Author Topic: Survey for Kingpin install  (Read 3296 times)

Jazn

  • Guest
Survey for Kingpin install
« on: December 05, 2006, 19:05:41 »
For those of you who have done this, have you had problems with binding of the kingpin with just installing the two thrust washers?  I have been trying to get it so that with the proper torque setting, the two thrust washers are installed and the kingpin still turns freely to no avail.  I am just wondering if any of you have installed the kingpin with just the bottom thrust washer (grease cutouts) and perhaps a thinner adjusting washer instead of the top thrust washer.  I can't get it to move freely with both installed.
Thanks
Jason

Jazn

  • Guest
Re: Survey for Kingpin install
« Reply #1 on: December 05, 2006, 19:14:41 »
I actually just installed the spindle with the kingpin with no thrust washers installed and it fit perfectly, torqued to spec with no binding.  This is weird.  Any opinions?

ja17

  • Full Member
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • USA, OH, Blacklick
  • Posts: 7414
Re: Survey for Kingpin install
« Reply #2 on: December 06, 2006, 06:11:53 »
Hello,

I am sure the new king pins vary slightly dimensionally when new. At times I have had to lap the closest compensating shim to change its dimesion to get enough clearance. I used a glass plate some oil, an assortment of wet dry sandpaper and a lot of rubbing. A machine shop can use a surface grinder.

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio
« Last Edit: December 06, 2006, 06:14:00 by ja17 »
Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio
1969 Dark Olive 280SL
2002 ML55 AMG (tow vehicle)
2002 SLK32 AMG (350 hp)
1982 300TD Wagon turbo 4spd.
1963 404 Mercedes Unimog (Swedish Army)
1989 flu419 Mercedes Unimog (US Army)
1998 E430
1974 450SLC Rally
1965 220SE Finback

mdsalemi

  • Pagoda SL Board
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • USA, NC, Davidson
  • Posts: 7056
Re: Survey for Kingpin install
« Reply #3 on: December 06, 2006, 17:34:13 »
Personally, I know *zero* about kingpins OTHER then what my restorer told me--there are tricks, tips and techniques to do it; do it well; and do it properly.  He had developed some of these over time and became the "king" of kingpins so that many other mechanics, including some dealers, would send kingpin jobs to him for repair...

Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red w/Black Leather
Restored
Michael Salemi
Davidson, North Carolina (Charlotte Area) USA
1969 280SL (USA-Spec)
Signal Red 568G w/Black Leather (Restored)
2023 Ford Maverick Lariat Hybrid "Area 51"
2023 Ford Escape Hybrid
2024 Ford Mustang Mach Ex PEV

Jazn

  • Guest
Re: Survey for Kingpin install
« Reply #4 on: December 07, 2006, 15:33:15 »
quote:
Originally posted by mdsalemi

Personally, I know *zero* about kingpins OTHER then what my restorer told me--there are tricks, tips and techniques to do it; do it well; and do it properly.  He had developed some of these over time and became the "king" of kingpins so that many other mechanics, including some dealers, would send kingpin jobs to him for repair...

Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red w/Black Leather
Restored


Yes, I am finding that out.  For future reference, can I have your restorers contact info?

glennard

  • Guest
Re: Survey for Kingpin install
« Reply #5 on: December 07, 2006, 20:55:50 »
How's this for installation?   1. Clean all parts -king pin, 2 upper thrust washers, axle stub with new bushings, lower steering knuckle.  2. put bottom washer of two upper washers on top axle stub on the aligning pin. 3. put upper washer on top of bottom washer. 4. drop king pin into axle stub. 4. don't put bottom compensating washer on.  5. put bottom steering knuckle onto taper of king pin. 6. tighten king pin nut up snug.  7. measure up/down play in king pin.  8. get a compensating washer .002 to .004 inch less thick than up/down play in 7.  9. install compensating washer. 10. align upper and lower steering knuckles. 11. install lock washer and torgue nut to 65 lb-ft.    DONE!