Kingpins replaced - now steering feels TOO TIGHT.

[g_allen]

Greeting from Massachusetts and thanks for reading my posting!  

I just had the following front end work on my 1967 230 SL  ….
King Pin Set replacement (both sides)
Idler Arm bushing replacement
Control Arm Bushing Kit : Upper Outer Left/Right (Eccentric Bolt Kit)
Subframe/Dirrerential Mount; Front Subframe Mount Kit.


The car still needs a front end alignment - but I am concerned that the steering now fees TOO TIGHT.

When I take a turn, the steering does not seem to correct itself (i.e. straighten out) after the turn.  It requires me to maintain my grip on the steering wheel and straighten the wheels out with about the same force I used to make the turn.   The mechanic insists that the work was done properly and suggested I drive it for a week or so (hoping it will loosen up?) and then have the alignment done.

It also pulls pretty hard to the right at 40 or 50 mph - I'm assuming the wheel alignment will correct that??

My questions is ….

Will this loosen up with time or is there something I should have him check 'before' the wheel alignment that would cause the tight steering.?

I've seen some talk about 'reaming' or 'honing' the kingpin bushings??

I would sure appreciate any and all suggestions and comments.

Thanks in advance… Gary

[thelews]

I'd reserve judgment until the alignment is done.

John
1967 Early 250 SL Red/Caviar, Manual

[hill]

Please update us on this situation. I will need to tighten up the front in a year or two

Happy Benzing
Darryl, Hill
350 SL4.5 #60
1967 250sl "California"

[bpossel]

Hi Gary,

Did your mechanic replace the king pin bushings and hone for proper fit?  If the bushings are worn, when you tighten the lower king pin nut, it may cause the king pin to bind.  With proper fit, when all it tightened, it should move back and forth with ease...

Sometimes you can get away without replacing the king pin bushings (use existing bushings) and gain add'l "play" with the various size shims that come with the king pin kits.

Then the next question is...  did your mechanic squirt in some new grease in the top, middle and bottom fittings?

I am lucky that, here in Memphis, there is an alignment shop that has been there since way before Elvis , and besides doing great alignments, they also are very knowledgable with the 'ol king pins.

Please let us know the outcome and be careful drving to the alignment shop...

Bob

bpossel  (Memphis, TN.)
'71 280SL  /  '97 E320

[ja17]

Hello Gary,

As suggested it could be the bronze king pin bushings being too tight. Most often it is the shims at the bottom of the king pins. The new king pin kit contains several sizes. If too thick a shim is selected during assembly the king pin will bind when the large 22mm nut on the bottom of the kingpin is tightened. On occasions, the thinist shim may still have to be shaved or lapped a bit thinner in order to prevent binding. After tightening the 22mm nut, each assembly should be checked for ease of movement.

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio