I have my steering box off...

[k5freak44]

Hey guys, i just took off my steering box and i have some questions.

What is the best way to find cracks?

I only have one crack for sure, but there are some deep gouges thast im not sure what they are.

Could this nasty DW im getting be from a bad power steering pump?

When i took my box off the fluid smelled dreadful.

Oh and whats a good size hole to do at each end of my crack before i weld it?\

Any good welding techniques?

Thanks guys

Jon

 

[sweetk30]

wire brush and brake cleaner . this will remove lots of crap. then look over good. if needed post pics we will help ya.

 

[PsychoticDeadGuy]

what method of welding can you do? i would say to make a groove all the way down the crack and TIG weld it...

 

[Greg72]

For good weld penetration you will want to "V" out the crack before welding and make sure it's nice clean metal so it doesn't contaminate. I'm sure a MIG would be just fine for the repair.

BTW -> You didn't mention it, but I really HOPE you are taking this opportunity to also add the weld-in steering box brace and the triangulating bracket on the rear side. The current crack is your "wake up call"...even a competent repair is likely to crack again if you don't add some additional beef. The steering box area is a notoriously weak area on the K5s.... fix it right, and fix it ONCE.

 

[k5freak44]

i bought a bolt on brace from a ck5 member so i hopefully will be crackless in the future.

i only welded one crack, the only one i found. I used a cutting wheel to V out the crack and i welded it, and ground it smoothe.

 

[Jagged]

Hate to hijack, but I have a question relating to this; has anyone had any success with stop-drilling, as opposed to the 'V' cut?

Only reason I ask is our structures guys in the AF use stop-drilling to prevent cracks in airframe structures from progressing.

 

[mattm]

would stick welding be alright for this. and what size hole to drill. I 've got the same crack

 

[TrcksR4ME]

Hate to hijack, but I have a question relating to this; has anyone had any success with stop-drilling, as opposed to the 'V' cut?

Only reason I ask is our structures guys in the AF use stop-drilling to prevent cracks in airframe structures from progressing.

Considering the cracks are from the box trying to come off the frame, I think stop-drilling will not be effective.