Trailer cross member question

That Sir is " OUT OF SERVICE"

DO NOT HOOK UP TO IT AT ALL.

 

The weld is full of pinholes which make it worthless.

 

Not arguing, but trying to keep learning. Just asking.

What grounds / statute # / rule do you base that on ?
I agree it is a terrible repair job, but I have seen completely broken / missing cross members being run on the road.

 

Can't see it from my house! Hook and book!

 

It should be illegal but few scalehouse cops are welding critics. They are taught little to nothing about welding. it will pass inspection with all but the best of scalehouse judges. I have seen worse stare right in the face of a inspector and they pass on the write up. If anything the bend in the crossmember will attract more attention. Also the cut air lines will have the inspector looking for chafes in the new air lines.

However, that mechanic/welder should be dismissed with no supper. Not only is he a very poor welder, he used the only stainless steel in the shop to weld up a crossmember. I hate to see what else he "fixed."

 

Hold it! let me amend that. That is not Stainless that is Aluminum he tried to weld to that steel crossmember. It says 6061 right on it. 6061 is the most common grade of aluminum in the shop. You cannot weld Aluminum to steel. That guy has got to be the mechanic of the month. Please tell me the mega-crap company he is working for?

 

There are many, but the main one is the opinion of the officer who is writing it up as OOS with a fine attached to it for you and your company.

I don't know if they can apply 393.201 to it, but they may - (d) Parts and accessories shall not be welded to the frame or chassis of a commercial motor vehicle except in accordance with the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations. Any welded repair of the frame must also be in accordance with the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations.

As for any repercussions from your refusal to take it, that is up to you to deal with but I would tell the company to stick it by explaining to them that you are the one in charge of the truck, not them.

 

It is not a legal fix and will put you out of service:
Cross members can be straightened as long as the flange is not pulled away from the floor. Cross members that are pulled away from the floor, but, torn, or deflected (bowed downward) more than 1/4" must be replaced. When replacing cross members, end clips must be welded and Mylar tape must be used between any dissimilar metals.

 

It is legal as far as a desk jockey can see it. "Repair complete, work order closed",,, but it's #### At best. Switch out ASAP

 

I am a 4G certified structural welder. From an ISO standpoint, that is a nonconforming repair, and does not meet ISO standards. From an OSHA standpoint, it is a nonconforming repair, and should (not a shall) be replaced. From a welder who takes pride in his work, I wonder what bird came along and took a pooop on that steel?
My advice is, if your company is ISO compliant, MAKE them repair it. The "beading" of the weld tells me there is no penetration to the welds due to improper weld temp/settings and WILL eventually fail.