I'm certainly not ax expert, but I would guess that 000 steel wool will take out the light rust.
You could use a polisher/buffer to restore a smooth finish to the shaft.

I would guess that the critical issue would be consistent shape, diameter, and finish where the seals are.

Todd
'88 Westy

 -------------- Original message ----------------------
From: Nathan Mc Blain <nmcblain@YAHOO.COM>
> List,
>   From my last posts I talked first about rebuilding my old rack.  Then I
> decided to just buy a rebuild one from the local Kragen.  I've since installed
> this steering rack and immediately it started leaking!!!  It's leaking not out
> of the main seals but where the cross tube and U shaped tube is bolted to the
> rack.  Guess that is equalizing bars?  All parts are tight and it leaks!!
>
>   For the archives: It is rebuilt by Cardone and the C in Cardone stands for
> Crap!!!  On there site
> http://www.cardone.com/English/Club/Products/Steering/default.asp they claim to
> pressure and test the racks to ensure quality...BS!!!  If these comments look
> like trashing ...they are, and well deserved.  It doesn't' help that it comes
> with a lifetime warranty because of the work to remove and install it!!!
>
>   O BTW the one quoted from Pepboys I thought was a Maval is a Mevotech FYI.
>
>   Thankfully I haven't deposited my core and so decided to go ahead and rebuild
> it.  I have most all disassembled, just doing a little each day in the evening
> and driving with the leaking Cardone.
>
>   Is anyone familiar with hydraulics systems?  The shaft is lightly scored and
> has a few small rusted spots.  Otherwise it is in great shape and actually looks
> better than the rebuilt unit.  What would be the best way to surface it to it's
> original finish?  Fine wet sandpaper, rubbing compound or something else.
>
>   TIA!!
>
>
>
>
>     Nate
>   1990 Flash Silver non GL
>   Orange County, CA
>
>
>
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