4 Wheeler tire rim.

[Bluesman]

Kid brought in a 4 wheeler tire rim today and wanted to see if I could repair a crack in it with an airtight weld. It is an aluminum rim, not sure of the exact alloy composition. I have some aluminum filler rods and a Weldall 160pi. Is this something I should attempt or not? He said it didn't matter if we screwed it up cause he can't use it like it is anyway. I have had some success with aluminum tig welding just practicing but haven't tried it on something that mattered yet.

I am curious as to whether I can do it WITHOUT filler rod or will the filler be necessary? My welds look a hell of a lot better when I use MINIMAL to none at all when it comes to filler rods. I know that in some instances a fusion weld without filler will work but don't know if this is one of those instances or not.

I guess I need some chiming in from some of you "ol timers" lol, and "new timers" as well if you got more experience than me!

Appreciate any suggestions or advice.

[INSANITY]

Got any photos? I'd like to see the crack before making any suggestions

But most likely you would want to open up the crack by beveling it out so you get good penitration, use filler rod and lay some puddles in that baby.

Aaron

[Bluesman]

Got any photos? I'd like to see the crack before making any suggestions

But most likely you would want to open up the crack by beveling it out so you get good penitration, use filler rod and lay some puddles in that baby.

Aaron

I'm about to go look at it up close and will try to put some photos up.

---------- Post added at 10:11 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:43 AM ----------

I uploaded a pic to the gallery cause I don't know how to post directly from my crackberry cause I don't know the url of the pic.

[gilly]

According to welding tips and tricks,he said that if you weld without the filler it is subject to crack,and he showed an example of it.I'll take his word for it.

[oneeyedmac]

Wouldn't it unbalance the rim pretty bad?

[Bluesman]

According to welding tips and tricks,he said that if you weld without the filler it is subject to crack,and he showed an example of it.I'll take his word for it.

That is good enough for me then. Besides, it is on the back side of the wheel so my gorilla tit welds (hopefully not THAT bad) won't show. :P

Wouldn't it unbalance the rim pretty bad?

It is just a utility 4 wheeler used for mud/trail riding so I don't think it will cause a whole lot of imbalance issues.

---------- Post added at 01:14 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:42 AM ----------

Just posted up the pics after I welded them. It was NO picnic trying to figure out how to set the machine and I still don't think I had it set just perfect but it took a lot of going back over on some of the gorilla welds to help smooth them out. For some reason I could get a puddle started but when I tried to add filler I would muck up. Don't know if it was just because it was a tight and awkward position in that seam or if I'm just not practiced up good on tig yet. But anyhow, I got it done and after a good bit of grinding to machine it back to match the rest of the rim and some flap disc treatment to smooth things out, I am pleased with the outcome.

[BradBlazer]

Looks good. Does the bead seal okay?

[tigqk]

Not enough heat.I have a 200PI and I have to watch the balance or preheat.

[KHK]

Looks good to me...

[rustycase]

Rims can obviously be welded, but it's one of those things...

I'd have the client sign a piece of paper saying you don't advise welding a thing which could be used in a hi-speed stress situation and will accept no liability and the client must accept ALL liability for that repair himself.

Basically it's worthless, but is something to wave at people when he does smash it again.

rc