flexi stirrups - rusty link? !

[NeverSayNever]

i have just set about cleaning my stirrups. They are the flexi type with rubber sides over a bendy link. They werent the very expensive ons like sprengers, just the the ones my local tack shop had, I think they were about £40. I have only had them a year and when cleaning them just now I lifted the rubber on the sides to find the link that moves (like a section of bike chain) is totally rusted through! Surely this is a safety issue Has anyone else had the same problem

 

[Ginge Crosby]

is it just rust, or has it actually corroded? i wouldnt be suprised at a little rust - just pop a little grease or wd40 on it. but if it has corroded i.e brittle and crumbly, then yes, i'd be worried. I have 2 pairs of these type of stirrups on both my saddles, have only cleaned one pair once and found the joint to be a little rusty but i just oiled them and they were fine.

 

[Ditchjumper2]

I always dry and oil the joints when cleaning them.

 

[NeverSayNever]

they are quite crumbly looking unfortunately, Ive had them a year and never thought to check them before Id have thought they should be stainless steel and not susceptible to rusting..