TC cover power steering brace broken off but fitting perfectly

It's been at least 7-8 years since I broke off one of the two braces used to attach the power steering pump to the timing chain cover and the block. I did it by applying too much torque to one of its bolts when I needed it out of my way to reach something else.



However, the fracture is such that it makes a perfect fit.



When I installed the upper bolt, which goes through the upper hole on the cover and into a back socket that is on the engine block (next picture behind the water pump inlet, TC cover removed), that secured it so tight that the bottom broken off piece simply fell into the place. Then, I put a bolt through but it only keeps the piece together with the pump to fit against the TC cover.



The bottom hole, that corresponds to the broken off piece, does not have a matching socket on the engine block like the upper does, meaning it is designed for less support, as an extenuating condition that made the fracture less consequential.

Then, the drivebelt applies pressure towards the TC cover, eliminating the possibility that force will directed the other way, IOW the drivebelt holds it in place together with the upper bolt that goes through the pump and into the engine block. I have been driving like this for many years and tens of thousands of miles and had no issue. I know it sounds unreal or at least unlikely but no issue indeed.

However, I now have the TC cover off and, since I don't need the vehicle so bad at the moment, decided to nit-pick to tie whatever loose end I can find. One way would be to buy a replacement timechain cover, $250 @ RockAuto. However, I was wondering if this can be welded, since the fracture fits so perfectly.

So basically, here are my choices:

A. Leave as is, it's broken but it's been holding up well many years, IOW it's reliable nonetheless. This assumes wagering that friction won't rub off the fracture to where it no longer fits together.
B. Try to find a shop to weld it (I don't weld myself)
C. Buy a replacement TC cover.

What are your thoughts?

 

I don’t weld either.
And knowing that it worked “fine for 7+ years”.
I’d probably JB Weld what I could, and put it back together.

Or, put it back together and replace it when/if the timing cover needed to be pulled off.

I really should learn to weld, I’ve spent way too much time rigging up “fixes”.
A welder could have saved me hours. Plus, I’ve had to pay everyone when I had to have something welded. And I don’t like spending money, especially on stuff “I” broke.

 

I was thinking the same.

Likewise

 

Do you know if this is aluminum or steel? I know the block is made of aluminum.

 

I honestly don’t know.
I want to say aluminum, maybe magnet check it?

 

Magnet says nonferrous, most likely aluminum