A method for repairing a turbine housing of an air cycle machine that includes removing damaged material from a journal bearing bore of the turbine housing and forming the journal bearing bore. Next, the inner diameter of the journal bearing bore is determined and a cylindrical insert is formed. The cylindrical insert includes a first end, a second end, an inner surface, a step located at the first end, and an outer surface with an outer diameter that provides a diametric interference with the inner diameter of the journal bearing bore. The second end of the cylindrical insert is inserted into an inlet of the journal bearing bore up to the step. The cylindrical insert is secured to the turbine housing and both are stress relieved by heating. Following the stress relief, the inner surface of the cylindrical insert is formed and seal grooves are formed on the inner surface.