Removing rust from inside bars

I got some cheap nerf bars (tubes) through Amazon. I know- you get what you pay for... I just wanted my younger kid to be able to step up into the Taco. 6 months and I'm getting rusty water coming out of the plastic step cover. I'm wondering if there's a way to remove the rust from inside there. I was thinking of trying to clean it out and then filling the bars with self-expanding foam. I'll coat the hell out of them with veggie oil so it's an "easy" clean up of extra foam, but I figure that should keep more water from getting in.
There isn't a large opening to get a brush or anything in. Just like 1/4" holes that the steps press-fit into. And obviously- water goes into...
Thanks for any help.

 

Sand blast the inside then paint or coat?

 

There's like 8 1/4" holes in the top of the bars. No other access into them.

 

Just spray fluid film inside them

 

Buy SS nerf bars. My plain steel set rusted out in 6 years or so.

 

Already filed my way out of those bars. ;-)

 

if they are cheapo steps I’d just fill whatever access holes with fluid film and rock em til they fall apart then get a new set.

and block off those top access holes with good rubber plugs

expanding foam will kill em faster

 

Not doubting you, but just wondering- how would expanding foam kill them faster?

And will Fluid Film get rid of the existing rust, or just keep more rust from forming?
Thanks.

 

It would be like capillary action, instead of blocking off the walls of the tubing from water, any water would just suck up along the tiny gap between foam and metal and sit there and rot out your steps faster. And any other water may find it’s way into the foam since it’s porous. No amount of heat would ever fully dry it out.

A coating like fluid film excludes water from the metal surface entirely.

 

Trap moisture

 

Thanks!

 

Evapo-Rust. Check it out.

 

I would use Ospho rust neutralizer, Eastwood primer, Eastwood internal frame protector and for good measure Amsoil heavy duty metal protector. I use this regime on my frame maintenance. My.02. Naturally follow all directions and use proper safety gear.
Rust never sleeps

 

If the only holes are on the top, i’d prob drill a couple of water drain holes on the bottom and then Fluid Film the inside of the tubes.

 

Yep, drill some drain holes, swab them out once in a year or so. They will last Ya a good while probably and if not...Ya tried.