Fender Jazz truss rod rusted in place

[Katamari]

I just discovered my father's 5 string Jazz hidden within the murky depths of his basement. It's somewhat aged, with the truss rod allen wrench thing in the head. But unlike fine wine, age has not helped this lovely bass, and the truss rod is rusted in place. Badly.

The neck is bent forward so that the middle of the fretboard has nigh unplayable action, while being low enough to buzz on the first and last several frets. It's an amount of bend that normally a truss rod adjustment would fix easily, but, you know, rust.

As far as I know, anything strong enough to take rust off of metal is going to damage the wood, which I obviously don't want. Is there anything that could be used to fix this? Thanks!

 

[john grey]

Try WD40 and let it soak (ON JUST THE STEEL obviously). Navel jelly is caustic and I understand your concern. Get a wrench that is made for it (of course) and work it a little at a time. What is a concern is using so much force that you unseat the Truss-rod. A penitrent like WD40 might work if you work in one direction then another (keeping the twists in about 1/4 of a completed revolution).
Frankly I would take the neck off for this as you can control the spread of the oil & get a better grip on the nut. Take your time (consider overnight) and let the WD40 seep into the threads.

 

[Rockmusician]

PB Blaster is also very good. I'm not sure if it will harm wood or painted surfaces but I know many mechanics who use it to loosen bolts on cars and trucks. You can probably contact the manufacturer and see if it is safe to use.

 

[96tbird]

WD40 is mainly fish oil, with some mineral, and petroleum. It will not harm car paint and I wouldn't worry about your finish. Even if it gets into the wood, it will be fine. But paint it on, don't spray it.

 

[JOE EDO]

If this dosen't work nothing will!

Amazon.com: Kano Kroil Penetrating Oil, 8 oz. liquid (KROIL): Automotive

I use this on custom guitars, long guns and handguns. It has yet to fail to free up a rusted on part. When you do get that truss rod working, remember to put some anti-sieze compound on the threads.

 

[Oren Hudson]

You need a product called Kroil. It's mail order only but works great on many situations. I first learned of it researching rusty spark plugs when I broke one off in the block on a car that had sat for a very long time. I sprayed Kroil in the other plugs and they came right out. I've also used it on truss rods, garage door springs etc. It's known as a creeping oil since it will eventually work its way down, through, around your part(s) and is a better lube and protectant and lasts way longer than WD40 ever thought about.

 

[georgestrings]

Yeah, PB Blaster and Kroil are the 2 best penetrating oils I've ever used - I've been working on Harleys for over 30 years, FWIW... I used Kroil on the trussrod nuts on a '78 4001 that I picked up - they looked pretty nasty, but the Kroil worked... Time is your friend when using these oils - overnight, or longer *should* get good results...


- georgestrings

 

[Katamari]

Thanks everyone! I will try out the Kroil, hopefully it'll do the job.

 

[Pilgrim]

Kroil is very good stuff! Be aware that it has a distinctive smell, so don't soak things with it. Patience is your friend...let it work for days, not hours.

 

[Rocky McD]

Set the neck upright so that a small drop of Kroll, directly on the top of the nut, can run downwards into the threads. Let it sit at least 24 hrs. Rock the nut back and forth with a wrench that fits tightly,1/8th of a turn or less. If the nut does not break loose, repeat the entire procedure another 24 hrs. Remember, too much pressure and the truss rod will snap off or you will strip the wrench socket, either is a bad situation.