Welding a gimbal housing yay or nay?

[Chevyls6]

So i've got this gimbal housing all ready to swap into my boat but it's cracked right where the U joint bellows mount. Anyone have success welding these things? It's only in the lip that supports the bellows not the structural part for the gimbal bearing.

 

[alldodge]

It's only in the lip that supports the bellows not the structural part for the gimbal bearing.

Have not tried, but if its only in that area, roll the dice

Personnel thought, is if it broke, I would replace it

 

[Rick Stephens]

If was mine and I could get it clean, I'd weld it. But that is how I make a living. There is no significant structural load there except the bearing housing.

 

[Bondo]

If was mine and I could get it clean, I'd weld it. But that is how I make a living. There is no significant structural load there except the bearing housing.

Ayuh,..... Gettin' it clean enough is no doubt the 1st issue,......
'n considerin' how hard it is sometimes to get the bellows to stay on, grindin' it out to it's original spec's, will be where some real talent will be required,....

 

[racerone]

Welding of aluminum castings often distorts them.-----Not something you can detect.-----Any pictures of the crack / damage?

 

[tank1949]

I have TIGed aluminum and SS. The thinner the metal the more warp. I am a do-it-yourselfer and not a professional welder like Rick. I'd go on line and see if you can find a good used one. Old Alphas were easy to find on line, but Bravos not so much.

 

[racerone]

A product like ----LUMIWELD-----Might work.-----It is much like brazing.----The parent aluminum does not melt.----Thus there is less risk of warpage.

 

[tank1949]

A product like ----LUMIWELD-----Might work.-----It is much like brazing.----The parent aluminum does not melt.----Thus there is less risk of warpage.

Not familiar with product, but that yoke will experience a lot of RPMs and vibrations.

 

[Chevyls6]

The ebay seller i got it from gave me a refund so there's no need to fix this housing.

I have seen those aluminum brazing rods but have never tried one. I always use my ac/dc tig but it usually produces ugly results on old dirty castings.

 

[tank1949]

The ebay seller i got it from gave me a refund so there's no need to fix this housing.

I have seen those aluminum brazing rods but have never tried one. I always use my ac/dc tig but it usually produces ugly results on old dirty castings.

yeah, TIG welding and saltwater contaminated aluminum don't play well together. I wish there was a soaking or spray solution to eliminate the salt..