Chassis cracks!

[KKson]

Had the garage on the phone earlier. They are currently changing all fuel hoses top to bottom but I also asked if they can check all suspension bushes. They've rung and said that they've spotted a couple of fine hairline cracks on the chassis. Nothing to worry about at the moment but will need sorting. I'm collecting the car tomorrow so hopefully will get a few photos of the offending items. Nor sure at present if cracks are front or back. I've my own welding gear so not an issue but is this a common thing???

[bradderztvr]

Keith, I had a crack appear many years ago on one of the front tubes, a diagonal one on the nearside of the engine bay. Welded sleeve over it and no probs since. Its the only one I've discovered and could find no reason for it ?

[KKson]

Thanks for that Roger. Hopefully it's somewhere that's easily accessible for the MIG welder. When do you want to collect the FSE gauge?

[mrzigazaga]

Ive had a crack/Hairline fracture in a weld welded on the rear N/S section..Apparently its been done there before in the past..I love to be able to have the body off of mine..Sadly thats not going to happen in my ownership...Ziga

[adam quantrill]

My 350i's used to get cracks in the outrigger lateral tubes near the diff. Probably every 20k miles or so. No major handling ill-effects but if on the drivers side the ride became much more compliant - and harsher when it was fixed!

I haven't seen one (yet) on the 400SX so maybe I am driving over better roads?

I also saw one on my grey 350i on that diagonal sloping tube near the front. It caused the steering to be very unpredictable under braking. That one was sleeved and welded.

[mrzigazaga]

adam quantrill said:

My 350i's used to get cracks in the outrigger lateral tubes near the diff. Probably every 20k miles or so. No major handling ill-effects but if on the drivers side the ride became much more compliant - and harsher when it was fixed!

I think thats where mine was...

[Wedg1e]

I've had a crack in the vertical tube adjacent to the r/h engine mount and one that went most of the way around the horizontal tube that the diff cradle forward lower mounts bolt to.
Both easy to access and weld, luckily.

[ElvisWedgely]

Cracks on the chassis in nothing unusual on a Wedge. My brother in law had a 420 SEAC when it was just two years old and one of the front chassis tubes came apart and had to be taken back to be welded.

Tony. TCB.

[Henry Harris]

Hi Keith, are the cracks actual in the chassis tubes or at the welds?

Henry

[bradderztvr]

KKson said:

Thanks for that Roger. Hopefully it's somewhere that's easily accessible for the MIG welder. When do you want to collect the FSE gauge?

I've fitted the regulator with no major issues. Had to fabricate a suitable stainless steel plate to mount, as the one included was not suitable. Did you say its best to set up with a warm engine ? I was thinking i could blatt over and borrow your expertise to set it ?
Tomorrow evening ? ((Friday)

[mrzigazaga]

bradderztvr said:

I've fitted the regulator with no major issues. Had to fabricate a suitable stainless steel plate to mount, as the one included was not suitable. Did you say its best to set up with a warm engine ? I was thinking i could blatt over and borrow your expertise to set it ?
Tomorrow evening ? ((Friday)

..

[Number 7]

Not uncommon - mine has had several (all properly repaired) around the diff area and front suspension.

[KKson]

Right I've seen the crack now. It's a hairline crack on the bottom of the chassis tube underneath one of the rear A frame mounting points. Access is easy and it looks as if the crack has been there for some time. Although it's covered in waxoyl there is a slight dark stain along the crack. I don't think it's urgent but when I get a spare afternoon I'll clean the area up, cut back the crack and MIG it up carefully. Thanks for all the replies.

Roger YHM.

Cheers.