Fix or buy new steer axle?

Right and the grease cap goes on the spindle not the axle.

 

I have used axle surgeons before on two steer axle kingpin bores, quite a few a drive axle spindles and one trailer axle. The franchise I use is two brothers and they each could weld a d**k on a snowman. I usually use local spring shop on steerable lift axle if needed. Haven't had any issues with the repairs at all. Saves serious downtime and $$$. To remove welded cap, a die grinder and a good sharp deburr bit does the trick. Most all kits include new caps nowadays.

 

Axle surgeons have a line of their own parts, hubs, spindles, king pins. Being mobile, they come to you.

 

All the talk about axle surgeons. You really don’t know whether or not they’re needed, until the spindles off and if the king pin bushings are completely wore out to the point the axle has been egg holed out by the king pin. Caps welded on? Sounds like it’s a common thing. Due to bolts breaking or stripping. As stated that’s on the spindle. Makes sense since a spindle costs $1200. I would price it out both ways. Worst case scenarios, new axle vs axle surgeons doing the whole job including welding/ repairing axle.

 

Easy enough to cut that weld and install a helicoil, so you can properly bolt the cap on, Like it should have been done to start with, that has zero to do with the actual axle. steer axles are by no means cheap.
Easy enough to also check the wear in the king pins, to see if they are even needed.

 

Good deal, I just changed king pins in mine and made the first trip, she seems to be cured, it had just a little bounce right at 55 before.