Mechanic Reacts to JB Weld Nightmares

Summary

This video features mechanics analyzing over-the-top DIY car repairs from TikTok using JB Weld epoxy, including trying to fix a transmission line, manifold leak, and brakes. They discuss proper applications and limitations of JB Weld, stressing the importance of preparation and it being a temporary fix rather than a permanent solution. The video also covers questionable Bondo repairs and using spray foam and fiberglass for rust holes. Overall, the mechanics critique the haphazard fixes but acknowledge some clever makeshift solutions, emphasizing repairs should be done properly to avoid future issues.

Takeaways

• 😀 JB Weld is very versatile but has limitations for permanent fixes on high pressure systems like transmission lines
• 👷‍♂️ Mechanics use JB Weld for temporary patches but say it requires proper surface prep and curing time
• 🚗 The video shows clips of questionable and creative JB Weld repairs from social media
• 🤦‍♂️ Using JB Weld on brake drums, exhaust manifolds, engine blocks is not recommended by mechanics
• 🛠 They advise replacing faulty parts instead of jury-rig patches which often fail anyway
• 🔨 Mechanics demonstrate proper use of JB Weld to repair a rust hole, with sanding and patches
• 😕 Too much Bondo body filler causes cracks and moisture damage over time
• 🏭 Foam injection to fill rust holes doesn't prevent future rust
• 👍 A mechanic carefully repairs a hole with JB Weld instead of welding
• 🤔 One person makes a whole cylinder out of JB Weld showing its versatility

Q & A

What are some examples of poor DIY car repairs featured in the video using JB Weld or other adhesives?

The video shows people using JB Weld to try to repair transmission lines, exhaust manifolds, engine vacuum leaks, and even entire brake drums. Other questionable fixes include using duct tape on engine vacuum leaks and attempting to glue a cracked differential cover back together with JB Weld.

Why is JB Weld not an ideal solution for fixing car parts like transmission lines or exhaust systems?

JB Weld does not handle high pressures or temperatures very well. Transmission lines operate at around 300 PSI pressure which JB Weld cannot withstand. Exhaust system temperatures can exceed 2000°F which will cause JB Weld to become brittle and fail.

What are some best practices for properly using JB Weld on a vehicle?

Proper use involves cleaning and sanding the area, applying thin layers of JB Weld, allowing proper curing time, and only using it for small repairs on low-stress areas. It works well for small holes, cracks, or surface imperfections but not for critical components.

How can Bondo be misused when repairing body panels?

Applying Bondo too thickly in one area can lead to cracking when the body flexes while driving. It is meant for thin applications to smooth small dents and imperfections, not for covering large damaged areas.

What was the demonstration of making a cylinder out of JB Weld showing?

The cylinder demonstration showed that with enough time and effort, JB Weld can be molded into complex shapes like an engine cylinder. However, it is not practical for actual engine repairs due to not withstanding heat and pressure.

What should be done to properly repair rust holes instead of just covering with Bondo or foam?

The rust should be completely cut out, then new clean metal welded into place. Covering over rust with cosmetic applications will eventually fail as the rust continues to spread under the surface.

What risks are posed by using duct tape on engine vacuum leaks instead of properly repairing them?

The adhesive can get pulled into the engine and cause catastrophic failure. Even if it holds temporarily, the oil and heat will degrade the tape until it fails, potentially while driving.

Why can JB Weld or Bondo repairs cause problems for mechanics working on the vehicle in the future?

The homemade fixes with adhesives can make it much harder to properly access fasteners, engine components, or body panels for future repairs. Mechanics often have to waste time removing the amateur work first.

What are some temporary quick fixes shown that are actually reasonable in a pinch?

Using JB Weld farther back on exhaust leaks, attaching a socket with JB Weld to remove a broken bolt, and securing a loose heat shield are actually decent temporary solutions until a full repair can be done.

What are the risks of continuing to drive a vehicle with makeshift repairs instead of proper fixes?

The repairs are likely to fail unexpectedly while driving, leading to breakdowns or dangerous failures like brake malfunctions. Proper repairs should be done as soon as possible for safety.

Outlines

00:00

😀 JB Weld Put to the Test by Mechanics

Paragraph 1 introduces the video which brings in real mechanics to examine absurd TikTok car repairs using JB Weld. Examples shown include sealing a leaking transmission line and gluing an exhaust manifold to the engine head.

05:02

👍 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness Promo

Paragraph 2 features a promotional segment highlighting features of the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness, an off-road capable crossover SUV. Key details include increased ground clearance, powerful engine, advanced traction and descent control, rugged exterior, towing capacity, and modern tech and safety features.

10:04

😕 Mechanics Assess More JB Weld Car Hacks

Paragraph 3 continues assessing JB Weld repairs including sealing an exhaust leak, taping engine vacuum leaks, gluing a broken brake drum, and socket welding to remove a stripped bolt. Proper repair methods are discussed and the mechanics express disapproval of improper use of JB Weld.

15:04

😠 Ford Lug Nut Complaints

Paragraph 4 covers the mechanics' frustration with Ford's lug nuts ballooning and becoming stuck, requiring hammering. They suggest Ford address this issue.

😖 Bondo Body Filler Overuse Critiqued

Paragraph 5 examines excessive use of Bondo body filler to cover dents and imperfections. Mechanics advise that heavy Bondo application leads to cracking when the body flexes while driving.

🤔 Spray Foam and Bondo Rust Repair

Paragraph 6 analyzes a DIY rust repair using spray foam and Bondo. Mechanics explain why this is improper and recommend replacing the damaged panel entirely.

👍🏻 Proper JB Weld Rust Hole Repair Demo

Paragraph 7 features a mechanic competently using JB Weld to patch a rust hole, after proper sanding and surface preparation. The repair is assessed to be well executed.

😲 JB Weld 2-Stroke Cylinder Test

Paragraph 8 shows an amazing project forming an entire 2-stroke engine cylinder from JB Weld and demonstrating that it can run. This tests the versatility of JB Weld as an modeling material.

Keywords

💡JB Weld

JB Weld is an epoxy putty that is used for repairs and fixes. It is mentioned throughout the video as people attempt various DIY repairs on their vehicles using JB Weld. The mechanics comment on whether JB Weld is an appropriate solution for these repairs.

💡mechanic

Mechanics are brought in to critique the JB Weld and other DIY repairs shown in TikTok videos. As experts, the mechanics evaluate if the repairs are viable solutions.

💡repair

The theme of the video is repairing vehicles and parts with things like JB Weld instead of proper mechanic work. The mechanics analyze if these DIY repairs are effective fixes.

💡exhaust leak

One example repair shown is using JB Weld to patch an exhaust leak. The mechanics say this might work temporarily but is not a permanent solution.

💡transmission line

A faulty transmission line is repaired with JB Weld instead of replacing the proper hard line. The mechanics heavily criticize this repair as inappropriate.

💡surface preparation

Proper surface preparation with cleaning and sanding is called out as an essential first step before applying compounds like JB Weld for repairs.

💡temporary fix

JB Weld and duct tape repairs are often referred to as temporary fixes. They may solve the problem short-term but are not long-term solutions.

💡wedge bolt

A stripped, stuck bolt is removed by gluing a socket to it with JB Weld to get enough grip to torque it loose. This clever fix receives praise.

💡rust repair

Several clips show repairs to rust damage on vehicle bodies. Large quantities of Bondo or spray insulation foam are inappropriately applied.

💡engine cylinder

In one ambitious experiment, a man constructs and runs an entire engine cylinder out of hardened JB Weld putty. The mechanics are skeptical of this extreme application.

Highlights

JB Weld would never work for something like that because typically, transmission lines run at like 300 PSI, and JB Weld would never be able to fix something like that

If I want to use JB Weld I would just prep it up right you sand it clean it throw some carburetor cleaner so there's no oil there then you set the JB Weld in there let it dry over night and you should be Gucci the following day

This tough looking body was built to do more than just turn heads, subar redesigned the bumpers for added Rock protection and the roof rails to handle up to 700 lb of static load

The Wilderness comes with 17-in matte black alloy wheels and alteran Yokohama Gander tires, this thing's got revise gearing and 182 horsepower from a 2.5 L Subaru boxer engine

Everybody tries to save a book MH everybody tries to save a book sometimes it's worse because this isn't going to stop it from cracking more or the duct tape

I could, though this is some board Ingenuity, right here if you can fix it put some, duck tape on, it yeah I think they're just trying to, stop a vacuum leak and they just put tape over it but that can get sucked into the engine so I would not recommend duct tape inside your engine

As a temporary fix this would totally work because it's not right up against the engine cuz that can be like two or three 2,000 F but because this one is further down the line it probably could hold up for maybe a month or so right until the material gets too hot brittle cracks falls off

The prep it you're not just going to put dough milk and just throw it in theing oven that's it no you're going to prep it up true so you can make that cake is it cake or is it a diff

Ford knows they're terrible oh what what's wrong with the Ford where lug nuts every time we have Fords come in all of the lug nuts balloon and then we have to hammer the sockets on Hammer the sockets off the lug nuts they actually make special lug nuts like 22 and2 19 and 1 12 sockets specifically because of the Ford lug nuts

Light coats fiberglass like scratches a little imperfections just to get the body straight I had a dream last night I think it's about this next clip

It looks like he's doing pretty good work I would weld it but I don't know uh maybe this guy knows something better than me maybe you guys in the comments know why this guy used JB Weld and didn't weld it if you know leave a comment down below cuz I would love to I would love to know the reasoning but he did a dang good job

Where those valves are are really important how they're shaped is important I don't know man I have a lot of questions it looks like this guy just wrapped a cylinder head in cardboard and then put JB W on top of it or is it Kake

If you want to see even more box repairs click this video right here and make sure you hit that like And subscribe button for more real mechanic stuff

Find me on Tik Tok at bre kale or Instagram at bre kale thank you guys so much goodbye

Transcripts

JB Weld is a mechanic's best friend but

you can't use it on everything or can

you today we brought in real mechanics

to take a look at the most insane dollar

store fixes that we could find from Tik

Tok first clip when you got somebody mhm

that can fix it cheaper mhm it looks

like we got some leaking we tried

repairing terrible transmission cooler

line that would never work with a JB

Weld all that JB slathered on the line

cut this back here mhm and ran a longer

hose down mhm but let's throw some JB

Weld on it like a bunch of

goobers that's a man who was uh who's

fed up I don't even know what to say

either so we have a hard line from the

transmission uh to the cooler to cool

the transmission fluid right got a hole

in it peanut butter cake that sucker on

there yeah JB Weld would never work for

something like that because typically

transmission lines run at like 300 PSI

and JB Weld would never be able to fix

something like that yeah you got your

epoxy steel resin you got your epoxy

steel hardener you mix those two

together and then they make a little

hard baby you can pretty much apply it

to whatever you want great for like

temporary fix but never a permanent fix

now if I want to use JB Weld I would

just prep it up right you sand it clean

it throw some carburetor cleaner so

there's no oil there then you set the JB

Weld in there let it dry over night and

you should be Gucci the following day

something tells me none of those steps

were followed just like everything but

if you had time and you had some extra

parts yeah there'd be a better way of uh

fixing this instead of using the old JB

goop it's a great product but people go

crazy with

it manifold gasket leak question mark

just JB Weld the manifold to the Head

mint

wow oh my gosh I've never seen that

before

I would have never even thought to do

anything like that in my life looks like

they put JB Weld paste on the exhaust

manifold I guess for an exhaust leak I'm

not sure it looks like there's a couple

bolts missing too that's probably why

they have an exhaust leak yeah but I

would have never have done this not even

in pinch I would have just let it run

are you just kind ofing every mechanic

that's going to work on this in the

future by doing that I get it you're

trying to save a dollar 10 bucks or $100

but once you start using this over and

over over and over and your time it

exceeds that value so at some point it's

going to bite you in the ass and you're

going have to you're going to have to

spend a lot money you're going to spend

the money and then I'm going to charge

you a lad because I got to clean your

mess up and then you're mad at me

because you're like it was a simple fix

I'm like yes sure buddy this is why you

say no to

drugs okay oh get out of

here come

on even tried to glue

it try JB Weld that together you

guys have too much time creative ass

people it looks like someone's drum got

stuck and maybe they try to smack it off

or something and I'm not sure it just

completely sheared around the whole

entire drum and then they try to get

some JB Weld I guess to fix it so their

brakes work so inside that drum you have

pads that push outwards and push on the

inside of that drum and that's how old

drum brakes work they thought gluing it

back together would hold it which is

just an insane thought because those are

your breaks that's how you stop a car

don't put glue on your brakes yeah don't

put glue on your brakes that one must

have been down to his last set after

buying so much JB

W this is going to be a disappointing uh

episode can't even make fun of this I

could

though this is some board Ingenuity

right here if you can fix it put some

duck tape on

it yeah I think they're just trying to

stop a vacuum leak and they just put

tape over it but that can get sucked

into the engine so I would not recommend

duct tape inside your engine his PCV

valve broke or something you can see

he's got a screw in the hose there and

duct tape on the other on the valve

cover if it's not covered up and it's

leaking the engine will run very poorly

and it may not even run at all so this

this is just a temporary fix oil is

going to start going into the duct tape

and then eventually the heat is going to

pick it up but yeah I'll be chilling

right there for a cool minute like maybe

till you get home everybody tries to

save a book MH everybody tries to save a

book sometimes it's worse because this

isn't going to stop it from cracking

more or the duct tape big thanks to

Subaru for sponsoring today's video

oh this is the 2024 Subaru cross Trek

Wilderness and when they said this was

the more off-road one they weren't

kidding this thing's got 9.3 in of

ground clearance it's got skid play and

a matte black hood graphic to eliminate

glare when you're tearing up the trails

like me the cross strike Wilderness

comes with 17-in matte black alloy

wheels and alteran Yokohama Gander tires

this thing's got revise gearing and 182

horsepower from a 2.5 L Subaru boxer

engine and on the way down use dual

function X mode with Hill descent

control to get optimal Traction in snow

and

mud this thing is sick dude

like me this tough looking body was

built to do more than just turn heads

subar redesigned the bumpers for added

Rock protection and the roof rails to

handle up to 700 lb of static load and

when you need to bring even more stuff

the Wilderness has a towing capacity of

up to 3500 lb inside it's rugged

exterior you'll find over 120 cubic feet

of total interior space like other cross

trcks the Wilderness is packed with

great Tech like the 11.6 in touchscreen

Subaru starlink multimedia a wirel

charging spot and of course the

impressive safety features of Subaru

eyesight driver Assist Technology so who

is the 2024 Subaru cross track

Wilderness 4 well it's for someone who

makes Adventure a priority yeah it's a

quiet drive on the highway but the

Wilderness was built to go off-road and

when it gets there it's good at it to

learn more just click the link

below had a little uh exhaust leak where

that clamp was holding on a heat shield

so I moved it sand that two big

cracks just caked her

into hopefully that'll seal her

up I just got to wait is he proud of

this is

this well he put JB Weld on top of

exhaust when you put JB Weld on exhaust

the further back you can put it the

better right I still wouldn't recommend

it but I mean as a temporary fix this

would totally work because it's not

right up against the engine cuz that can

be like two or three 2,000 F but because

this one is further down the line it

probably could hold up for maybe a month

or so right until the material gets too

hot brittle cracks falls off and then

you're left with an exhaust leak again

all right so what's the proper way to

fix this replace the whole pipe or cut a

couple sections out and put a new piece

of pipe in which probably wouldn't take

too much work grind it down and then lay

some dimes down even if you try to weld

and a piece to that like it's going to

extend because it's rustier even further

out and then the material gets brittle

brittle so for at one point you're like

might as well replace the whole thing

the whole exhaust itself yeah that is

kind of like the the thing about this

kind of stuff like JB Weld like duct

tape like any other sort of temporary

fix if it works that's probably the last

time someone thinks about that you know

until it comes time to replace or do

more work if it's holding on and you

don't hear no noise and you don't see no

fumes yeah and you don't have to go do

smog you're chilling oh oh wow what is

that the rear end I mean I did take off

a/4 inch or so of rust it was just

leaking everywhere oh my gosh this looks

like an episode of is it cake you know

have you seen that show why would

someone cake their uh diff and JB Weld I

don't know they must have stripped every

single bolt to that diff cover and they

needed that cover to stay on okay that's

the only logical solution I can come up

with other than they think that they can

fix the diff because it's cracked in

half or something I really don't know

how good is this stuff at preventing

leaks if you prep it it's pretty good

don't just drop it on there wire brush

it sand it lay the stuff on and you

should be ready to go we're not out to

make fun of these guys no the people yes

you you guys suck yeah the prep it

you're not just going to put dough milk

and just throw it in theing oven that's

it no you're going to prep it up true so

you can make that cake is it cake or is

it a diff Rusty stripped nut won't come

out the block JB Weld the socket all

right now now we're getting into some

Ingenuity

here that bolt is stripped right he's

like I can use this socket it's a

sacrificial socket we give it back we

give it back to the mechanic

C what do he stuff it with JB Weld on

the inside of it and then just slam it

down there I guess just wait for it to

harden up wait for it to harden and then

just send it dude that's

to be honest not bad it probably worked

if you C if you let it cure I say yes it

probably worked yeah I'm and then then

you got a second problem then you got to

like yeah figure out how you going to

take it off yeah I like this guy's

Ingenuity you know what he didn't do he

didn't JB Weld the exhaust man how would

you try to get that nut out of there I

have some fancy tools they're like

reverse sockets they have like little

teeth that going in there but let's just

say I go primitive I would loosen them

all up all of them okay got a little

chisel and a hammer mhm snap the head

off of it have you ever sacrificed a

socket in the past or any sort of tool

to remove something Ford lug nuts are

the worst Ford knows they're terrible oh

what what's wrong with the Ford where

lug nuts every time we have Fords come

in all of the lug nuts balloon and then

we have to hammer the sockets on Hammer

the sockets off the lug nuts they

actually make special lug nuts like 22

and2 19 and 1 12 sockets specifically

because of the Ford lug nuts Ford get

your

together when working on the body of

your car JB Weld isn't the only compound

people expect to work miracles this next

clip features an aggressive use of JB

weld's evil twin Bondo all right got a

nice little Custom Cab there nice

looking TR a lot of

bond that's that's a lot I've seen it

I've seen it you ever been to the Grand

Canyon there it is what it looks like

just stand at the edge of that well they

found a dent and they put Bondo on top

of it and they sanded it down to make it

smooth and align up with the other body

lines and then they put paint over it

and sold it to someone and it looks like

they're trying to fix it and they found

the Bondo and now they're probably going

to fix it the right way I hope how often

do you run into bad Bondo work when

you're trying to lot a lot a lot I just

I look at the customer and I'm like you

guys are ready to pay and they're like

but why oh what let me take this piece

of bread off of your car that's why Bond

is not meant to flex M when you're

driving these old trucks or whatever

cars they Flex M right so if it's so

stiff guess what's going to happen the

bundle is going to crack and then it

makes moisture go in there say you're

washing your truck for your car and it

goes in there and it starts picking up

the bondle or it starts picking up the

JB Weld and then you start getting

problems so obviously this is terrible

how is Bondo supposed to be used lightly

mhm not heavy light coats fiberglass

like scratches a little imperfections

just to get the body straight I had a

dream last night I think it's about this

next clip all right we got some Rust

you're going to want to do is come on

get your board all cut real nice get

your measuring tape out cut it real

perfect next thing you're going to want

to do is take your xacto knife no dude

and cut an injection hole

no okay all right Maritime Mitch minutes

later SpongeBob out there come on dude

no way

condo glass here we go prepping it's

prepping yeah it's

[Music]

working here we go just like that she

man so this guy's what is he doing

repairing a rust rust damage yeah I've

seen this before get the spray foam

insulation shoot it in the hole and it

kind of poofs out and whatever excess is

coming back from the vehicle you kind of

just top off and mhm this guy went an

extra mile and decided to put some Bondo

on top of it it's not like rust

preventative it's just holding it all

together yeah he pretty much put it in

there to cover up the space so when he

does the Bondo it it it's able to hold

cuz without anything in between the

Bondo will just punch through at least

it's not Ramen you know I tried the

ramen you did yeah it

worked it worked preparation my homeboy

never noticed

it okay so what would be in your

professional opinion you had to properly

repair this uh panel what would you do

cut it out and and get a new rocker

panel and weld it in this looks so bad

does it look better than the rust no is

it cake who knows with a little

creativity JB Weld is one of the most

versatile compounds you can use to

repair a car now let's see it in the

hands of a mechanic who knows what

they're doing first step in using JB

Weld as a solution to fixing a rust hole

is to knock out all the old rust and cut

a little patch that's going to fit and

I'm just gonna spread

it I'm gonna stick it right in there

like

that

okay and cheese grade some of the excess

usually pretty difficult to get

right what are you thinking so far

sandre the area and primed it it looks

like it'll hold and he did a really good

job you would just weld that little

piece of metal in but he used JB Weld

and I think it's strong enough to hold I

would say this guy did I mean he's

sanding it really good he's taking a lot

of time I don't know why he wouldn't

just weld it but maybe he doesn't have a

welder yeah right he has a lot of

hammering tools to fix body

panels and it looks like he has the

capabilities of doing it cuz it looks

like he's doing pretty good work I would

weld it but I don't know uh maybe this

guy knows something better than me maybe

you guys in the comments know why this

guy used JB Weld and didn't weld it if

you know leave a comment down below cuz

I would love to I would love to know the

reasoning but he did a dang good job 10

minutes compared to welding it like an

hour maybe just save himself sometime in

our next clip this person attempted to

make an entire engine cylinder out of JB

Weld let's see how that goes for him I

can't wait yeah I want to see that so I

got the JB Weld uh cylinder uh

two-stroke engine here okay and I guess

the question is uh can you make a whole

cylinder at a JB Weld and have the

engine run so we'll try to answer that

here this is another Midwest activity I

think mean that is working

[Music]

dude that's insane come

on a mind I know well we answered the

question yeah you can okay I'll be back

next next year for another great

video I guess he made a cylinder out of

JB Weld I guess it's just a test it it

looks like there's something on there

that he welded right yeah it doesn't so

like I think he has a welder but he

still used JB Weld you can do whatever

the fck you want with this that's I said

it's it's like for arts and craft it's

for artists yeah for artists for

everybody's doing artwor this is a sh

how do you think he formed this cylinder

and cuz it's got to be perfectly smooth

in there you have the Rings you have the

Piston they has to be a pretty nice fit

otherwise you're not going to get any

compression where those valves are are

really important how they're shaped is

important I don't know man I have a lot

of questions it looks like this guy just

wrapped a cylinder head in cardboard and

then put JB W on top of it or is it

Kake if you want to see even more box

repairs click this video right here and

make sure you hit that like And

subscribe button for more real mechanic

stuff sandre thank you very much coming

on the show Once Again follow Sandra and

a shop Miranda shop on social media find

me on Tik Tok at bre kale or Instagram

at bre kale thank you guys so much

goodbye