On Wed, 27 Aug 2008 18:33:28 -0400, with neither quill nor qualm,
"Carl Boyd" quickly quoth:


"Jim Chandler" wrote in message
news:rKetk.954$w51.898@trnddc01...
SCOTT wrote:
One of the control arm brackets has rusted and broken off the rear axle
housing of my car. I can make up a new bracket, but then need to weld
it to the axle housing.. The axle runs inside of this in oil-from the
differential. Can I weld to it without starting a fire? Any advice

You could probably do it without pulling the axle but my recommendation
would be to pull the axle first. Depending on what kind of car it's
usually not that difficult. that way you can drain the oil (change it
while your at it) and you will be able to see into the axle housing to
make sure nothing has happened.

I recommended pulling the axle as a way to allow wiping out the tube. The
gear oil is thick enough that a coating will remain in the tube and there is
still a chance of fire even if you drian the differential. Pulling the axle
is not that hard.

Or maybe just clean & unscrew the vent then charge the housing with
argon before welding. No fire could happen despite the presence of the
oil.

--
Smokey the Bear's rules for fire safety should apply to government:
Keep it small, keep it in a confined area, and keep an eye on it.
--John Stossel in _Myths, Lies, and Downright Stupidity_