2007-07-26 02:35:44 · 9 answers · asked by jimbo 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Sounds like somebody's been overloading the point of the forks
2007-07-26 02:40:11 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
It might at some time have been arc welded while very cold and maybe wet;two nasties will happen which act together.
1) a 'cold strike'the high temperature developed when the rod hits the work piece changes the steel to the high temperature form just around the strike so it dissolves more of the carbon in the steel,if this is a trial strike or if the arc is off after a short time this zone will bechill cooled by the surrounding metal and will become superhard and very brittle;there may well be a crack inside the metal.
2)If conditions are particularly cold matters are worse BUT if there is dampness, especially in the welding rod coating then expect disaster.The water in the arc splits and generates hydrogen which goes into the hard zone and PING
a the hadened zone gets the lot and is hydrogen embrittled.
You may not see such a crack because it will be covered by weld metal but it's there and might lead to sudden failure under load or trough fatigue.
My suggestion is,if you think I might be right,that you try preheating the parts to be welded to about 150deg C. with oxyacetylene(or calor gas etc) so as to remove any water and to reduce the chill in the strike.the second thig is to store coated rods in a hot oven to drive of water.
Hope it helps.
2007-07-26 14:59:26 · answer #2 · answered by L D 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the actual load isn't beyond the rating of the forks it comes down to either age and fatigue, shock loading, or, most likely, carrying or trying to lift too much weight near the end of the forks.
2007-07-26 09:44:13 · answer #3 · answered by Saint George 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Check the thickness ⨠of the fork. Consult the manufactures specifications. Over a period of time the fork wears down with prolong contact with abrasive surfaces.
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2007-07-26 09:46:26 · answer #4 · answered by Mr. T 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
as said before.. overloaded.. or not a balanced load...
if its welded on, the weld itself might not be strong enough.. or might not have been done properly.
or perhaps the fork itself is too heavy for the thing its attatched to.
2007-07-26 09:40:36 · answer #5 · answered by junglejungle 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
When these forks were made they are case hardened and over the passage of time they become brittle and crack.
2007-07-26 13:53:55 · answer #6 · answered by maclaren 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Overloaded or load not balanced
2007-07-26 09:38:11 · answer #7 · answered by Jody D 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Metal fatigue....or overloading it. Not sure.
2007-07-26 09:38:33 · answer #8 · answered by Knownow't 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
just a guess....maybe your trying to lift too much
2007-07-26 09:38:06 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋