ATF for rusty parts

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  • bruin
    • Jan 2026

    #1

    ATF for rusty parts

    I learned a new trick from a neighbor of mine the other day. After fighting with parts that have been fused together by rust (pretty much every piece of your car after 3 years in VT) I was ready to give up. I had tried WD-40, PB Blaster, and Break Free with no luck. I don't own any torches so they weren't an option. My neighbor says to use some transmission fluid. I figure he's crazy but, what the hell, I don't have any better ideas. Soaked the parts and after letting it sit for a minute or two, they came apart without much effort at all.

    I still use the spray stuff first because it's less messy, but the ATF is my "ace in the hole" when nothing else works.

    Has anyone else ever used this trick before?
  • Big Rich

    #2
    It gets better. Read this:

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    • Charlie G
      Forum Guru
      Past Site Supporter
      Super Site Supporter
      • Feb 2009
      • 6440
      • Siskiyou county

      #3
      Originally posted by Big Rich

      I've been using 50% atf and 50% acetone to loosen up bolts and nuts on my current project and so far it's worked great.

      cg
      sigpic
      83 GS1100g
      2006 Triumph Sprint ST 1050

      Ohhhh!........Torque sweet Temptress.........always whispering.... a murmuring Siren

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      • Guest

        #4
        the home depot mini torch (uses disposable O2 and MAPP works well enough to cook stuck bolts and only costs $20-30

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        • bruin

          #5
          Originally posted by Big Rich

          Alright! A good idea made even better. I like the idea of adding acetone to penetrate deeper. Gonna have to try that next time.

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          • Guest

            #6
            the acetone/atf mix un-seized my 83 gs750 after it had sat for years. Only took 24 hours soaking......great stuff & cheap.

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