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Is it safe to have aluminum in my electrolyte whilst removing rust from steel electrolytically?

I have an aluminum pulley with pressed-in steel bushings that are seized to a steel shaft. May I safely immerse the steel/aluminum in my home made [battery charger [on eBay or Amazon] /Arm & Hammer washing soda [on eBay or Amazon] electrolyte] 'de-ruster'? The last thing I want is to create a toxic gas or toxic 'goop'. I realize this is sort of an anti-plating question, but I have read more than numerous websites regarding this type of rust removal, and none have broached the subject. Also, I figured I would get the most accurate answer from here. Thank you, Owen

Owen Stuart
Hobbyist - Merritt Island, Florida, USA
February 5, 2008

You're not going to create any toxic gas or goop, Owen. But aluminum is attacked by strong caustic, so I would expect some pitting. Further, I'd be surprised if the idea worked anyway unless your experience indicates that it will. WD-40 [on eBay or Amazon] and a wheel-puller would be my first try :-)

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
February 5, 2008

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