Front end freshen up. How do I stop the surface rust?

[Palmetto]

I've just bought a set of Meyle lower arms and steering arms and droplinks etc to do a freshen up on my Z3. I did this a couple of years ago on my wifes E36 with the same Meyle products.

That is currently off the road, and having the rear end refreshed, and a lot of welding. It's done about 5k since the work at the front. The droplinks and all the silver bits (the circular bit under the ball joint, and the steering arm spacers) are all covered in surface rust.

I would have thought a quality part would have a bit more protection. What can I do so it doesn't happen with my Z?

 

[mrscalex]

I can confirm that's normal if somewhat disappointing behaviour even for Meyle. I usually repaint my steering and suspension parts with some extra coats of paint.

 

[Palmetto]

I can confirm that's normal if somewhat disappointing behaviour even for Meyle. I usually repaint my steering and suspension parts with some extra coats of paint.

I suspected as much. I'm going to paint the main body with a couple of coats of Por 15.