Guys - need to know if it is possible to replace a king pin at home without a reamer. What do you think? I'm completely comfortable tearing it down and just wonder if all king pin replacements must be done with a reamer?
I'm asking because my 1985 96A3 passenger side front king pin is worn enough you can easily see the movement when levering the tire up and down. I assume any real visible movement is not good.
BTW, this is on the same side I'm having wheel seal issues with.
Thanks.
You need special tools to install the bushing and ream it out to specs. If you can pull the assembly off just take it to a good truck shop and let them do it.
--Geoff
Quote from: Geoff on May 26, 2015, 05:56:39 PM
You need special tools to install the bushing and ream it out to specs. If you can pull the assembly off just take it to a good truck shop and let them do it.
--Geoff
Okay - so it sounds like you don't have to do the reaming on the bus?
The shop will ream out the new bushings to spec. All you have to do is re-assemble it and grease them. Then it is time for a front end alignment, assuming everything else is tight. Your rear wheels also have to be aligned to the front wheels with no worn out dog bone bushings.
--Geoff
Thanks Geoff.
Brian, You may want to check your state law on what is bad. In Pa it is a lot, measured in 1/8 of inches. I think my pass side is loose but still plenty legal. Tom
They are not that hard to do on a MCI if make the tool shown in the manual it is for both removing and installing the bushings, if you don't have it I can send you a photo not expensive to have made
Takes a 10 inch expandable reamer $$$ with a pilot the large end is 1.794 and the small end is 1.3095 for 1 time use the H/F stuff will work you can buy 2 separate reamers if need be .
Getting the tapered king pin out is going to be the job it can be a bitch but heat with a fire wrench makes it easier,fwiw I use a brake cylinder hone with diesel to polish off the bushing after reaming
Brian, The limit in Pa is 1/2 inch at tire for all tires over 20 in.
Good Lord ... and I thought our limit of 3/8" was way out of line!
Wow, from the sounds of it you could say my king pin is "new"! I have very little measurable movement at the wheel tips and all the movement is seen at the king pin and spindle joint.
To each his own but I would replace with any noticeable movement