aluminum, steel, and rust

So the question is what can be done to minimize dissimilar metal electrolysis.

For instance, the soft metal (Magnesium alloy?) used in the typical Jeep mirror mounts on my half doors has that powdery corrosion UNDER the paint, I assume this is from electrolysis, the other metal being the door hinges they were attached to, and the steel bolt/spring assay. inside the mount.

Obviously steel rust doesn't require dissimilar metal corrosion, just water and exposed steel. So you can use paint, rubber, or "pansy" silicone to insulate the steel. But can you do anything for parts that have dissimilar metal corrosion built in by their nature (i.e. zinc coated steel spring and carbon steel bolt/nut inside the Magnesium mirror mount)?

Anti-seize compound. Pretty much stops dissimilar metal corrosion in its tracks.

Not a cure- all, but if you remove existing corrosion, prime and paint the affected parts and reassemble using anti-seize on the hardware, you will be in pretty good shape. Keep the moisture out as much as possible and keep any drain holes open.

John Davies Spokane WA USA

Cool, I've got them striped and primed, I'll do that before reassembling. Thanks.

Anyone know if dissimilar metal corrosion can cause stainless to corrode?

Yes, it is 'stainless', not stain or corrosion proof and will still rust if the conditions are right. Some is higher quality and will last longer, but it varies a lot.

Mike

86/00 CJ7 Laredo, 33x9.5 BFG Muds, 'glass nose to tail in '00 88 Cherokee 235 BFG AT's