty neither implied nor expressed. As always your mileage may vary.

The company I'm looking at sending it to is a hydraulic ram rebuilder...I might replace the whole rack if this model wasn't made of high-enriched unobtanium (AE92 2.5-turn). I'll get pics of the shaft later in the week, the mechanic thinks I could get away with not re-chroming it but I know there's visible discoloration on one end of the shaft and I'd rather avoid rolling the dice.

How bad is the plating on the shaft? I've repaired several hydraulic cyl rams with JB weld type epoxy to fill in the pits and cavities. Its not an ideal repair method, but it can work.

Hmm interesting idea...how do you mill down the JB weld to the correct shape & diameter?

In reply to GameboyRMH: with emery cloth elbow grease and a lot of patience. The prep work before putting down the epoxy is the most important part.

OK that could be a good option if the shaft isn't too bad.

In reply to GameboyRMH: I'll write up a detailed explanation of what's worked for me later today. If you can post some pics of what your working with, that would be helpful too.

The rack's coming out tomorrow morning so I should have pics up before the weekend.

GameboyRMH wrote: OK that could be a good option if the shaft isn't too bad.

Really? You're talking about microns thickness for missing chrome. You really think you're going to get JB weld gooped on there that thinly, and machined down accurately with some emery cloth and elbow grease?

JB weld is anything but chrome plate smooth when sanded. How long you think a seal will last sliding over it?

In reply to foxtrapper: Most of the cylinders that I have repaired this way have been successful. As I said it's not ideal but it can work.

FWIW, I've seen several replated Rams fail quickly, Depending on how bad Gameboys plating really is this could be a better repair.

If worse comes to worse and its a complete failure, this method does not prevent him from having it re-plated.

If memory serves, there were several platers whom served the HP marine industry. Old Mercury 2.4's had hard chrome plated bores. They could be re-plated when they flaked, but at a price. $$$$$

U.S. Chrome. Maybe they can help you.

Funny I was just going to say check with US Chrome or PowerSeal in PA they normaly do hard chrome but its ID not OD but they understand the product and final machining.

I'm waiting on a 74 yz125 cylinder to come back from powerseal now.