Welding axle tubes???

[Kays Supply]

Is there any reason I shouldn't cut and reweld an axle tube on a trailer? I have a bent axle and have the ability to cut it and reweld it after I correct the slight bend. I just don't want to regret doing it later. I can replace the axle but this would be quicker and cheaper for me.

 

[Shield Arc]

I would make a template to duplicate the camber of the axle. You could do an open root joint weld, or insert a chill ring.

 

[tulenutn2o]

Is there any reason I shouldn't cut and reweld an axle tube on a trailer? I have a bent axle and have the ability to cut it and reweld it after I correct the slight bend. I just don't want to regret doing it later. I can replace the axle but this would be quicker and cheaper for me.

No reason not to. We have built several rear ends for our cars over the years. Try to keep the same camber as mentioned and keep wheels aligned and all should be fine.

 

[rjmack]

a lot of those axles come already bent.

might be worth a second look.

also, heat treatment might be a better solution. if you have a strongback like a w8x40 or something like that, you can weld lugs on the outboard ends to tie it down with chains and then use hydraulic jacks to straigten it out.

 

[Mace Canute]

a lot of those axles come already bent.

might be worth a second look.

also, heat treatment might be a better solution. if you have a strongback like a w8x40 or something like that, you can weld lugs on the outboard ends to tie it down with chains and then use hydraulic jacks to straigten it out.

X 2. I'd say that's a better solution than cutting and welding.

 

[mjncad]

If you do cut and weld it back together, put a sleeve over the axle joint, or a plug, or some sort of reinforcement plates to keep that axle from breaking apart under stress.

 

[tommu56]

a lot of those axles come already bent.

might be worth a second look.

also, heat treatment might be a better solution. if you have a strongback like a w8x40 or something like that, you can weld lugs on the outboard ends to tie it down with chains and then use hydraulic jacks to straigten it out.

I agree also with the second look
Were is the bend?
If its in the middle it might be the chamber built in to it.
If its out near the spindle it makes it harder to correct.

I've cut mobile home axles down for trailer axles (spare me the lectures) and used a bottle jack and chain to to put the camber back in them.

tom

 

[kevinj]

a lot of those axles come already bent.

might be worth a second look.

also, heat treatment might be a better solution. if you have a strongback like a w8x40 or something like that, you can weld lugs on the outboard ends to tie it down with chains and then use hydraulic jacks to straigten it out.

Also any decent frame or trailer shop should be able to align the axle while on the trailer.

 

[Kays Supply]

Thanks for the help. It is bent for sure. A tall curb did that for me. I have it all back together and the toe in and camber is off. I can get that close enough, I just wanted to know of any pitfalls before I went to the trouble.

 

[Craig Clayton]

Alittle late on this suggestion. The trailer is used on the ROAD which falls under the DOT. If you weld the axle perfectly and another curb jumps up and bits your axle ever again and the law just happenes to be present, you might have some explaining to do. You could be completely in the right as somebody T Bones you then the insurance looks underneath and asks for the welding cert on the job.
Use the axle off road, no rules no claims.

Craig Clayton