Broken Shock Mount: Weld or Replace?

parkavenue · Joined: 03 Aug 2008 Posts: 2 Location: Utah

I just had a shock absorber bracket (small plate mounted to bottom of Hayes axle) break where the shock fastens. Looks like an easy weld but I am concerned about the strength after welding.

Should I have the bracket welded OR replaced? The trailer is a 1995 Alpenlite 31'. My Hayes owner's manual does not show the bracket. I would imagine this was provided by Western RV which is now closed.

Suggestions would be appreciated.

Regards and thank you,

Richard

georgeh · Joined: 06 Nov 2005 Posts: 194 Location: Graham, WA

IMO replace rather than risk weakening bracket with heat. Monroe shock catalog has shock mounting brackets available if local RV dealer can't supply them.
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George, Juanita and Mandie the Shar-Pei
01 F350 Dually, PSD, Superchip, K&N, Walker BTM, T-flow combo
(2) Honda 2000i
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Motor31 · Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2008 7:15 am Post subject:

Since it's a plate, I'd consider welding it and adding a small gusset for reinforcement. There is no guarantee the new plate, unreinforced, won't break either.
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Mike, Nancy and the Fuzzies
2005 MS 38 RL3
2001 Volvo MH (HDT)
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1996 Jeep Cherokee (toad)