King pin replacement

Brian Diehl · May 26, 2015, 05:10:02 PM

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.

Geoff · 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

Brian Diehl · May 26, 2015, 07:17:51 PM

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?

Geoff · May 27, 2015, 05:17:58 PM

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

Brian Diehl · May 27, 2015, 06:35:58 PM

Thanks Geoff.

Tom Y · May 28, 2015, 07:30:39 AM

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

luvrbus · May 28, 2015, 08:10:32 AM

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

Tom Y · May 28, 2015, 04:07:45 PM

Brian, The limit in Pa is 1/2 inch at tire for all tires over 20 in.

Jim Eh. · May 28, 2015, 06:29:36 PM

Good Lord ... and I thought our limit of 3/8" was way out of line!

Brian Diehl · May 29, 2015, 04:59:34 AM

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.

luvrbus · May 29, 2015, 05:18:51 AM

To each his own but I would replace with any noticeable movement