Survey for Kingpin install

[Jazn]

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]

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]

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

[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

[Jazn]

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]

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!