FAB

iTrader: (4)

Nice progress.

Did you make sure to get this welded? You'll be seriously disappointed if you skip this step.

ddturbosante

To be truly honest, I went to the garage next door with a Mig and had them look at it. We compared the image you sent me and the shaft and it wasn't really the same so we didn't know where to do the welding.
After a few minutes I was feeling a bit bad for wasting their time so I left and put the whole assembly back together
I'm scared to weld it myself at school too because I'm scared of warping it...

Anyways, it's back in the steering rack for now. If you say it makes THAT big of a difference, I'll take your word for it and I'll disassemble the whole thing again. I just need tips as of how NOT to warp it and if there are some precautions to take when doing this. Also, I dont want to remove the bearing thing around the shaft it looks like a pain. Doable??

Btw thanks for your help in doing this, I'll make sure to think of Fab9 when I do my shopping

FAB

iTrader: (4)

Not a problem. Warping it is not likely given the thickness of the material. If you were to take one end of the shaft in a vice and grab the other end with pliers you'll see where the flex is. You really can't mess it up. Pop off that nylon ring and get a good hot bead on there. It's thick metal so make sure you have enough amperage to get solid penetration. Do a tack in 3-4 places around the shaft.

Did a quick google search and came up with this example:

ddturbosante

Can I just leave it spot welded like that? or does it have to be all the way around?

FAB

iTrader: (4)

Spot weld away. Doesn't need a stack of dimes around it. Just make sure you get good penetration. You'll see discoloration of the metal when you get good penetration. The example above has been hit with a wire brush.

Proper penetration:

ddturbosante

Alright sweet! That just made it a little bit easier. I'm really no good at welding round things hahaha
I'll make sure to do that next time I go to the garage and take pictures for you!
Luckily the garage next door to ours has a MIG and the people that work there are really cool with me. Won't be a problem !

Thanks a lot for helping out a miata noob, I'll make sure to return the favor to someone in need when I can.

ddturbosante

Well let's just start off this week's update with something amusing.



Now that's done.

Wire brushing this **** is hard. I ain't no jeffbucc


Got that out of the steering rack for the third time, removed the nylon ring and now I just gotta get it welded.


how the shop is looking at the moment


I cleaned up the winter beater a bit. power washed the carpets and ****
Now monday we're ordering alllllll the suspension bits and bobs.
money. yay.
Now I've come to a crossroads. Either buy the tein basis already mounted up and ready or build my own set up with billies... decisions decisions...