Help with Rusty Axle Mounts - Weld?

**manic** · 21st April 2013, 03:36 PM

I got the rear axle off and went at it with a grinder to see what lies beneath the filth and rust.

I'm trying to clean up the axle and restore it with the least amount of expense possible by doing it all myself. But I cannot weld, so I was hoping it was just a case of clear off surface rust and fresh paint...

I found that the spring mounts have corroded through and one of the shock mounts has an extra hole in it.

Spring mount left (a nice rounded pit of rot in the middle)

Spring mount right (same)

I think the spring mounts are done for? A thick layer of rusted metal came off the full surface area of both, so even outside the pit the metal is a lot thinner than it probably should be. I could order in replacements and find someone to cut off the old and weld on the new.

Shock mount right (seems to be pretty solid apart from the 2-5mm area around the unwanted hole)

I'm not sure about the shock mount bracket - could I just cut out the effected area and have a patch welded in, or replace the whole thing with new bracket? Prefer to save on cost if safe to do so. I'm also worried about exact positioning when welding on a new bracket, how much tolerance is there - a few mm out and the suspension set up suffers?

Opinions appreciated. I've no idea how much a welder would charge to chop and change the brackets.

If there is anyone on here around Melbourne who can cut off old brackets and weld on new brackets (super easy like) I could bring the axle round and part with some cash/beer!

.... otherwise I'm on the lookout for a 'metal workshop'(?) around S.E Burbs.

**manic** · 8th May 2013, 01:36 PM

Axle brackets came in the post today.. one spring bracket missing!
I have to wait at least another week for the missing one to arrive from UK... Grrr. I decided to get both shock mounts in case it's easier to replace than repair.

I've covered the bare metal with a coat to stop surface rust undoing my hard work. I left the brackets bare for chop and weld.

I've not found someone to do the welding yet, so if anyone can point me in a good direction - that would be a great help