User Panel
User Panel
User Panel
|
Posted: 5/3/2015 3:05:52 PM EDT
[#1]
I don't do either to weld on the Ranger.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 5/3/2015 3:11:30 PM EDT
[#2]
I would unhook the battery. Probably not needed, but better safe than sorry.
Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile |
|
|
|
Posted: 5/3/2015 3:16:47 PM EDT
[#3]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I would unhook the battery. Probably not needed, but better safe than sorry. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile This. |
|
|
|
Posted: 5/3/2015 3:18:37 PM EDT
[#4]
I never worried about such things....and in all the years at the autoshop...never had a catastrophe or problem.
The only problem I see is that if your control arm is hosed out....get a different one. |
|
|
|
Posted: 5/3/2015 3:19:14 PM EDT
[#5]
How long does it take and how much does it cost to disconnect a battery ?
How long does it take and how much does it cost to replace an ECM ? Better safe than sorry. |
|
|
|
Posted: 5/3/2015 3:23:54 PM EDT
[#6]
A friend was welding on a golf cart, about 30 seconds in to it the battery blew up...so I always spend the 15 seconds to pull the negative off the battery.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 5/3/2015 3:24:24 PM EDT
[#7]
I have welded on several trucks over the years and never disconnected anything.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 5/3/2015 3:26:53 PM EDT
[#8]
What kind of vehicle?
I'm just curious of the style of ball joint. That could end very badly for the driver. |
|
|
|
Posted: 5/3/2015 3:26:58 PM EDT
[#9]
Aren't you supposed to put the "ground" clamp as close to the spot to weld anyway?
You know, path of least resistance, or something like that. |
|
|
|
Posted: 5/3/2015 3:29:02 PM EDT
[#10]
I almost never do, just keep the ground clamp close to the work.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 5/3/2015 3:33:38 PM EDT
[#11]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
This. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
I would unhook the battery. Probably not needed, but better safe than sorry. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile This. Yep.... |
|
|
|
Posted: 5/3/2015 3:34:49 PM EDT
[#12]
Exhaust shops weld on cars everyday without disconnecting anything.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 5/3/2015 3:35:55 PM EDT
[#13]
I would probably buy a new control arm.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 5/3/2015 3:37:18 PM EDT
[#14]
I always disconnected the battery to be safe.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 5/3/2015 3:37:35 PM EDT
[#15]
Its never a bad idea to disconnect .... it takes little effort - is free - could save a big $ PITA $
|
|
|
|
Posted: 5/3/2015 3:39:10 PM EDT
[#16]
It's not a problem to weld without disconnecting them. It I would just because it's easy enough for a little insurance. I'm sure you have a rubber or poly pushing insulating the arm from the frame.
A better question is why are you welding to a balljoint? |
|
|
|
Posted: 5/3/2015 3:39:19 PM EDT
[#17]
I dont. Some cars have volatile memory that dies off when the bat is disconnected. May have to relearn idle, and losing my stereo settings is inconvenient.
If you dont have the ground clamp at the other end of the car it will be fine lol. |
|
|
|
Posted: 5/3/2015 3:39:40 PM EDT
[#18]
Your vehicle or someone else?
Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile |
|
|
|
Posted: 5/3/2015 3:44:55 PM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I would probably buy a new control arm. I would see if an oversized ball joint in available for the vehicle first. Moog makes larger ball joints for many applications and the are about the same price as a standard ball joint. . I ran into this issue when replacing my ball joints and using an oversized ball joint was cheapest and easiest way to go. ETA: Here is a bulletin explaining the oversized ball joints http://www.moogproblemsolver.com/_pdf_en1/MOOG_PS_Bulletin_29009_K8695T006_En.pdf |
|
|
|
Posted: 5/3/2015 3:59:59 PM EDT
[#20]
99 chevy suburban. New ball joint with loose fit. Just welded it in place. Next time will buy a new arm. Good to go.
Disconnected battery before starting the job. Truck fired right up afterwards. Job is done. |
|
|
|
Posted: 5/3/2015 4:02:45 PM EDT
[#21]
How about disconnect the battery and place your ground clamp on the ground wire of the battery. Then everyones happy right?
|
|
|
|
Posted: 5/3/2015 4:13:03 PM EDT
[#22]
I'm glad it went ok for you. I disconnect the battery just to be safe. The main thing it to have the ground clamp close to where you are welding.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 5/3/2015 5:57:12 PM EDT
[#23]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I almost never do, just keep the ground clamp close to the work. |
|
|
|
Posted: 5/3/2015 7:21:48 PM EDT
[#24]
Standard protocol in my former fab shop was to disconnect all batteries on anything being welded on.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 5/3/2015 7:33:41 PM EDT
[#25]
|
|
|
|
Posted: 5/3/2015 7:38:47 PM EDT
[#26]
Welded on all types of machinery with way more expensive electronics than an ECM, never disconnected anything, never a problem.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 5/3/2015 8:28:47 PM EDT
[#27]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Exhaust shops weld on cars everyday without disconnecting anything. Yep. They'll weld pipe inches away from the O2 sensors without a care in the world. |
|
|
|
Posted: 5/3/2015 9:20:18 PM EDT
[#28]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Aren't you supposed to put the "ground" clamp as close to the spot to weld anyway? You know, path of least resistance, or something like that. Not necessarily. There has been instances on Air tractor airframe repairs where the arc has "jumped" across the engine bearings on a PT6. Seizing the bearing, and requiring and engine overhaul. That's why most airframe repairs on them call for oxy fuel welds if the engine is on the aircraft. |
|
|
|
Posted: 5/3/2015 11:16:00 PM EDT
[#29]
Disconnect the battery. It seems when you weld on something with the battery still connected it drains it the few times I have seen it happen.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 5/3/2015 11:20:48 PM EDT
[#30]
Quoted:
Need to weld a ball joint that has a loose fit to a lower control arm. All I have is a Lincoln Mig / wire feed welder. Disonnect battery and Im good or should I remove the harness to the ECM also? It would be good to disconnect the battery... Such is SOP It would be better to get a new control arm. If the fix you are preparing doesn't work, the control arm could break and send you careening off a cliff. You won't be thinking, "damn I wish I would have disconnected the battery" as you fly at terminal velocity towards youre most certain demise. 
|
|
|
|
Posted: 5/3/2015 11:30:35 PM EDT
[#31]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
99 chevy suburban. New ball joint with loose fit. Just welded it in place. Next time will buy a new arm. Good to go. Disconnected battery before starting the job. Truck fired right up afterwards. Job is done. You may not have fried any ECUs but I think your new ball joint may not last. The residual heat from the welding baked it. You just melted a fair amount of steel right onto it... If it's a beater and doesn't get used much maybe it's no big deal. But ball joints are kind of important. A fresh grease purge wouldn't be a bad idea. |
|
|
|
Posted: 5/3/2015 11:32:24 PM EDT
[#32]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I would see if an oversized ball joint in available for the vehicle first. Moog makes larger ball joints for many applications and the are about the same price as a standard ball joint. . I ran into this issue when replacing my ball joints and using an oversized ball joint was cheapest and easiest way to go. ETA: Here is a bulletin explaining the oversized ball joints http://www.moogproblemsolver.com/_pdf_en1/MOOG_PS_Bulletin_29009_K8695T006_En.pdf Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: I would probably buy a new control arm. I would see if an oversized ball joint in available for the vehicle first. Moog makes larger ball joints for many applications and the are about the same price as a standard ball joint. . I ran into this issue when replacing my ball joints and using an oversized ball joint was cheapest and easiest way to go. ETA: Here is a bulletin explaining the oversized ball joints http://www.moogproblemsolver.com/_pdf_en1/MOOG_PS_Bulletin_29009_K8695T006_En.pdf Welding on a possibly cast piece sounds like a great idea.....ermm maybe not. |
|
|
|
Posted: 5/3/2015 11:36:29 PM EDT
[#33]
I think the disconnecting of the battery is the least of your worries... Welding ball joints and all.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 5/3/2015 11:53:40 PM EDT
[#34]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
99 chevy suburban. New ball joint with loose fit. Just welded it in place. Next time will buy a new arm. Good to go. Disconnected battery before starting the job. Truck fired right up afterwards. Job is done. I hope you're a good welder, and understand how critical ball joints and control arms are to wheels not flying the fuck off your vehicle... |
|
|
|
Posted: 5/4/2015 12:28:58 AM EDT
[#35]
New control arm perhaps? I have welded on vehicles before but somethings are just better off replaced control arms are one of them,
|
|
|
|
Posted: 5/4/2015 12:32:54 AM EDT
[#36]
Loose fitting ball joint sounds like a disaster in the making. So does burning it in.
As far as the welding melting computers, put the ground clamp in a place that will not let the welding arc run through the whole damned chassis. |
|
|
|
Posted: 5/4/2015 12:35:08 AM EDT
[#37]
If it makes you feel better, go for it.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 5/4/2015 12:46:18 AM EDT
[#38]
Quoted: Need to weld a ball joint that has a loose fit to a lower control arm. All I have is a Lincoln Mig / wire feed welder. Disonnect battery and Im good or should I remove the harness to the ECM also?  |
|
|
|
Posted: 5/4/2015 12:50:33 AM EDT
[#39]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I hope you're a good welder, and understand how critical ball joints and control arms are to wheels not flying the fuck off your vehicle... Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
99 chevy suburban. New ball joint with loose fit. Just welded it in place. Next time will buy a new arm. Good to go. Disconnected battery before starting the job. Truck fired right up afterwards. Job is done. I hope you're a good welder, and understand how critical ball joints and control arms are to wheels not flying the fuck off your vehicle... This. Special emphasis should be put on the wheel flying the fuck off. Most likely at the worst possible time. |
|
|
|
Posted: 5/4/2015 8:45:16 AM EDT
[#40]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I would see if an oversized ball joint in available for the vehicle first. Moog makes larger ball joints for many applications and the are about the same price as a standard ball joint. . I ran into this issue when replacing my ball joints and using an oversized ball joint was cheapest and easiest way to go. ETA: Here is a bulletin explaining the oversized ball joints http://www.moogproblemsolver.com/_pdf_en1/MOOG_PS_Bulletin_29009_K8695T006_En.pdf Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
I would probably buy a new control arm. I would see if an oversized ball joint in available for the vehicle first. Moog makes larger ball joints for many applications and the are about the same price as a standard ball joint. . I ran into this issue when replacing my ball joints and using an oversized ball joint was cheapest and easiest way to go. ETA: Here is a bulletin explaining the oversized ball joints http://www.moogproblemsolver.com/_pdf_en1/MOOG_PS_Bulletin_29009_K8695T006_En.pdf Moog ball joints are shit. There are instances of them failing within 200 miles of installation. OP, I can't even begin to describe how bad of an idea it is to weld to a ball joint. I pray for your safety that this is just a farm truck and not one that ever sees a highway. That way when it fails at least you don't have a chance of losing control and taking out a family headed to the movies or something. |
|
|
|
Posted: 5/4/2015 8:50:37 AM EDT
[#41]
If you are worried about the ECM when you weld ball joints in you are missing the fucking point.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 5/4/2015 8:59:02 AM EDT
[#42]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
If you are worried about the ECM when you weld ball joints in you are missing the fucking point. Yup. Hopefully when your "repair" fails, the only person affected is you. |
|
|
|
Posted: 5/4/2015 8:59:17 AM EDT
[#43]
Double tap.....
|
|
|
|
Posted: 5/4/2015 9:02:16 AM EDT
[#44]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
It would be good to disconnect the battery... Such is SOP It would be better to get a new control arm. If the fix you are preparing doesn't work, the control arm could break and send you careening off a cliff. You won't be thinking, "damn I wish I would have disconnected the battery" as you fly at terminal velocity towards youre most certain demise.
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Need to weld a ball joint that has a loose fit to a lower control arm. All I have is a Lincoln Mig / wire feed welder. Disonnect battery and Im good or should I remove the harness to the ECM also? It would be good to disconnect the battery... Such is SOP It would be better to get a new control arm. If the fix you are preparing doesn't work, the control arm could break and send you careening off a cliff. You won't be thinking, "damn I wish I would have disconnected the battery" as you fly at terminal velocity towards youre most certain demise.
Or into a minivan full of kids. |
|
|
Win a FREE Membership!
Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. One new winner* is announced every week!
You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers.
AR15.COM is the world's largest firearm community and is a gathering place for firearm enthusiasts of all types.
From hunters and military members, to competition shooters and general firearm enthusiasts, we welcome anyone who values and respects the way of the firearm.
Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter to receive firearm news, product discounts from your favorite Industry Partners, and more.
Copyright © 1996-2024 AR15.COM LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Any use of this content without express written consent is prohibited.
AR15.Com reserves the right to overwrite or replace any affiliate, commercial, or monetizable links, posted by users, with our own.
