2001 Razorback cracked shock mount

[mtnc]

Found a crack where the shock mounts after a long hard day on the trail.  Anyone have a serviceable one laying around or maybe even the Fox shock upgrade that was available at one time?  Iron Horse tells me I am out of luck. Guess I'm back to riding my '96 Animal!  (Figured out the picture posting)

[shovelon]

You can weld it. Bevel from the inside, strip the paint, take it to a weld shop. Advise the shop to cold water quench immediately after the arc goes out, and use 5000 series filler rod.

Dremmel or blend the weld flush on the inside and paint if you wish. Reassemble after a week of sitting to let the grain structure settle and go ride.:-)

Good Luck,

Terry

[mtnc]

That's the most obvious option, but why 5000 series rod?  The sticker on the frames (main triangle) says that it is 7005 aluminum.

[shovelon]

Yes, 7005 alloy is welded with 5356 or 5183 rod. If your strut has any welds on it, it too is probably 7005. Even if it is not, you would still want to use high strength filler. It has a good strength after weld, and even higher if cold water quenched.

7005 is self heat treating, so let it settle as to not allow the grain structure to strain harden too early. A week will do.

If it is 6061 or any other 6000 series alloy, the cold water quench will strengthen sufficiently to start the natural aging process. Still a weeks time to allow built up stress to dissipate.

[shovelon]

Possible replacement strut. Check it out.

http://cgi.ebay.com/k2-razorback-seatstay-frame-seat-stay_W0QQitemZ110048821400QQihZ001QQcategoryZ42317QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem


Terry

[mtnc]

I've been in touch with the seller a couple times.  If he can verify the length of it for me, I will probably buy it.  One thing about it worries me though;  "The left side has a few gouges in the metal...a little bigger than scratches".  But it may be better than what I have.  Thanks for the extra effort.

I'm getting it welded next week at work.  We have a FAA qualified aircraft welder that is also a mountain biker.  May cost a few beers.

Mike