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Linkpin adjustment

Hi all,

A while ago i bought myself a new set of link-/kingpin for my '59 bug, for i didn't know how to adjust them if possible. Yesterday i started to take them out and renew them. Once i took them out i saw the way to take up play, by rotating the link pin.

My question is, to what extend can i take up play on the link pin?? Is it, as long as i can turn the link pin and the play will go away, i'm in the clear? And is it possible to take up play on a worn link pin? In other words; when is a link pin worn?

Many questions but i doo hope someone can help me out, as the car is due to inspection (MOT?)

Tia Roger

Reply to
bug '59
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Excessive wear is more likely in the kingpin and its bushings. Adjusting the linkpin won't cure that wear. Go ahead and adjust them hand tight and see if it makes any difference. If there is still a lot of play in the wheel (kingpin), they will need rebuilding which can be expensive.

Speedy Jim

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Reply to
Speedy Jim

Hey Jim, thanks

When i noticed the play on my wheels it came from the link pin, the kingpin seems to be ok....(not sure) The set i required however is a complete set with link pin ánd kingpin (with the bushings). Is this set all i need or do i need more? (to change the kingpin)

Thanks again Roger

"> Excessive wear is more likely in the kingpin and its bushings.

Reply to
bug '59

Changing the kingpin is a *huge* job. Just the disassembly is a lot of work. Then the bushings have to be pressed out and new ones pressed in. Then the really ticklish part: reaming the new bushings to a very precise diameter, using a rather spcial reaming tool.

This is definitely not DIY job (for a one-off).

You could try the new link pins out of the kit and see if that makes enough difference.

(When I had to pass US inspection, I would pump heavy grease into the kingpins just prior to inspection. The wheel usually felt tight enough to the inspector:-)

Speedy Jim

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Reply to
Speedy Jim

Today i finsihed the link pin job. Cleaned the kingpin carrier and steering knuckle, shims and link pin, greased it a little and putted the lot back together. Wheels back on and.... it drives much better now. The play is gone and i'm so glad to see it is NOT the kingpin as you pointed me out it is not a DIY job.

Jim thanks again for your input,

a happy dude on the road again...:-)

"Speedy Jim" schreef >> Hey Jim, thanks

Reply to
bug '59

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