Why can't suspension components be chome plated?

[pplater]

I was reading a tech guide for a GT series when i found this:

Chromium plating
Chromium plating of steel suspension members is forbidden.

I remember reading about this as an F1 ruke too.

Why is this?

[Al Weyman]

Ha Ha, I have fitted several chrome components on my car that are and being good old American chome I wish they were not as they turn to red rust in about a week:-(

[Dave Brand]

Originally Posted by pplater

Why is this?

Probably because chrome plating can cause embrittlement of some metals.

[carsreunited]

And tends to fall off and would end up on the track?

A certain Triumph club sells chrome plated road springs.....

Scott

[Adam43]

and why would you want to chrome plate your suspension parts?

[avsfan733]

doesn't matter in f1 you can't chrome plate carbon fiber.

yes its because it makes the parts more brittle and more susceptible to cracking and also brittle failure on impact as opposed to bending.

it also weighs a ton why bother?

[morrisnutter]

Originally Posted by avsfan733

doesn't matter in f1 you can't chrome plate carbon fibre.

Ah, but you can cover it in gold leaf!!! I noticed this on the McLaren at one of the first 2 GPs this year. They only had it on the rear susp. as gold is pretty damn good at reflecting heat and these parts get a bit toasty so close to the exhausts......

[rcarr]

Ah, but you can cover it in gold leaf!!! I noticed this on the McLaren at one of the first 2 GPs this year. They only had it on the rear susp. as gold is pretty damn good at reflecting heat and these parts get a bit toasty so close to the exhausts......

All F1 cars use gold leaf on the rear suspension, I think?

[Goran Malmberg]

Originally Posted by pplater

I was reading a tech guide for a GT series when i found this:

Chromium plating
Chromium plating of steel suspension members is forbidden.

I remember reading about this as an F1 ruke too.

Why is this?

It depend on the steel alloy in question. Mild steel is of no problem, in fact problems are rare but as racing components are made very light and are also made from the moost crome sensitive alloy, they are more prone to failur from plating. For the same reason hig grade bolts are not zink plated, only black anodized. For tube constructions there is a possibility of acid getting trapped inside creating rust .
Goran Malmberg

[thebear]

Originally Posted by Dave Brand

Probably because chrome plating can cause embrittlement of some metals.

Specifically, Hydrogen embrittlement, caused by the chemical reactions taking place in the plating solution. It can latent for very long periods and appear without warning. It is a function of substrate material and configuration, welds (if any) and the process controls at the electroplater.

[ian.stewart]

Gas embrittlement is certainly a factor when chroming suspension parts, another problem overlooked is fatigue and stress cracks can occour under the chrome and not be seen without X-Ray inspection, If you want to plate suspension parts, I think the only option on suspension parts is Nickel Plating
Ian

[kmsport]

yes, even electroless Ni. Or, even though its not Chrome colour...Manganese Phosphate is the best.

[zefarelly]

plating has an effect on steel properties for sure, we used to get forks chromesd on lambrettas . . .then wonder why the damper lugs all snapped off ! ( thos that could afford a TV175/SX200 with dampers that is!)

[thebear]

Originally Posted by ian.stewart

Gas embrittlement is certainly a factor when chroming suspension parts, another problem overlooked is fatigue and stress cracks can occour under the chrome and not be seen without X-Ray inspection, If you want to plate suspension parts, I think the only option on suspension parts is Nickel Plating Ian

In fact for good good adhesion of Chrome on Steel it is necessary to have a `flash' (a few microns) of Copper, then Nickel and finally the Chrome. This also applies to Nickel and electroless Nickel plating.

I forgot to mention in my prior post that the Hydrogren gas can be devolved by appropriate heat treatment but that it again is a tedious and part-specific process that tends to discolor the chromium and could possibly affect the mechanical properties of the steel..