Getting broken aluminum tube out of stainless sleeve

[RobertB]

If the PO really did solder aluminum to stainless steel, then that is a pretty good trick. Not sure how this could be done. I believe this is either corrosion or adhesive bonding. Note, welding means fusing two like materials. Soldering using an intermediate material. I have never heard of anyone jointing aluminium to steel in either way (but there is always something new to learn). If you manage to get the inner aluminium tubing out, heat will give the answer. If nothing happens - corrosion. If you see something melts - soldering. If things just burn - then adhesive.

[yukonbob]

> you might be good to order a set of shrouds as well

I was checking those out. No broken strands and they look good but yes with a light rust coating in places. If I get new ones how long do you guys experience they get like this? Does everyone usually replace if they get rust? I'd think that means all of you are replacing the shrouds every 2 or 3 years or so?

Doesn't matter if you can't see broken strands. Your shrouds should be shiny not dull, look lose and rust coloured. Like i said if the middle of your cable is looking like that there may be far worse corrosion in your fittings on each end hidden inside where you can't see; they trap water and salt and create stress points. Also if there is surface corrosion (which could also be inside corrosion leaching out and drying on the surface) it is almost for certain going on inside amongst the inner strands as well which are the 'meat and potatoes' of the cable.

I also keep my old set around for 'just in case' I do have a brand new spare set now and am thinking about turning the old ones into new life lines as ours are opening up and look rough.