Welding advice.

[CJM]

Long story short, I totally frigged up my steering stem bracket on my ATV. I was trying to remove a bearing and it would not budge due to the fact I didnt see a snap ring holding it (very dirty inside), I created a horrible lip inside of the hole where the bearing goes and basically its not easily fixable. I obtained a piece of a frame for the part and managed to dissect it today doing a pretty decent job.

I probably need to fill in the one part and I honestly think Ill reinforce it as much as I can.

Doesnt seem to be much margin for error since it must be on there good. The entire steering column bolts to it and then the tie rods bolt to it and if its off the alignment will be off as well, which I can correct possibly but I rather it be on the money.


My Q is:

1. Im a decent welder, however should this kinda of thing be welded by a professional b/c its a critical part of the frame, must be centered correctly and must be welded very good. As you can see the welds are quite thick and robust as well.
See pics, tell me what you think.

2. You think I should cut the other piece off short, not trying to save it and simply grind down everything else as best as possible. I am looking to keep the frame tubes intact as much as possible.

http://i46.tinypic.com/2a9el5g.jpg

http://i49.tinypic.com/8vomip.jpg

http://i49.tinypic.com/2eulcfr.jpg
What I cut off the other frame, I think I did an ok job-it wasnt easy!

Area to fill
http://i46.tinypic.com/9rm5xe.jpg

[BruceTS]

before you cut out the original part fabricate a jig that clamps to it and outside the area your gonna weld. This way you'll be able to get the new piece aligned perfectly before welding. No need to build up that low area, you should be fine.

[CJM]

Im not exactly sure on how the jig will work, but my grandfather is a retired machinist so he should be able to help me. I was thinking of measuring the center of it and making sure I followed it.

That part thats low is easily a good 1/8 inch thinner than the rest of the material.
Even so I figure Ill also weld it on the bottom, the stock one is only welded from the top. So it should make up for that.

Thanks for the advice :)

[Robinhood4x4]

Can you put the stem back in there and use it as a jig?

[CJM]

Should be able to do that Steve, I dont see why not.

[Robinhood4x4]

Just be careful about overheating and warping the races and bearings.

[CJM]

The bearing is not in it anymore, I removed it purposely. It was bad anyways..

[Robinhood4x4]

But if you use the stem as a jig, then you would need to put the bearings back in. Afterall, that's the most important part...that the races are lined up properly with the bearings which have to line up with the stem.

[CJM]

I could shove in the cruddy bearing that I know is not good at least. I took measurements and so long as I can align it using those the rest of everything should line up right.

[CJM]

Just cut the one off the atv, did a much better job on it than the other one cause I did it differently.

First one I cut the tubes off and basically cut along the side of the tube/frame and then cut the rest of the tube in half then off the part.

This time I simply cut the top 1/8 off straight across the weld all along the piece, took half the time and was much easier. Course, i used a dremel too..should done it that way first dang it.

Next ill be putting a decent bearing in it and using the steering column to make sure its lined up. At least I got a good measurement and the piece I cut off is quite close in regards to the other one the way I cut it.

http://i45.tinypic.com/2rm3a07.jpg