How long should it take to replace kings pins (left & right)

[StevenF]

How long?

[Aaron h]

That's a very subjective question to ask on a 50+ year old car.  I suppose the best answer relates to how well the front suspension comes apart (often there are rusted/seized joints that have to be cut out or torched out).  After the suspension is part, you'll then have to wait on your machine shop to install and reem to fit the new bushings.  Even if we set the machine shop wait time aside you could be looking at a 10-20 hour job.  Again, it largely depends on how well the suspension comes apart, if you have the right tools, and how well you are prepared to release/remove the front springs.  Also, once you get the king pins and springs removed you may find that the upper inner and lower inner control arm bushings are shot, as well.  That'll obviously add more time and money onto the job. 

[Benz Dr.]

I was going to say 10 hours minimum so 20 max doesn't sound out of the realm. There will be machine shop time and a front end alignment to finish. Figure on things that you wouldn't expect and go from there. I'd call this a medium job - not big and not small either.

[ja17]

The Mercedes Factory  "Time Guide" lists king pin and bushing replacement at 0.9 hrs. per side. Realize these times were for new cars, by factory trained mechanics, under perfect working conditions and with all the special tools and equipment on hand. For the rest of the world, just triple this time to 2.7 hrs. per side. Now if it is your first time you may need to double it to 5.4 hrs. per side. Since these cars are fifty years old, you will find other worn and rusted parts, like upper and lower link pins and bushings. Include repacking and or replacing of the front wheel bearings. Maybe do the front brake hoses while your in there. Yes, 10 to 20 hrs. is a possibility. Without any surprises or additional work, figure 4 to 8 hours by an experienced and well equipped technician.

[stickandrudderman]

I quote 8 hours for two king pins. We install and ream them in house and we try to have overhauled ones on the shelf in order to minimise ramp time.

[PeterPortugal]

My oh my....I am into this for days and days.....obviously a career as a mechanic is not for me.

[StevenF]

Thank you all for your responses.

[stickandrudderman]

The Mercedes Factory  "Time Guide" lists king pin and bushing replacement at 0.9 hrs. per side. Realize these times were for new cars, by factory trained mechanics, under perfect working conditions and with all the special tools and equipment on hand.

I suspect that's the time for replacing the bushes once hubs are removed. Lots of MB times seem ridiculously short until you look at the job description and find that the time doesn't include strip & refit.

[lurtch]

This might be informative for all of you:

Not sure if I got screwed or not, but this is the invoice for my complete front end rebuild. I had a local shop do this job for me and the experience was NOT a good one. After weeks of delays and lame-ass excuses I lost my cool and got in a heated exchange with the shop owner. That was five years ago. Thankfully, the quality of work has turned out to be quite good in spite of (or because of) the shouting match.

Larry in CA

[Benz Dr.]

This might be informative for all of you:

Not sure if I got screwed or not, but this is the invoice for my complete front end rebuild. I had a local shop do this job for me and the experience was NOT a good one. After weeks of delays and lame-ass excuses I lost my cool and got in a heated exchange with the shop owner. That was five years ago. Thankfully, the quality of work has turned out to be quite good in spite of (or because of) the shouting match.

Larry in CA

So, how long did they have your car? I looked at your invoice and nothing really stood out as far as pricing goes. They had your upper and lower pivots along with the king pin changed in under 8 hours so I don't see where they dogged the job.   They did quite a bit of work and changed a lot of parts for not too high a price.