OzarksBiker Posted November 8, 2017 Report Share Posted November 8, 2017 Good Morning: I grew up around a marine enviroment where the term "covalent bonding" was used frequently. I have a laymans understanding of the process, which basically stated never to bolt steel to aluminum. I'm building a motorcycle, and unlike the old days where steel and iron were the primary metals, now aluminum and its alloys are predominate. My concern is that many of my parts both steel and aluminum are bolted to each other. I guess old notions die hard, but is there reason for concern? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
exchemist Posted November 8, 2017 Report Share Posted November 8, 2017 Good Morning: I grew up around a marine enviroment where the term "covalent bonding" was used frequently. I have a laymans understanding of the process, which basically stated never to bolt steel to aluminum. I'm building a motorcycle, and unlike the old days where steel and iron were the primary metals, now aluminum and its alloys are predominate. My concern is that many of my parts both steel and aluminum are bolted to each other. I guess old notions die hard, but is there reason for concern? Thanks OK, covalent bonding is not relevant here. This an issue of electrochemistry. What I think you will be referring to is galvanic corrosion of aluminium in contact with steel, in salty environments. There is something about this here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galvanic_corrosion There is some practical guidance here about the risks in practice of using steel and Al together: http://www.aluminiumdesign.net/design-support/aluminium-corrosion-resistance/ The upshot sees to be that the risk is not that great...unless you are in a salty environment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OzarksBiker Posted November 8, 2017 Author Report Share Posted November 8, 2017 Thank You for the input, and also the links... I'm not as concerned now, and will surely make note to monitor in my maintenance log... Happy Trails!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
exchemist Posted November 8, 2017 Report Share Posted November 8, 2017 Thank You for the input, and also the links... I'm not as concerned now, and will surely make note to monitor in my maintenance log... Happy Trails!!Always glad to have a satisfied customer. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.