Knuckle divot repair

[freedom_in_4low]

Before I install my new Black Magic pads, I want to fix the divots in my knuckle. They're bad enough that I expect them to give me trouble, though they're better than any one of the ones I found when I looked for used replacements last time I had it apart.

I've read Unlimited04's How-To on JF but it's 11 years old and I'd love to hear any "lessons learned" from those of you that have tackled this - experienced welders welcome but I'd love to hear from some noobs like myself as well. I know I need to weld some to get familiar with my welders settings, controlling the puddle, etc..This will be my first welding project. Ever. I have a Harbor Freight 120V flux core wire welder, but to date, I have literally never struck an arc, or even loaded the wire into the welder.

https://www.harborfreight.com/welding/welders/flux-125-welder-63582.html
The scraps I have to practice on are flat bar, so I'm wondering if I need to find a piece of cast to practice on to have valid settings? Maybe even find a worn out knuckle to weld on first?

Something I noticed is that the original poster used a heat gun to preheat the knuckle. Would a propane torch heat too quickly and unevenly? Also, most of what I read about preheating cast talks about heating to 500°F but the thread says he only took it to 250°F. In the realm of welding that seems barely above room temperature. I do have an infrared thermometer so I should be able to get close enough to whatever my target should be, though I have doubts about my heat gun. All I've ever used it for was heat shrink.

 

[SvtLdr]

Yes, Unlimited 04's write-up is a great guide. I used that also when I did my repairs a few years ago. A torch will work better/ faster than a heat gun, stick with that. This will be a good 1st welding project for you because the quality of the weld isn't as crucial. In this case you're really just filling in some low spots. You'll end up grinding off 80% of what you lay down. Have fun and Good luck.

 

[MutantNinjaTJ]

You Tube is your friendly welding instructor and don't over think this particular repair, there nothing to it. One good thing about steel repair, if you screw it up, grind it off and do it again.

 

[fixmysix]

You Tube is your friendly welding instructor and don't over think this particular repair, there nothing to it. One good thing about steel repair, if you screw it up, grind it off and do it again.

Agreed. I really like weldingtipsandtricks channel. I'm like the Op, brand new to welding but after watching his instruction I feel like I could at least lay a bead decently. Check it out.

 

[Mike_H]

I repaired mine. for one, its cast steel, not iron, so welding it is much more forgiving. I used Tig with stainless rod and didn't pre-heat.

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/my-04-rubicon-build.4191/post-137593

 

[freedom_in_4low]

You Tube is your friendly welding instructor and don't over think this particular repair, there nothing to it. One good thing about steel repair, if you screw it up, grind it off and do it again.

One thing I do have going for me is I have worked for 13 years as an engineer in manufacturing environments that involved a lot of welding, so I've picked up a lot of the know-how and the principles behind it, yet I also recognize that there's a big difference between knowing how to surf and actually being able to surf.

 

[Rescue6]

One thing I do have going for me is I have worked for 13 years as an engineer in manufacturing environments that involved a lot of welding, so I've picked up a lot of the know-how and the principles behind it, yet I also recognize that there's a big difference between knowing how to surf and actually being able to surf.

You are local to me. I’d be happy to weld them for you if you want. I’m in Fountain. I’ve got mig and Tig in the garage. I probably wouldn’t do it with flux like you have it really is a porous weld if not a clean surface. I’m actually getting ready to install the BMB big brake kit myself next week.

 

[freedom_in_4low]

You are local to me. I’d be happy to weld them for you if you want. I’m in Fountain. I’ve got mig and Tig in the garage. I probably wouldn’t do it with flux like you have it really is a porous weld if not a clean surface. I’m actually getting ready to install the BMB big brake kit myself next week.

heh, I should have started this thread earlier. I literally moved from Fountain to Monument 3 weeks ago. I have everything I need to get the surface just about perfectly clean (I just cleaned the crap out of them last year to prep for paint, so now i just have to get the paint off) but if I can't get my practice welds where I want them to be, I'll let you know. Thanks for the offer!

 

[Rescue6]

heh, I should have started this thread earlier. I literally moved from Fountain to Monument 3 weeks ago. I have everything I need to get the surface just about perfectly clean (I just cleaned the crap out of them last year to prep for paint, so now i just have to get the paint off) but if I can't get my practice welds where I want them to be, I'll let you know. Thanks for the offer!

No problem just let me know if you need help. Hell if they don’t turn out I’ll have two good ones removed in a week or so. I actually am removing a set of rotors, replacement calipers, BMB pads and hub bearing units that have about 3000-3500 miles total on them when I do the big brake upgrade that I won’t need.

 

[Rick Flair]

Agreed. I really like weldingtipsandtricks channel. I'm like the Op, brand new to welding but after watching his instruction I feel like I could at least lay a bead decently. Check it out.

Hey thanks for the tip on the YT channel. It’s been wayyy to long since I welded and bought a new machine and this guy has some great tips, some I forgot and some I never knew!