On Tue, 16 Sep 1997 12:19:29 -0400 Nory@webtv.net (Nory) writes:
>It's most likely the kingpin and bushes are bad. They would wear
>before
>the swivel. When you disassemble everything, you can just make sure
>the
>holes aren't out of round and that the swivel isn't broken. If it
>checks out OK, you should be set with the kingpin and bushes. The
>good
>thing about the swivel sets they sell is you don't have as much work
>to
>do. The kingpins and bushes are all installed, and you don't have to
>beg, borrow, or steal the kingpin reamer for your car - If it's worth
>the money to you, go that route. Otherwise, just get the kingpins and
>bushes (sold at most places as a minor suspension kit).
>
>Before you do any of this, consider that it might not be the kingpins
>at
>all. While rocking the wheel (holding it at the top and bottom),
>watch
>for play in the upper trunnion link rubber bushes and the rubber
>bushes
>at the inner ends of the wishbone. If there is no side movement in
>the
>rubber bushes, you need to replace the kingpin and its bushes. OTOH,
>if
>the play is between the wheel and the brake backplate, then you need
>to
>replace the hub bearings. If there's play between the kingpin and the
>lower end of the wishbone, you need a new fulcrum pin. You may have
>any
>one, or combination of, these problems. All these parts are in most
>suppliers' catalogs as "major" suspension kits, but since you're
>trying
>to save money, you might want to replace only what's obviously bad,
>and
>see if that solves your problem.
>
>One more thing- As long as you're checking everything, try rocking the
>wheel from side to side while watching the ball joints. If there is
>play, you need to replace them too.
>
>If you replace all this stuff and you still have problems, you're in
>big trouble - You need a new wishbone - but that's not likely, and you
>don't want to hear about that anyway, right?
>
More two-cents worth, unsolicited---the wishbone replacement
isn't expensive. They can wear at the outboard (wheel) end if the bolt
wasn't tight enough, and at the inboard (engine) end if the rubber
bushings have perished long ago. The only caution when replacing them, or
any front suspension parts, is to be very careful to follow the book
exactly, and to be wary of the coil spring getting loose and attacking
you. Bob
>
>-NORY
>Don't assume that because you have found one problem, you have found
>the
>ONLY problem.
>
> '74 Midget & '71 parts car
> '94 Ford Ranger
> '86 Ford Escort
> '89 Ford Probe
> '96 North American Shepherd
>http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Way/9101
>
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