Should I be worried (A-Arm Weld)?

[Alphamacaroon]

Just noticed this strange speckled and fanned out pattern in a weld on my front lower a-arm and thought it looked strange enough to ask if it's something I should be worried about. I'm not a welding expert, but it doesn't look like slag to me— almost looks like maybe the metal got too hot? Maybe some rust?

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Should I be concerned?

[NAZ]

You're in luck, I am a welding SME. If you're referring to that oval shaped indication on the round tubing that appears to be a defect in the paint or powder coating not a weld defect. I would guess the tubing wasn't cleaned enough before applying the coating.

[John Dol]

I agree.
There's some welding spatter that they didn't clean up before powder coat but that's not going hurt anything.


John

[Packer fan]

To me it almost looks like it was welded after it was painted. Maybe removed the paint from the area to be welded but the area next to it still had paint or powder coat on it and then was repainted after welding. I have made this same look in the past when not removing paint from a large enough area to stop the ugliness.