What does the king pin do?

[LFrank]

I know it's for suspension, but how does it work? And how is it maintained? I ask because mine was replaced a while back but apparently needs to replaced again. (Aw $huck$.)

LFrank
Washington DC
65 230 sl - auto
DB334/Hellblau

[JimVillers]

The king pin is the part that the front wheel rotates when the wheels are turned.  In the attached image, it is large vertical item (#29).  They can "go bad" if they are not greased regularly (3,000 miles).  The king pin is normally not the item that normally wear, the upper (#80) or lower bushings (#58).


Jim Villers
190SL, 230SL 5-Speed, 190E 2.3-16 Kompressor

[LFrank]

Thanks, Jim, for enlightening me (and any others).

LFrank
Washington DC
65 230 sl - auto
DB334/Hellblau

[A Dalton]

<<or lower bushings (#58).
>>

 Watch this one , in particular..
I have seen many a kingpin mis-diagnosed for this high wear item..
 Mucho Greeeeaaassss these fittings, both under load AND suspended load.