im not sure if this should go in the beginner forum or the wrenching forum seeing as it is a beguinner wrenching question but here it goes.

Iv got an old Trek from when i was a good bit younger that iv decided to fix up and sell for a small amount of money. Id mainly like to use the opportunity to learn some wrenching. Anyways i was wondering if a rusted chain and cassette can be fixed up or if both those simply had to be replaced if rusted. Im thinking that the cassette might be able to be scrubbed with steel wool and then apply a type of sealant. anyways id love to know what can be done.

If it were me, I'd replace the chain. The cassette will probably clean up nicely, especially if you take it apart & steel wool the the cogs seperately. When you're finished cleaning the cogs, spray them with WD-40 & wipe them down lightly. This will prevent them from rusting again immediately

Iv got an old Trek from when i was a good bit younger that iv decided to fix up and sell for a small amount of money. Id mainly like to use the opportunity to learn some wrenching. Anyways i was wondering if a rusted chain and cassette can be fixed up or if both those simply had to be replaced if rusted. Im thinking that the cassette might be able to be scrubbed with steel wool and then apply a type of sealant. anyways id love to know what can be done.

If it's just surface rust, then oiling and cleaning will be fine. If the rust has penetrated the chain surface, then a new chain is a good idea.

thanks for the responses. iv given it a closer look this afternoon and it looks like the cassette will clean up nicely but the chain looks pretty much shot. Last question. can i remove teh chain without a chain tool? obviously park tools website didnt have anything to say about doing it toolless :rolleyes:

thanks for the responses. iv given it a closer look this afternoon and it looks like the cassette will clean up nicely but the chain looks pretty much shot. Last question. can i remove teh chain without a chain tool? obviously park tools website didnt have anything to say about doing it toolless :rolleyes:

You can use a hacksaw or bolt cutters, but you'll still need a chain tool to put the new one on.....

Chain tools are inexpensive. I'd take the chain off and put it on a bench grinder that has a wire brush on it. Then I would soak it in liquid penetrating oil.