When Do You Know That Welds Are a Problem?

[Seansun01]

I had to retrieve something from under my Jeep the other day and I noticed that there was a lot more corrosion than I would have expected for a vehicle with less than 12K miles. Further inspection led me to look more closely at the welds, almost all of which are corroding. I’m no welder but I can solder jewelry and these welds look pretty awful to me. Some are off-center, others very porous, some look like they’re cracking, and some are not even completed. How bad is too bad?

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[MikeLewisMusic]

Some of those didn't penetrate, the cracked welds are definitely a problem, and porosity in the one you show definitely impacts the strength of the weld. I think your eye is good and your instinct is right on, there are issues down there.

I've run structural weld businesses for over 30 years, I wouldn't let anything that looked like that out of my facility.

 

[viper88]

Here is some info on the frame welds. Was a known problem for some early frames.

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...pection-repair-rust-pinholes-alignment.14599/

 

[Arterius2]

Yikes! Looks like I lucked out, the welds on mine look nothing like the pictures... (bot) welder having a field day on your frame...

 

[lightsout]

Mine goes in for welding on May 2nd, mine do not look as bad as yours.

 

[Seansun01]

Here is some info on the frame welds. Was a known problem for some early frames.

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...pection-repair-rust-pinholes-alignment.14599/

Thanks. Yes, this was an early frame - assembly date of 12/12/17.

 

[Nomars]

That rust is bad!!! My 15 year old TJ jeep does not have that much rust! Could be because ur up north east? Or are Jl chassis not as durable???

Time will tell, the gauge of steel on 4door Jl is def thinner, compared to a Tj chassis!!!!! Could be do to stronger steel being used? Or engineers reducing guage to save on weight goals? But is it more prone to Rust??

 

[WXman]

Pause the video at 5:14 and look at those horrendous welds on the rear control arm brackets. Apparently FCA still hasn't gotten this figured out even on the new Gladiator.

 

[Turbo_punkn]

I’ve seen better welds on the Chinese bumpers you can buy on eBay and Amazon! I’d definitely take it back and bitch!!!

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