Aloha, fun & authoritative answers -- no cost, no passwords, no popups
(as an eBay Partner & Amazon Affiliate we earn from qualifying purchases)

Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

-----

Automotive use of Stainless Steel Fasteners in Aluminum Block

Hi

I am building a small sports car in my spare time and want to know if I can safely use stainless steel bolts to bolt the gearbox etc to the aluminium block.

I realise that this is not an industrial related topic, however, I hope that you will help me as I haven't been able to find any other source to get a definitive answer.

Thanks in anticipation.

John Ewins
- Auckland, New Zealand
November 6, 2008

Hi, John. Everything is a matter of degree. I wouldn't use stainless fasteners on an aluminum aircraft skin, but I think you'll be good. Although there is a strong difference in electrochemical potential between aluminum and stainless, there seems to be a lot of evidence that (perhaps due to the passive skin on both), it works pretty well in the real world.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
November 6, 2008

(No "dead threads" here! If this page isn't currently on the Hotline your Q, A, or Comment will restore it)

Q, A, or Comment on THIS thread -or- Start a NEW Thread

Disclaimer: It's not possible to fully diagnose a finishing problem or the hazards of an operation via these pages. All information presented is for general reference and does not represent a professional opinion nor the policy of an author's employer. The internet is largely anonymous & unvetted; some names may be fictitious and some recommendations might be harmful.

If you are seeking a product or service related to metal finishing, please check these Directories: