Replying to FAQ's - Dat73z

[NewZed]

@Dat73z  If you wanted some discussion about your recent post you'll have to post in a non-FAQ section.  People can post new stuff in FAQ but nobody can reply.  It's been this way for years, not clear why nobody fixes it or at least adds a note to new posters.

 

You didn't say which u-joints were "too soft".  That would be helpful.  

 

 

 

[Dat73z]

Thanks @NewZed. Didn't realize that was a thing. Updated my post per your suggestion. 

[NewZed]

It will be interesting to see how things hold up.  Are you using MIG welding?  I assume that you are but you didn't say.

 

There should be warping at each weld spot which might affect bearing wear since the inside of each cap is essentially a bearing race.  Besides loss of heat treatment.  Not trying to be negative, just assessing the odds.  Good luck.

[Dat73z]

I am using tig as that is all I currently have available but mig would work as well with small wire. The key with the tig is to focus the arc on the cast yoke, a light dab of filler, wash the bead onto the cap then immediately get out of it and force cool. 

 

Another option could be to plate in like below and perhaps there are already washers of the correct 15mm size out there. Welding caps is apparently very common for the 4x4 guys, and they do it on high speed applications like driveshafts/axles. Worst case I already know it's easily serviceable as I had to get the poor quality joint out. I'm really hoping this bearing will last another 50 years like the original 😂 but we will see.