Axle welding - cast?

I have replacement axle brackets (from YRM) for my defender axle. Question is, what is the axle made of / how is it made?

If it is cast, I understand the welding to be a bit more tricky. But I've not heard much about any special welding taking place on the axles.

Any advise appreciated.

Thanks

Rorie said:

I have replacement axle brackets (from YRM) for my defender axle. Question is, what is the axle made of / how is it made?

If it is cast, I understand the welding to be a bit more tricky. But I've not heard much about any special welding taking place on the axles.

Any advise appreciated.

Thanks

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Are you thinking its cast "iron" as apposed to cast steel? Axles are steel and should be approached as any other steel weld, but I would consider pre-heating the weld area and allow to cool slowly to prevent warping.

Pretty sure they are not cast they look like they are made of welded together sections of pressed mild steel sections.
Cast materials are usually brittle which would not suit an axle. The diff will be cast if you take a file to that and then the axle you will feel the difference.
I am sure you could weld it with normal mild steel rods.

Cast don't like bending or tension, both of which would be imparted by an axle.
If cast it would need to be much much much heavier or it would crack.

As above they are steel, mig or stick is fine although a hobby mig may not have enough amps

Kev12 said:

As above they are steel, mig or stick is fine although a hobby mig may not have enough amps

Click to expand...

Oh yes it does

Preparation is the key Deep groove, hot as it goes, multipass beads and it's golden, but +1 for the addition of a good bit of pre-heat and use of a fire blanket post welding to cool it slowly.

Great. Thanks for all the help!