Removing light surface rust

[vespajg]

Have some light surface rust on the top of my triple tree, headset nut, and a few other places on the bike. I know it won't take much to remove it, but, at least with the fork, I don't want to release my alignment just to remove the rust. So I want to avoid dismantling to sandblast, etc. I was thinking of removing the tank, handlebars, etc, and carefully applying/rinsing naval jelly...or a light sandpaper - 80 grit, for example. Any other suggestions?

[George Ryals]

You should be able to get rid of light surface rust with an SOS pad. 80 grit is for the heaviest of rust.

[Jean]

SOS pad is my thought, too. (use a new one!! rub lightly.)
You could also use rubbing compound...and 0000 steel wool.
Apply some good auto wax or chrome polish aftrwards to prevent new rust!

[George Ryals]

One of the things I like about the SOS pad (new) is the coating their soap leaves behind.

[vespajg]

Embarrassed to admit that I've never really used an SOS pad, although I do know what they are!! I guess my house is a scotchpad house! I assume I need to add a little water to active the soap? And rub the rust away, I hope.

[George Ryals]

Yes ...add water. I usually cut the pad into quarters to do small areas.

[moore84rs]

SOS pads are just steel wool with soap. You are not removing grime or grease, just rust , right?
I would suggest steel wool with a chrome or metal polish or oil.

[vanzen]

Skip the SOS pads they're intended to clean kitchen utensils –
Too abrasive !
For light rust try a rag, rubbing compound, and elbow grease.
If the rust is a bit more entrenched, start with a very fine (0000) steel wool.
Work the rust with the least abrasive method and plenty of elbow grease first –
Haste and aggressive methods here increase the chances of destroying the paint surface,
and this will promote future corrosion.

[guy]

Try rubbing compound with a toothbrush (used or someone else’s).

[Roughready]

I've had good success using Mothers Aluminum polish (probably a very mild abrasive) with a long narrow strip of towel for some of those difficult to reach areas using a back and forth motion. Of course I use that for the aluminum parts as well with excellent results (turn signal housings, wheels, etc.).