Can you weld a cracked truck frame? Before jumping into the answer to this question, it is essential to understand what welding is. Welding is a procedure of joining two metals by applying the combined efforts of metallurgical pressure and temperature.
Welding is one such method that is carried out in almost every industry. However, one of the most common industries that use welding a lot more is the automotive industry.
More than 50% of human-made things such as cars, trucks, planes, trains, and buildings consist of foundations that demand some kind of welding. Trucks usually face the problem of having cracked frames due to accidents or any other reason.
In this article, you will find some crucial details that will answer your question – “can you weld a cracked truck frame?”
Table of Contents
Tips on How to weld a cracked truck frame?
So, the answer to our previous question is yes. You can weld a cracked truck frame. The frame of a truck plays a crucial role as it holds the vehicle together. When the frame gets damaged due to an accident or other reason, it might lead to serious safety issues.
The frame must be of accurate dimensions to allow proper distribution of weight throughout the vehicle. Even if a truck meets with an accident without causing any visible damage, it still needs to be examined. Any kind of damage to the frame, whether big or small, should be taken care of.
The job of frame repair is all about the procedure of reconstructing the frame so that it retains its actual factory strength and dimensions. Frame repair is significant to ensure that you have a safe ride. However, welding a cracked frame is not a task that can be taken lightly.
Although experienced and expert welders will be able to weld a cracked truck frame with the help of welding techniques, an average welder will not be able to do the job satisfactorily. Such welders might ultimately end up making the frame weaker in the process.
It’s not enough to weld a cracked truck just to make it look good. A good-looking frame does not ensure that it’s strong enough to tackle the truck’s weight.
This is a task where one cannot afford to make a single mistake. One negligent act and you will endanger your own life along with that of others. Besides, it is also illegal to weld a truck with a cracked frame.
How much does it cost to fix a cracked truck frame?
If Fixing a cracked truck frame is a costly procedure. You can expect an expenditure ranging anywhere between $600 and $1,000 even for damages that are not so severe. In case of heavy damages, you might have to spend as much as $10,000.
Moreover, you will require skilled technicians with prior experience to straighten the frame. The main reason behind such high costs in repairing cracked truck frames is the labour involved, as fixing a broken frame is a highly time-consuming task.
Is it illegal to weld a truck frame?
While you have come across the question – can you weld a cracked truck frame, people also ask if it is illegal to do the same. Yes, welding a cracked truck frame is an illegal act. This is so because it involves the risk of someone’s life. According to federal law, no holes can be drilled in the rail flanges of a vehicle by anyone else except for the manufacturer company.
Thus, most welding activities carried out by people who are not professionals, especially DIY welders, are technically illegal. A truck welded by such a person must not be moved around on public roads.
Even though everyone has the freedom to measure their own level of risk and act accordingly, some people use their trucks for off-roading on their own property. This isn’t an advisable thing to do and driving such trucks on highways and public roads should be strictly avoided.
Besides, welders who do not perform welding in the right manner might have to go through civil liability for damages or injuries in case their work doesn’t meet the standards and leads to an accident. This is why most repair shops straight away refuse to weld a truck’s frame, as they don’t want to take the risk.
Also, many insurance companies will refuse to insure a truck whose frame has gone through welding. In some cases, if the truck frame is welded, there will be very few options available for the owner and thus have to pay a high insurance premium.
Can you drive with a cracked frame?
Although it is possible to drive a vehicle that has recovered from frame damage, you are risking your life here. Not only that, you are also compromising the vehicle’s strength and causing damage to its occupants in case there is another accident waiting to happen.
A-frame that has been damaged can lead to many problems for the vehicle. There is the risk of a damaged frame cracking or breaking entirely in the middle of driving and causing another accident. Additionally, you will also suffer from control-related problems and ill weight distribution. Such kinds of issues will create too much tire wear and eventually cause alignment problems too.
If you don’t want to cause any long-term damage to your vehicle, you may consider hiring a certified auto body repair technician. These technicians will analyze your vehicle and look out for frame damages after an accident.
Conclusion
Having said that, a cracked frame can indeed be welded by a professional who is an expert in welding frames. The welding procedure mainly deals with fabricating a plate or sleeve that will cover both sides of the break and weld them back in place. Once again, this job should mandatorily be taken care of by highly-skilled professionals.
Also, it is significant to get your frame checked after an accident to make sure that there are no bent or cracks. The right way to tackle this situation is to avoid performing illegal welding.
So, now you know all about welding a truck whose frame has cracked and how to get it fixed. To avail of more such guides, stay connected. In case of doubts, feel free to leave your comments.