Welding to a rear axel tube. Can you?

[vping]

While under the roadster, I noticed that one of the rebound straps was not there. The reason was the stud the is welded horizontally to the body of the axel tube is missing. I can fabricate a new one or cut off from my spare but can I weld it in place without doing damage to what is inside the tube, namely the axels and fluid?

 

[piman]

Hello Vping,

certainly there will be no effect on the axle (shaft?) as it is a long way from the tube. I would imagine there will be some local burning off of the oil but I would not anticipate any real problem.

Alec

 

[Steve_S]

Moss sells the peg, ready to weld. No problem welding but make sure you don't have any fuel leaks! Keep a fire extinguisher handy.

 

[vping]

If I'm doing the rear suspension bushings, I may make it a full out project. I also noticed a kink in one brake line. When I have it all down & out, I'll weld it, paint it and redo all the brakes. All freshly painted parts and a reassembly.

 

[Steve_S]

That's exactly what I did, only without the strap mount replacement. A quick brake pipe replacement turned into a complete rear end restoration.

Before and after...

 

[vping]

You POR'd everything right?
Did you take the leaves apart?

 

[GB1]

Vince

them look like new springs

Pat

 

[Steve_S]

That axle was spray painted and the springs were replaced. I did POR15 the axle from, another car. Had I known about POR15 was back when I did the first one , I would have used it.

 

[vping]

Ahh yes I see the lables now. Is replacing recommended over refurbishing?

 

[Steve_S]

Only if the springs are worn out. If the old springs are still holding the car as the proper height and there are no broken leaves, I would continue to use them. Modern replacements can be a real pain because htey're never matched properly.

 

[vping]

I think it is still at the proper height but how would you tell for sure?

 

[Steve_S]

Measure from the ground to the side molding center. Someone double check me on this but I believe stock height for a CB car is around 13.5".

 

[pwlester]

If you are arc welding a differential try to be sure the ground clamp is close to the weld and not where the current will go through a bearing as this will destroy the bearing. You guys may already know this but some of us learned it the hard way

 

[vping]

Measuring from the ground to the CL of the molding is 25 1/4". From CL of wheel to CL of molding is 14 1/2".

Are you sure about the 13 1/2" Steve? Am I doing something wrong?

PW. That is good advice that I did not know. I will keep this in mind.

 

[Steve_S]

Oops, I meant from hub center to strip center. I'm not positive about the 13.5". My second thought was 14.5" but I just can't remember exactly. If it's where you want it then the actual number doesn't matter much.

 

[vping]

So then if the 14 1/2 is good I am spot on. But wouldn't that number change depending on tire size? Or is that minimal?

 

[Steve_S]

It won't change by tire size because you aren't measuring from the ground.

 

[vping]

True true now I have a visual. Duh. So I am within range. Good.