gouged drive shafts
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 104
From: Moose Jaw Sk Canada
gouged drive shafts
I just got a aluminim drive shaft and it has a got a gouge about 1/64" deep and about 3/4' long and about a 1/4" from the weld on the pinion end of the shaft .Is this drive shaft safe to use on a basicly stock 1995 Z28 ?
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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 2,931
From: Upstate NY
Maybe.
It's small (3/4 inch long?), and near the end. I'd be concerned about the sharpness of the gouge: sharp marks are stress risers and can become cracks after many, many revolutions. This is especially so for aluminum.
You might try smoothing out the gouge with a Dremel tool or file and sandpaper. Try for a smooth radius at the bottom, top and ends of the gouge so it looks more like a dent.
As you work it, look carefully to see if there is a crack at the bottom of it. You need to get to the bottom of the crack and file it out.
If you know of a certified aircraft welder in your area, he/she could repair the gouge. Your filing would probably be good preparation.
My $.02
It's small (3/4 inch long?), and near the end. I'd be concerned about the sharpness of the gouge: sharp marks are stress risers and can become cracks after many, many revolutions. This is especially so for aluminum.
You might try smoothing out the gouge with a Dremel tool or file and sandpaper. Try for a smooth radius at the bottom, top and ends of the gouge so it looks more like a dent.
As you work it, look carefully to see if there is a crack at the bottom of it. You need to get to the bottom of the crack and file it out.
If you know of a certified aircraft welder in your area, he/she could repair the gouge. Your filing would probably be good preparation.
My $.02
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