Posted by Jeff on July 24, 1997 at 11:00:35:
In Reply to: Braden LU-4 Winch posted by Joe Boone on July 23, 1997 at 19:06:09:
: Need Answers to the following from winch users:
: 1. Upon disassembly of my winch, there was approx. one cupful of gear oil inside the cable drum. How is it lubricated? Do you add gear oil to the drum upon reassembly, or is it lubricated thru gear movement?
: 2. Can the aluminum winch end housings be welded. One has a small area broken out of the rim around the edge of the drum, which could trap the cable behind the drum and cause other problems. Can this be patch welded and ground smooth?
: Thanks.
: Joe
Let me take stab at it.
The oil in the drum (if it is the same as the winch I have on my bench)is due to oil
leaking past the seals. The drum is keyed to the shaft and in itself does not turn.
I would not really worry about it but if you must, replace the seals in the left and right housings.
As for welding them, yes they can be welded. Iwould suggest taking them to a
competant TIG welder who does alot of aluminium. They should be able to build up the
casting so you can shape it later with a die grinder. This is done on cracked aluminum
heads all the time.
Good luck.