Axle tube weld crack?

[awolff280sl]

While renovating this 3.27, I noticed what appears to be a weld crack on the fixed axle tube near to where it joins the bell housing. Should I get it patched up?

[ja17]

Hello Andy,

I have seen this many times before. I think it is typical of the welding process used to weld the parts. Even though it looks like a flaw, I have never seen these joints leak! If you had it re-welded, I would be more concerned about warpage of the axle housing.

Take care,

[waqas]

Is it actually leaking from there?

[awolff280sl]

I don't think that it's leaking, but I wouldn't know for sure until it was up and running. It is reassuring that Joe has seen this many times and it does not seem to be a problem.

[Benz Dr.]

Well, I actually have the answer here.
It is part of the welding process and if you look you'll see that the drive shaft is made in the same fashion.
What they do is called friction welding. The two pieces are placed end to end and then spun at high speed which causes the parts to get so hot they fuse together. The result is a very straight part because everything is held tightly in place while it's being done. It's also faster than conventional welding in terms of production time.
It won't leak and you can't improve upon it.

[awolff280sl]

Nice!