Can you weld a bead of aluminum on a hair line crack or to be more Precise a needle size hole in pressure line?

IVAN BURKE

MEMBER
2013 KIA SORENTO
2.5L
3 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
146,456 MILES

I have a needle size hole in my power steering pressure line, I have tried everything to fix this little problem trying to keep from paying the big bucks to get it fixed. So, my question is this, is there some metal base spray I can put on this little hole or can I weld a small bead of aluminum to that spot to close the hole, without going to get the whole pressure line replaced? That hole is literally the only thing wrong, everything else is pretty much brand new.

Thursday, March 31st, 2022 AT 1:16 PM

1 Reply

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

Yes. You can do this, but these lines were not meant to be welded on so more than likely you will just make the hole larger because the metal is too thin.

So, what I would suggest is using a different product like JB weld or a 2-part epoxy that says it can hold up to a couple hundred PSI.

In fact, what I would do is use JB weld on the actual hole and let us start to set up. Then wrap the putty with something to protect it and put a hose clamp on it. This will prevent the weld from moving or falling off.

Clearly this is not a clean or pretty repair but if it is a pin hole it will work.

It may be easier to remove the line to do it and then reinstall it. Plus, that way you can remove the oil and ensure it is clean. If you are going to weld it, you would have to remove it and drain the oil anyway.

Please run through this and let us know if you have questions about it.

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