Anti-Rust Coating for Shocks

[Je1279]

Does anyone have any suggestions for anti-rust coatings for shocks? I've heard that Bilstein shocks do not fare well in the rust belt and with winter just around the corner, I want to do what I can to prevent rusting. I'd prefer not to use something like fluid film, surface shield or woolwax that will attract other road debris.

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[Polo08816]

Does anyone have any suggestions for anti-rust coatings for shocks? I've heard that Bilstein shocks do not fare well in the rust belt and with winter just around the corner, I want to do what I can to prevent rusting. I'd prefer not to use something like fluid film, surface shield or woolwax that will attract other road debris.

Would the rust affect it's function?

We usually just toss the Bilsteins out instead of rebuilding them so if there's some surface rust I don't care as much...

 

[Mosey]

Does anyone have any suggestions for anti-rust coatings for shocks? I've heard that Bilstein shocks do not fare well in the rust belt and with winter just around the corner, I want to do what I can to prevent rusting. I'd prefer not to use something like fluid film, surface shield or woolwax that will attract other road debris.

I have thought about this as well. I had put 4600s on my previous truck and they showed rust after one winter. I am going to eventually put 5100s on the rear of my XLT and want to prevent corrosion/rust.

I was thinking of spraying the shocks with an automotive clear coat. The problem here will be surface prep. If I don’t care about the sticker or keeping the exact surface appearance, then a light sanding followed by a good cleaning before spraying would do the trick. Of course I would be saying goodbye to any warranty.

 

[Je1279]

Would the rust affect it's function?

We usually just toss the Bilsteins out instead of rebuilding them so if there's some surface rust I don't care as much...

No it should not affect their function, but I just purchased the Ford Performance kit this year and would prefer not to have rusty shocks on a brand new truck.

 

[Je1279]

I have thought about this as well. I had put 4600s on my previous truck and they showed rust after one winter. I am going to eventually put 5100s on the rear of my XLT and want to prevent corrosion/rust.

I was thinking of spraying the shocks with an automotive clear coat. The problem here will be surface prep. If I don’t care about the sticker or keeping the exact surface appearance, then a light sanding followed by a good cleaning before spraying would do the trick. Of course I would be saying goodbye to any warranty.

I was wondering if their is a ceramic coating that would last for the winter that could perform the same function.

 

[Babbage]

Fluid Film - I use this on the underside of whole truck. This works. Apply about every year.

 

[Mosey]

Fluid Film - I use this on the underside of whole truck. This works. Apply about every year.

I think the OP was trying to avoid FF to keep dirt from sticking to the shock.

 

[Babbage]

You will get a little bit of dirt, but no rust. I rather have a bit of dirt than rust.
you can wipe off the dirt....

 

[Je1279]

If that's the best solution I will go with that and just wipe them down in the spring. Just wasn't sure if there was a better solution that I wasn't aware of.

 

[RickBullotta]

Does anyone have any suggestions for anti-rust coatings for shocks? I've heard that Bilstein shocks do not fare well in the rust belt and with winter just around the corner, I want to do what I can to prevent rusting. I'd prefer not to use something like fluid film, surface shield or woolwax that will attract other road debris.

Paint? I want to put Bilstein 4600s on my Powerboost but don't want the blue boots or the yellow body. There are aftermarket boots (black) and I was just going to paint the shock bodies.

 

[Graygoose2021]

Ive heard, WD40?

 

[Je1279]

Ive heard, WD40?

Would likely work for a short period, but I'm guessing that it would require frequent reapplication.

 

[Calson]

Rust or oxidation requires oxygen or air. Spray the shocks with clear lacquer paint will do as much as anything to reduce rust. Having a hose handy at your house to be able to spray road salt off the undersides of the truck would also be good preventative maintenance where the roads are salted.

 

[lrequa92]

This stuff works well for that

 

[Je1279]

Has anyone ever used Mavcoat Steel Shield? It seems to be a cosmoline product (like the CRC corrosion inhibitor mentioned above), but it is clear which I like.

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