Not sure if I am in the right interest group or not, but I need some TIG done on a aluminum belt tensioner on 01 Mazda Millenia. I broke off a bit of the tensioner hardware when I unwittingly applied torque to the tensioner adjustment screw while the tensioning pully was locked in place by its locking nut. Yes I know, I am moron, and now I will pay for such.
The good news is, I believe it is fixable via TIG welding, of which I know not. So I need a quick turn on this, and am at DMS presently as I write this with the White Millenia up on the auto lift. My name is James, and its best to reach me via messaging on this site or just stop by. I think its a quick job, but you can educate me otherwise if need be. I was figuring its 1 hour or less, so I offer up $20 to anyone who needs a spare dollar or is otherwise generally inclined to help a programmer fix his car. If offer is absurd, please donāt be offended, just let me know what is appropriate.
Glad to have any help I can conjur. Images are attached belowā¦
One: Iām in Oklahoma right now. Yeah I know ā¦ but sisterās house has a pool!
Two: Not exactly sure what the part is? A tool (Iād be willing to attempt welding) but if a suspension part, would have to be really sure I could get it done properly (need to know what metal alloy is and then get appropriate filler rod.) Iād run a large bead on the inside radius and grind out some of the flat side to ensure good penetration and build it back up then grind smooth/flat to match.
Main concern is the heat affected zone pretty much anneals angled area, making it more likely to bend/distort under load than break after repair. It also looks to be machined casting (based on appearance of numbers and raised circle area - if steel/iron itās a very different technique that Iāve not been trained to do or have ever attempted. But know enough that itās different.
There are some professional welders at the space that are probably qualified to do castings.
I donāt know if its pertinent or not, but here is a couple of clarifications about the piece, I envision that the welded portion will only be under load for brief instances when tightening the belt to be tensioned. Once the belt tensioner pully is in position, I am supposed to tighten the tensioner pully nut and then I think that the load on the welded portion would be reduced or eliminated. So maybe this reduces concern about warpage. Also, Iām not sure how big of an issue warpage would be in this case due to the fact that the broken off end flops around presently and I can still āadjustā it.
Update for all, automotive chair was instrumental in finding a gentleman who has peformed a weld on the part. It is done now. It may work, we shall see.
Thatās awesome!
I refrained from handing down the put-off Iāve always gotten on this type of repair in hopes someone would step up and be able to do it!
@Brandon_Green please share so we may grill said individual for details at will!
This tensioner is not on the timing belt (or chain). Itās likely a tensioner for the accessory belt (alternator, power steering, ac compressor). If it breaks, and assuming this is the standard Japanese design of running the water pump of if the timing belt, the car will still function without damage long enough to drive to a shop.
So I have been elbows deep in the mazda for just over a week, and so I am just now following up about the weld. My apologies.
The auto committee chair had swung by to chat with me and he introduced me to Jake Wright who owns a welding operation called Wrightside Company. Jake took a look at it, felt he could help me out, so I said go for it. Within the hour, my part was welded amd ready to tension the Mazda. Thanks, Jake!
So I thought I moght pass along his data should anyone need some welding done: [email protected]
2148882232
2147380442
