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Front drive axle torsion bar mount cracked and leaking oil

Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by mile marker 27, Aug 22, 2025 at 6:52 PM.

  1. Aug 22, 2025 at 6:52 PM #1
    mile marker 27

    mile marker 27 Road Train Member

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    Who ever welded this, did an extremely chincy job. Truck has a peterbilt airtrak suspension. Evidently there’s been some troubles in this area before. I’m a pretty competent welder and this job can be done with thorough cleaning and prep, a 7018 rod or a mig welder, with good heat. Should I remove the torsion bar when welding or leave it with or without suspension aired up? IMG_7020.jpeg IMG_7021.jpeg
     
    mile marker 27, Aug 22, 2025 at 6:52 PM
    mile marker 27, Aug 22, 2025 at 6:52 PM
    #1
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  3. Aug 22, 2025 at 7:27 PM #2
    AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    Probably requires high nickle electrodes and pre/post heat. I would be seeking out welding repair process information from the manufacturer of the axle before just laying down some 7018 and hoping it sticks because that's probably what the last guy did by the looks of it.

    Definitely beyond the skill of the average backyard DIY'er IMO.
     
    AModelCat, Aug 22, 2025 at 7:27 PM
    AModelCat, Aug 22, 2025 at 7:27 PM
    #2
    Oxbow and mile marker 27 Thank this.
  4. Aug 22, 2025 at 7:55 PM #3
    BoxCarKidd

    BoxCarKidd Road Train Member

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    Do you thank all that gobbing was done at one time? I doubt it. Then my concern is the structure is compromised, spider webbed, and would keep coming back like it probably has. Then gobbed and recobbed. It is hard to repair structure with welding. I would remove the the bracket and grind it flat. Weld the bad spots and grind it flat. Put a slight amount of air in the vent fitting and spray soapy water on the area. Keep at it until there are no bubbles. Then make a plate a little larger than damaged area and weld it up. Then weld the bracket back on. JMO.
     
    BoxCarKidd, Aug 22, 2025 at 7:55 PM
    BoxCarKidd, Aug 22, 2025 at 7:55 PM
    #3
    201, Oxbow and mile marker 27 Thank this.
  5. Aug 22, 2025 at 8:00 PM #4
    mile marker 27

    mile marker 27 Road Train Member

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    The ole grinder is gonna remove all the bird turds, just so I can see what kinda crack(ing) I’m up against. Fortunately it’s just stamped steel and as long as it’s clean(and that’s probably the most critical aspect) it will weld up fine. Worst case, as you stated, remove the bracket put a good piece of steel under it, weld it, then weld the bracket. I’m seeing some possible gussets used as well.
     
    mile marker 27, Aug 22, 2025 at 8:00 PM
    mile marker 27, Aug 22, 2025 at 8:00 PM
    #4
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