Stainless and aluminium question.

It's the old stainless bolt question again! Had a rummage about in some old posts, but i got bored and decided to post up instead!

I seem to remember hearing about a reaction between stainless and some materials. I want to replace some bolts holding a chain guard on, and the bolts go into the swingarm of my GSXR. I'm not sure what the swingarms made of, but is it safe enough to use stainless bolts in these alloys? Aluminium alloy maybe?

I know they can't be used as a direct swap in load bearing applications.

[yorkie_chris]

Use some anti sieze, it will be fine.

Originally Posted by yorkie_chris

Use some anti sieze, it will be fine.

Excellent!
Cheers Chris.

[embee]

Seconded.

Yes in theory stainless and alum alloys don't like each other much but it's only a real issue if it's neglected and allowed to corrode with road salt and carp. Any greasy stuff will do the job of keeping water out, alum anti-seize if you want to be really keen. I'd suggest not using copper-slip, mixing 3 different metals is just taking the mick.

[yorkie_chris]

It might be just taking the mick but it does seem to work OK.

that ally slip or whatever it's called by molyslip works well too

Regardless of what the metals are, if you don't use grease or other anti-seizing compound, they will seize. I tend to use copperslip or cheap multi-purpose grease.

[garynortheast]

I've used copperslip in ss/alloy combinations for years and never had a problem. It certainly makes removing things like exhaust header bolts much easier.