Removing anodizing from slipper

[Bray D]

I wasn't sure which forum to post in, so I thought I'd try General. Feel free to move if necessary.

I use a lye/water solution to remove anodizing from aluminum parts. I've already removed the ano and polished the motor plate on my trans, but I'd like to do the slipper plate as well.

Does anyone know if the lye will damage the slipper pad? I tried removing it, but it must be stuck on there with some serious adhesive or something. This is on a HR trans.

 

[HumboldtEF]

I've only seen lye in action in videos but it seems pretty risky for the pad. Isnt oven cleaner another method?

Sorry I have no experience with either but I would think oven cleaner might be a bit safer potentially.

I wonder if you could mask off the pad though I dont know if tape will hold up or just melt. Or maybe brush it on?

EDIT: I just discovered oven cleaners have lye in it so you can ignore my ramblings

 

[Bray D]

EDIT: I just discovered oven cleaners have lye in it so you can ignore my ramblings

Yep, it's all sodium hydroxide. I mix a tablespoon into a small bowl (maybe 16-20oz) of water and it takes the anodizing off in a couple minutes. It's awesome.

I'm tempted to just try it and go with a slipper eliminator if it causes damage, but that's 20 bucks or so I could keep in my pocket if I leave it alone.

Tough decisions.

Does anyone know what the slipper pad is made of? If so I could research to see if it reacts with NaOH.

 

[HumboldtEF]

Maybe you could test an just edge of the pad?

 

[Bray D]

I decided to just go for it. What fun is life without a little risk, eh? I did a full soak just like I do other parts.

The pad lost some of its luster, but it appears undamaged. It’s still secured to the plate for sure. The true test will be when I put it into service, but that won’t be for another couple weeks or so.

Doesn’t look too bad right out of the solution, but I’ll likely tape the pad and try to polish it up a bit.