Is this calcium buildup? If so, how do I remove it?

[Dan Tran]

Hello Geeks!

I personally have never come across of this situation yet and don’t know what it is.

What is it do you think? And how would you recommend removal?

By the way, it is on a 2018 Lexus NX roof rack rail.




High-End Paint Correction and Opti-Coat Ceramic Coatings * Portsmouth, NH

[57Rambler]

If that roof rack rail is anodized aluminum, this kinda looks like corrosion of some sort ... could be induced by a strong chemical (acid or base) or even just corrosion from salt. Anodized aluminum only tolerates a fairly narrow pH range, IIRC from ~4 to 8. A mild white vinegar solution might remove the powdery aluminum oxide (the result of corrosion) but the surface underneath may be damaged.

[Dan Tran]

If that roof rack rail is anodized aluminum, this kinda looks like corrosion of some sort ... could be induced by a strong chemical (acid or base) or even just corrosion from salt. Anodized aluminum only tolerates a fairly narrow pH range, IIRC from ~4 to 8. A mild white vinegar solution might remove the powdery aluminum oxide (the result of corrosion) but the surface underneath may be damaged.

My first assumption is corrosion and unrepairable.

Maybe we can get others to chime in.


High-End Paint Correction and Opti-Coat Ceramic Coatings * Portsmouth, NH

[WaxMaster1]

Hey Dan, I always keep a bottle of CLR (calcium, lime, rust) laying around for similar situations. When I bought a BMW, the dealership had washed the car several times on the lot and it had a white buildup on parts of the wheel where the hard water had dried.

No product I experimented with touched the buildup except for the CLR.

-Chris

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

[dcjredline]

Yep, Aluminum corrosion. The main reason I hate the Ford idea of making the F150 out of it. Here in upstate NY that was never a good idea. Yeah it wont rust but it will corrode and do the same exact damage as rust will lol lol

[Dan Tran]

Hey Dan, I always keep a bottle of CLR (calcium, lime, rust) laying around for similar situations. When I bought a BMW, the dealership had washed the car several times on the lot and it had a white buildup on parts of the wheel where the hard water had dried.

No product I experimented with touched the buildup except for the CLR.

-Chris

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

I will look into this for a client of mine. Never thought I’d see the day of needing (possibly) CLR to bail me out of a situation. I never had a need for it till like now.

Thanks for the tip.


High-End Paint Correction and Opti-Coat Ceramic Coatings * Portsmouth, NH

[Dan Tran]

A couple of questions pertaining to paint:

Can a ceramic coating protect automotive paint from corrosion similar to this?

I still haven’t driven out to see the vehicle yet. But in the event there are some on the paint, how would you (suggest) removing it?


High-End Paint Correction and Opti-Coat Ceramic Coatings * Portsmouth, NH

[Dan Tran]

I know it says it will, but I just want to see if anyone had first hand experience with ceramic coatings and calcium.


High-End Paint Correction and Opti-Coat Ceramic Coatings * Portsmouth, NH

[Kaban]

Would not trust any ceramic coatings to protect against rust or corrosion. That's not what they are designed to do. They are way too thin, not enough mass to protect. Talking about clear WOWO ceramic coatings such as CQ, etc.(not talking about sprayable ceramic coatings designed for high heat applications (exhaust manifolds, etc.)

They have rust rust inhibitors that go on your engine bay and undercarriage. Those typically have little to no UV protection so they would not work on roof rack bars.

For the exterior, your best bet is powdercoating or automotive paint, maybe even anodizing but that might get pricey and more difficult to do locally with a large part like that.