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Hydrogen Embrittlement of Zinc Plated Wishbones?

Q. Hello all, I know nothing about metal plating at all. I am an end user, so if I misspeak, please forgive me.

I am conflicted on if I have some parts that are safe to use. I had a full set of 8 wishbones, and 4 uprights plated with clear zinc. In the past I had the bright idea to paint the wishbones, but all that did was destroying the OEM zinc coating. I removed the rust using Evap-O-Rust, oiled them so they wouldn't rust in the mean time, and then I handed them over with the ask for a coating that will prevent future rust. I got handed back some beautiful shiny clear zinc plated metal.

The problem is after this process I learned about something called hydrogen embrittlement. Brittle wishbones sound like an extremely dangerous situation. Knowing nothing about the plating process, I called and asked. They said that they plated with clear zinc, and that since I gave them cleaned metal they didn't have to use strong acids to clean them, which is where the hydrogen would be introduced to the metal. Which all sounds great to me, but everything I read online is some variation on "It is difficult to avoid introducing hydrogen when plating zinc".

I am trying to be a good customer and not keep calling and asking the same thing that was already explained to me. My lack of understanding is making me very nervous about using the parts. My hope is that the people here can give me the insight that I need. Thank you for your time.

Ethan Ervin
End user - Asheville/North Carolina
August 28, 2025

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