crack in engine bay panel

[scotto_feroza]

i had a crack in the inside quarter panel in the front of my feroza (passenger side) and got it welded up. It happened after i took it offroad over some pretty rough hills. i have only been offroad twice since then and its cracked open again. also i have noticed on the other side of the engine bay (drivers side) the panel is starting to get a small crack in it as well. has anyone else had this problem if so how did you get it fixed. I'm thinking of having some kind of metal plate welded over the crack to keep it closed.

[lay80n]

Did you stop-drill the cracks to take the stress out of them before welding them closed??

Layto....

[4x4xmore]

got any pics? If you've seen what I put mine through over the last 2 yrs of owning it it should be snapped in two by now, gonna have to check mine and make sure its ok

[r0ck_m0nkey]

I've seen this problem in both Ferozas and Rockys.

Way that i have had it fixed is simply pull everything apart and get the outer guard off so can get good access to either side to get a decent weld on there.

You won't ever completely stop it as the vehicle flexes around that point. Can only try and slow down a bit more on the bumps.

[scotto_feroza]

when you say 'stop drill holes' do you mean you simply drill a hole at the bottom of the crack then weld up above it and leave the hole in the panel.

[ferozamaniac]

Maybe you have some problem from the input of the stock body lift of the feroza or your car became to flexible over the years of use. Or maybe the bridge that holds the car (under the car there is a steal that holds the two sides of the car together) might have there also some problems and the vibration that suspesion get from off road is also causing problems to the other parts of the car.

[Doc_Acos]

Happened to my Feroza, passenger side, same position. Had it welded up and never had a problem with it again.

Its important to let any welding done, cool slowly without assistance of water etc. Otherwise you can make the metal around the weld harder and less likely to stretch and strain. This may start another crack....

[FROZY]

I have noticed the same crack on my feroza what sort of welder should be used for this weld? Also should i use a plate or something to help strengthen the area?

[ferozamaniac]

Please a picture of the crach you all have? Because i am not sure if its a crack of what i have seen

[Doc_Acos]

Well a MIG welder would do the job, TIG would probably be a bit better too. The arc welder burns too hot, you would only blow holes in the steel. You could even achieve the goal with an oxy.

As for a plate, there was no need for one in my feroza, the loss of flexibility in the area may cause other cracks or unforseen problems further along.

Personally, I would recommend taking it to a smash repairer or 4wd conversion shop, I am sure they can take care of it in 30 mins for minimum price......

[scotto_feroza]

yeah i did take it to a smash repairer. they took the outside panel of and welded it up from the inside. they probs just did a shit job. im gonna fix it myself this time with the help of a mate who knows how to weld properly.

[ferozamaniac]

Please some pictures where the crack is and how to fix it thanks.

[r0ck_m0nkey]

Please some pictures where the crack is and how to fix it thanks.

You will know you will have a crack as you will have and irritating constant squeak that sounds like it's coming from the dash whilst driving. Without a picture, look into your engine bay and look at the corner where the inner guard meets the firewall (both sides), then come forward along the inner guard along the top, just below where the outer guard bolts on. The cracks develop in this section, in the half of the guard closest to the firewall. They may be concealed by things bolted onto the guard, so you need to look carefully depending on exactly where the crack has formed.