Rusted Axle Piece

Okay so at while pulling up vines at a nearby farm that donates to food banks, I came across this small rusted... thing? I've been told it's part of the axle of a car. Supposedly there had been several wrecks on that plot. So I decided to see if I could get it to work.

I had to clean off some dirt from the main portion, and dirt from the socket. As I did this idly during a break with a twig, I didn't think to take a picture. So there's just going to be a simple diagram of where dirt was.

After carrying that around for a significant portion of the day, when I finally got home I put it into an old Tupperware container and poured white vinegar over top. I let it sit for a night, scrubbed it when I had time the following day, and let it soak again. This is a longer time span but I didn't have the time to just sit and scrub it.

Okay so for scrubbing I suggest an old tooth brush or a similar object. I went outside and scrubbed, and the majority came off fairly quickly. I had to scratch at it a couple times to start off some of the more stubborn rust. You will get dirty, and if there's anything on the metal piece that may cut you, I suggest using gloves. And having your tetanus shots up to date. Remember, rust in your blood is not pleasant. Neither is the smell. I suggest going outside if possible. My hands still smell of rust and vinegar.

The ball and socket joint (I'm unaware of the technical term, but I know that's the term anatomically) moved, but it was very stiff motion. So I decided to add in lubrication. Initially I used WD-40, however that does not have the thickness necessary for this particular object. I ended up using a small tube of gear lubricant from a old robotics kit. If you have machine lubricant, I highly suggest using that.

With a dry cloth, wipe off the piece. Now do whatever your going to do with the object. Also, be sure to put away whatever you used and throw away what you need to throw away. I'm planning on sanding down the end piece as it does have a sharp edge to it, however I don't know what tool would be used for such, or how to do so. If you have any tips on how to do so that would be awesome! I didn't get the piece completely clean, but then again I was going for seeing if I could, rather then have a use for. Have fun!