Richard has brought up a good point. The solution to hydrogen embrittlement is to have the part baked to drive off the gas. A quality plating shop would be tuned into this. Since you're probably unaware of who did the plating, that would be another reason to take it to a good plater for de-chroming. They may have the ability to determine if you have that problem. It comes on like fatigue, over time/use. If there's any doubt, particularly if accurate history is uncertain, this may be one of those situations where getting a new axle, with the tabs already welded on, will be both cost effective, and more prudent (from a safety standpoint).