Welding to a strut, concerns/issues?

[-GT-]

Hey guys, my swaybar mount has snapped off one of my rear struts, and i'm just wondering if there's anything i should be wary of when welding it back on? I've had a search and turned up a few threads discussing the weld on coilover kits etc, but found no mention of things to do/not do when actually welding.

I've got access to a mig, but before i start want to confirm if there's any risk of damaging my konis for instance, if i do it with the strut still assembled? Or should i pull everything out of the strut?

Was just thinking about heat + gas shocks = ???

I can pull it apart if need be, but wasn't sure whether this was one of those things i worry about but everyone else says will be fine?

Thanks guys

[Hiro]

From what people have told me regarding welding to AE102 struts (the rear pickup points for the swaybar apparently snap easily on aftermarket ones) you need to chuck a heatsink of some kind on there to stop the oil in the strut boiling and then exploding. No idea on particulars, but it's better to be same than sorry.

[TooF]

i would probaly be looking at removing the dampener and filling the strut tube with water and try to keep the welding to a min to keep the heat down

[Ben Wilson]

I'd definately want to remove the insert, but it shouldn't be a major issue.

Just do the usual, make sure everything is clean and you have a decent weld channel to fill with weld and all should be good.

[-GT-]

Ok, cool. Would there be any benefit from trying to get hold of a tig? Would the reduction in heat be worthwhile chasing? Not sure i can get one though.

[Ben Wilson]

I'd take a TIG over a MIG any time - but I love TIGs....

[-GT-]

Yeah, me too, but i can't be a chooser, got to go with what my mates have got

I've just found out the communal spring compressors have gone walkabout, this is getting more difficult... Might have to resort to taking the struts to a shop

[CLG]

A TIG will throw much more heat into the weld than a MIG, if thats what you're concerned with?! A Mig will be fine.

[-GT-]

So as long as i can get my hands on some spring compressors this arvo i'll be fine. Thanks guys

Edit: Rep all round, except for you Ben, your help with my bolt spec question is still too recent.

[kugzs]

You might want to speak with the rta about welding a strut. I know they wont let you cut and weld a stut so they might have a problem with welding a strut even if its a repair.

[-GT-]

Its only re-tacking a mounting tab onto the body of it, surely there'd be no problem with that? I'm pretty sure the workshop that installed my konis had to cut and shut my struts anyway, because the originals are replacement struts not inserts?

Actually, is this likely to cause any issues with me disassembling it? They wouldn't have welded anything in i now want to get out would they??

[Ben Wilson]

Edit: Rep all round, except for you Ben, your help with my bolt spec question is still too recent.

I guess I'll have to find other people to help then

[-GT-]

No, wait! I'll spread my love around, i promise!

[bobob]

When you have your suspension appart, could you please snap a few pics.

I have been thinking about how to convert my AE82 from replacement struts to inserts!

[-GT-]

Ok, i'm putting a call out - has anyone got some spring compressors i could borrow this evening???

I need to do this tonight as i've got a track day at the creek on thursday and i just found out i have to go to goulburn for work tomorrow! Help me get to my 1st day at eastern creek!