Axlehousing corrosion, to weld or not ?

[danielvoorwerk]

While refurbishing my axle i came to the (almost unavoidable?) corrosion problem in the u-bolt area.
Cleaned it and now wondering to weld, or not ?

I Will have all the axle casing sandblasted and painted after, so that Will stop the corrosion proces i suppose....
While trying to weld it, i ll take the risk of going threw the remaining metal.....[frame][/frame]

[les]

I suppose you've got two chances, if I recall correctly the metal is about 10gauge, so unless it's eaten away too much you may get away with it.

[bmcecosse]

You would need to remove the perch - cut out the paper thin rotted part - weld in a good patch without distorting the axle (so only short runs and allow to cool) and then refit the perch. Up to you if it's worth it - or just source another. Can't see the point of 'sandblasting' myself (BTW - 'sand' is not allowed by H & S) - just wire brush and prime/paint.

[philthehill]

Personally I would just look for a good axle.
By the time you have spent out on sandblasting (used as a generic term) and welding it will be nearly as cheap if not cheaper to buy a good s/h axle casing.
Here is what appears to be a good casing and very cheap at the moment.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Morris-Minor- ... SwoydWiCIX

There are several more on 'e' bay and currently all reasonably priced.
If I remember correctly there was recently a brand new axle casing for sale from club spares - may be worth enquiring.
New L/H & R/H perches are available from ESM.
http://morrisminorspares.co.uk/shop/pro ... bef2feb652

[danielvoorwerk]

Decided to do first sandblasting (and yes, they still do it with 'sand' here) and after I will see if I'll do welding or not.

Anyway I ll try to keep this axle because it's a know good one and I like to save things instead of dumping and looking for another one ;-)

Keep you updated ;-)

[smithskids]

Better to get another casing, after all you can put the same differential unit and all the other bits back in.

[danielvoorwerk]

Any thoughts about the rearwheel bearings from esm ? They seems to be very cheap....so can you folks tell me something about Quality ?

Much appreciated !

(Nb; axle Will be welded, i like the challenge ;-)

[amgrave]

I have used the wheel bearing kit from ESM came with paper gasket and large o-ring. I only changed the near side as it was leaking but so far no problems and I was surprised how easy it was to change.

[bmcecosse]

The bearings should be available locally for you - no need to order from specialised suppliers. The 'perch' in your picture has been noticeably displaced sideways....has the car been involved in an accident that would cause that ?

[philthehill]

bmc
If you are looking at the front of the perch about where the handbrake cable fixes - they are like that from new and that is why they are handed.
I personally cannot see any distortion even when I rotate the picture.
Phil

[bmcecosse]

The spare axle I have - they are nice and straight - perhaps mine is wrong....

[philthehill]

bmc
I think that your perches must be wrong or you are looking at them wrong as the new perches supplied by ESM look just like the ones on the axle in question.

http://morrisminorspares.co.uk/shop/pop ... fdc1e1e92e

Phil

[bmcecosse]

I looked again at my spare axle Phil - perch supports are at right angle to the tube - not bent over to one side as in that picture. Certainly the little bracket that holds the cable clamp is slightly angled off the perch.

[philthehill]

bmc
If you put a set square against the axle tube in the picture above the bottom of the perch is at right angles to the axle tube.
The one photo does not help - an additional photo front on would help.
Phil

[bmcecosse]

But it's been displaced sideways - you can see the 'buckle' in the RH support.

[philthehill]

bmc
That is the end of the perch where it has been welded. I can honestly say that I cannot see any distortion in the R/H Side of the perch or for that the L/H side of the perch.
A full frontal picture would be of benefit.
Phil

[bmcecosse]

I give up....

[danielvoorwerk]

[frame][/frame]

To be honest, it look,s like it IS pushed sideways on this picture too.... will take another one within a hour...I'm sure it's straight !

[danielvoorwerk]

[frame][/frame]

[danielvoorwerk]

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