Starting in 1973 Formula One rules forbid chrome plating of steel suspension parts. The electroplating
process had been proven to substantially worsen a phenomena known as hydrogen embrittlement.
Hydrogen atoms are diffused throughout all steel alloys, and various manufacturing processes can
cause them to migrate, become concentrated, and build-up in in pressure to the point where cracks
start from within. Since the problem is worse with chrome plating than other finishing operations
(including nickel plating), Formula One rules singled chrome plating out.