DestinBillMe

Do you think this rust is just on the visible flange, or up inside the grab bar? Trying to figure out what I need to do to stop it.

daughtrylc

How does it attach? I’m guessing the hardware that’s used

DestinBillMe

Bolts through and hardware looks perfect. I have used a wire brush on that flange and primed it with new primer. I am wondering if I can spray inside with wd 40 or something in case it’s the inside that is rusting.

mwp135

Maybe dissimilar metals; try some Tef-gel to isolate hardware and handle component.

DestinBillMe

thanks. I will.

Commocean

Make sure it's properly bedded when you reinstall it.

DestinBillMe

There was no silicone between the grab bar foot and the fiberglass when I removed. I was thinking perhaps a nylon washer would make sense there.

GulfC

Looks like the nut molded inside the part is the issue. Maybe thread sealant could help prevent further dissimilar metal corrosion.

Captainbadfinger

Crevice corrosion from no sealant and moisture in the joint,
paint the flange and bed it in with Lifeseal

boatmanmark

What is the grab bar made of? Aluminum? My bet is the bolt was steel or even a poor grade of stainless that rusted and spread between the pieces. et some new high grade stainless, put a large diameter nylon washer between them and go from there.

DestinBillMe

stainless bolt and it shows zero sign of corrosion. I assume the grab bar is aluminum.

acme54321

This.

Commocean

When you bed it (I also use Lifeseal), don't bolt it down tightly. Set it in place, carefully wipe the sealant away so it's nicely finished, and let the sealant dry. After the sealant dries, then tighten the bolts. I've found that method creates a thicker "gasket" of sorts, rather than having the sealant pressing out from under the fitting by tightening it down when it's wet. It will be more impervious to water intrusion and last longer. Butyl tape is also an option.

tidnish

Did you use a regular steel wire brush on the parts at some point? The steel brush will leave particles behind that will rust.

tampapete

all metals are alloys and not totally pure, any ferrous traces can leach out and cause rust-- even form stainless and aluminum.

DestinBillMe

Cleaned it up. Primed and painted. Reinstalled with anti-seize and bedded in lifeseal. Will watch it

tampapete

thumbs up!

Longisland237

Guessing its stainless. 316 hopefully but the amount of rust if any inside the tube would be negligible. just sand a little put some white paint and reattach.
This is just my opinion.

Swampfox77

Spray fluid film inside the tubing