Welding question

Jeeper31 · 03-31-2006, 09:50 AM

The collar on my balance shaft that holds the power steering pump broke and I would like to see if it could be welded back on. I am wondering if there are places that will weld it while it is on the car or do I have to take the whole balance shaft mount out? Any experience with this?

Thanks

Razorback1980 · Razorback1980's Garage

Hey Dan,

Do you know what type of metal this is? If it's cast aluminum, then someone with a tig welder/heliarc/even a mig welder with the right setup could do the work, but I'm not sure if they will do it that close to a fuel line or not. With the right mats and things a professional would have, they might be willing to do it. Take a picture and head to a welding shop and take the broken piece with you and see what they say. That's the only way to find out for sure.

carsontc · 03-31-2006, 11:36 AM

and don't forget to unplug the DME unit if your are welding on the car

Jmasters · 04-01-2006, 09:23 AM

its aluminum
and yes i probably could be welded, but have it TIG Welded
its much stronger of a weld
btw, i TIG weld aluminum at work building custom Intercoolers
and it would be best to take it out of the car, makes it much easier to get it welded on a bench than on the engine

Jeeper31 · 04-01-2006, 09:29 AM

I know but trying to avoid taking it out dut to time constraints. I have gotten a replacement so if I am gong to take it out to be welded i would just replace it. Trying to buy some time.

gearhead290 · 04-01-2006, 05:05 PM

You're talking about the adjustment bracket for the PS pump right? I had the same problem happen on mine many years ago, take the eyelets that go around the bolts (know what I"m talking about? They're similar to a heim joint). I then took a pipe that I cut to a certain length, you have to have it on the car to figure this out. I then used an oxy acetalyn (sp?) welder and just melted a hanger into it. The peice is awfully heavy to be aluminum, and tig welding it is overkill. This peice does not have a lot of force put on it.

Basically, any mechanics shop should be able to do this w/o a problem. If they can't do it, find a new mechanic.

Jeeper31 · 04-01-2006, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by gearhead290
You're talking about the adjustment bracket for the PS pump right? I had the same problem happen on mine many years ago, take the eyelets that go around the bolts (know what I"m talking about? They're similar to a heim joint). I then took a pipe that I cut to a certain length, you have to have it on the car to figure this out. I then used an oxy acetalyn (sp?) welder and just melted a hanger into it. The peice is awfully heavy to be aluminum, and tig welding it is overkill. This peice does not have a lot of force put on it.

Basically, any mechanics shop should be able to do this w/o a problem. If they can't do it, find a new mechanic.

Talking about this piece

that goes here

which is also here:

gearhead290 · 04-01-2006, 08:12 PM

ooo...that's aluminum. I was thinking about the adjustment peice that goes up to it. Just take it off the car and then take it somewhere people weld aluminum. What caused it to break? Stuff like that doesn't just break, there's usually a cause.