Welding an Axle Flange

[Pat]

Anyone know if it is advisable to weld / fill an ovaled out wheel stud hole on a lift truck axle flange that has all the threaded holes for the wheel studs. On this lift truck there are 8 holes for wheel lug bolts. We were told that no threaded inserts are allowed due to liability. They also will not put the lift back into use with just 7 of the 8 lug bolts installed.. I was wondering if the damaged hole could be welded shut, then drilled and tapped for a new lug bolt. I am not sure if the flange that the bolt holes are in is anything much harder than medium hard steel. If this is possible, what MIG wire or rods could be used that would allow the filled area to be drilled and tapped fairly easy. The flange is approx 1" thick.............thanks

[Cavalry]

Probably not proper, but I would warm up the flange with OA, weld it shut with 7018, heat again and slow cool in kitty litter. Grind smooth and drill and tap.

I have welded automotive hubs cold with no such precautions and never had an issue even after many thousands of miles of abuse.

[Pat]

Cavalry,

Thanks for the info. I will have to run the idea past the manager who is not happy about the possible $3K drive rebuild cost. I guess if they replace the axle, numerous other drive unit parts have to be replaced at the same time or they end up with an excessive wear problem.

[Ironworker709Ga]

Another option might be to find(if you can) a wheel stud the next possible size up on the axle threaded hole..a pressed in type stud like used on passenger cars and trucks...just ream or drill the hole out to the recommended size for that stud..then press the new stud in.

[Barn Owl]

High potential to warp the axle.

May be the machine shop that was going to drill out the new hole could make an oversized splined shoulder bolt with the same sized thread.

[Cavalry]

Originally Posted by Barn Owl

High potential to warp the axle.

May be the machine shop that was going to drill out the new hole could make an oversized splined shoulder bolt with the same sized thread.

I think this is wheel bolts not lugs

[Cavalry]

Originally Posted by Pat

Cavalry,

Thanks for the info. I will have to run the idea past the manager who is not happy about the possible $3K drive rebuild cost. I guess if they replace the axle, numerous other drive unit parts have to be replaced at the same time or they end up with an excessive wear problem.

A time only repair sounds like a good alternative to try. If something goes bad go to the next level

[Pat]

I understand where management would want to make sure they limit their liability. There is probably a lawyer somewhere who would try to convince a jury that a missing lug bolt was the cause of a lift truck loosing traction on a wet floor and injuring someone.

Another problem I have is the junk this particular lift truck manufacturer puts out. In my opinion there is way to many computers, sensors, and other un-needed garbage on these trucks. All they need to do is go forward and backwards, and lift and lower loads. I really believe that the only reason this manufacturer makes equipment is so they can create profit by selling parts.

[midmosandblasting]

And keep the C/O limits under Regulation. A few years ago the rules almost were changed to ban LP lift trucks inside all buildings. We were scared as there are very few 8k electric trucks out there.