I have a 3 inch mobile home axle with a damaged welded-on backing plate which I have cut off in hopes of replacing it with a welded-on flange for mounting a universal backing plate. I know the alignment of the flange is critical for the brakes to operate properly and I have read that if you can't weld this properly you should take it to a shop for accurate welding. Well, I don't want to put out more $ for an axle which, at present I have no plans to use other than to keep as a spare for a small log trailer, so having nothing to lose, I have a plan on doing it myself. So here's my approach: 1) bolt the flange to the backing plate and place this brake assembly on the axle, 2) install the hub on the spindle and tighten the spindle nut, 3) insert the brake assembly the correct amount into the hub and adjust the brakes so they lock inside the hub. Now the whole assembly (hub, flange and backing plate) should be properly aligned. Then tack-weld the flange to the axle, disassemble everything and finish welding the flange to the axle the re-assemble. Is this a reasonable approach? See pic.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/13036/2949/weld-axle_flange_op.jpg)
I've done this, just put the drum on, (pending that you're using new brakes), just snug up the shoes to touch, the weld away. It may not be perfect without putting it in a jig, but should be fine. How much will you use the brakes? If it's not a lot, you may not need to worry a lot about alignment of the shoes.
As long as all is straight and snug, go for it. weld her on :)
I would, if it aint done yet, grind the axle some where you will be welding, just to get the sutrface rust off.
Thanks, it looks like I'm on the right track 8). I'm planning to use the old half-worn brakes for setting it up and if the welding is successful purchase and install new brakes and seals. The old brakes seem to be uniformily worn so the alignment should be OK for the new brakes. You all agree?
Thanks,
Bob
It aint no race car, ;) even if you are off a little .. it will still brake, the pads have springs that hold them together ;) So don,t worry if it is off by a hair Weld it on . :)
Well, I want to thank everyone for their advice and experience because I successfully welded the flange allowing the drums to turn nicely. I did have to make one change to my proposed approach. As it turned out it is better to make slight adjustments to center the flange on the axle rather than to accept its position after locking the brakes. (On the first wheel I spot welded the flange according to my plan even though it was very slightly off center on the axle. The drum scraped when turned so I ground the weld, centered the flange, re-welded and this worked. The 2nd wheel I centered from the getgo and all was well). Now I have a nice axle just waiting for an application. Thanks again.