Can this be welded? Power steering pump

[Slow]

This is a power steering pump with this bit broken off, no chunks missing and fits flush.

Would it be able to be welded up or do I need a new pump?

[finlo]

As the broken part unbolts can you not just replace that part?

[GreenV8S]

It's cast, which means it's going to be difficult or impossible to weld. Presumably it needs to be perfectly sealed which makes the welding even more challenging, and require a flat surface for the sealing face which implies machining to deal with heat distortion afterwards.

I'm sure it could be done with enough money or skill and time - but unless the broken part is hideously expensive it doesn't seem worth it.

[Megaflow]

GreenV8S said:

It's cast, which means it's going to be difficult or impossible to weld. Presumably it needs to be perfectly sealed which makes the welding even more challenging, and require a flat surface for the sealing face which implies machining to deal with heat distortion afterwards.

I'm sure it could be done with enough money or skill and time - but unless the broken part is hideously expensive it doesn't seem worth it.

What he said ^.

Cast aluminium part, that is covered in years of road grime, oil and general schmutz... Nightmare to weld and unlikely to be successful.

[M4CK 1]

I've managed to mig weld cast iron but aluminium I'm not aware of.

[CrutyRammers]

I've had a waterpump casing rewelded which was no longer available, but the welder who did it said he couldnt promise anything. It turned out fine in fact, though i did need to remachine the mating surface. Probably not worth it if you canget one from a scrappy.

[tapkaJohnD]

Betcha, Nick Blackhurst could TiG it better!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKWfW-MIRHc

John

[Slow]

I dont think getting just the little piece which unbolts would be easy.

Its a sr20det pump so not as common item as to find in a breakers cheaply.

[finlo]

As it's mounted on a bracket rather than holes in the casting can a more common pump not be substituted?

[E-bmw]

As that is obviously the low-pressure side of the pump, I would be trying to find some pipe of the right diameter to internally sleeve it and then sticking it all together with something like Belzona.

[227bhp]

Take it to someone who welds and ask them to do it, you'll soon find out. The fact it's cast is not the decider, I get cast ali welded all the time, it's more down to the grade and how its been cast. If it's a cheap casting (known as monkey metal) it'll be hard going and messy, but can still be done. The other thing is it may have oil in it, which will come out as the heat is applied
It needs to be very, very clean before being welded.

[Slow]

I was thinking about just taking it off, cutting a steel plate to fit, drilling a hole and welding a small steel tube onto it.

Unsure if the mix of steel/cast will matter?

[GreenV8S]

It does look to me as if it may be easier to make a new one rather than weld it. If it's ally, brazing may prove easier than welding. It's going to be a pita to repair either way.

[Krikkit]

Slow said:

I was thinking about just taking it off, cutting a steel plate to fit, drilling a hole and welding a small steel tube onto it.

Unsure if the mix of steel/cast will matter?

I'd do that - it looks like a simple part. Might even be worth seeing if you could get a 3D-printed one done up if it's low pressure.

[TallPaul]

Slow said:

...Its a sr20det pump so not as common item as to find in a breakers cheaply.

I’m sure you’ve already looked but I’m amazed you’re stuggling to get another one if its off an SR20DET, presumably you’ve tried the SXOC?

[nitrodave]

there's loads for sale on ebay for £50. Far easier to just buy a replacement

[untakenname]

I think using a tap and then fitting a barb would be the easiest way to fix rather than welding.

[Slow]

It cant be welded, as the guy said "utter ste pot metal"

Just going to make my own from steel. Theres nothing wrong with the pump so feels wrong to buy the whole thing.

[julian64]

If it is a straight pipe I'd take the flange off superglue it together. Stick it in some greensand and then pour in some molten aluminium
And then drill a new hole in the centre.

It would take me about an hour and a half from start to finish. If its a curve then I've never had success welding that sort of pot metal together.

[Slow]

This should work I hope. Not quite as much longer as the picture makes it look.