Kingpin Issues

[akborder67]

Hi, I have installed new kingpin bushings and kingpins and had the bushings honed by a machine shop. And after trying all the compensating washers and even removing them altogether the spindle still locks up tight when torqued down to the 65 ft/lb spec.(it actually starts to drag around 50 ft/lb.)  I have tried removing one of the thrust washers and torquing just for experiment and it finally was movable once torqued. I know I can't leave one of the thrust washers out so here I am asking for input. Can I replace the smooth flat thrust washer with a thinner one? or does anyone have any other suggestions?
Thanks in advance

Jason

[Benz Dr.]

Sounds like they didn't install the bushings all the way home. If the bushing sticks out even a small amount you can run into this problem. I wouldn't remove the thrust washer.

[akborder67]

The bushings are either flush or slightly below the washer surface.

[akborder67]

Any other suggestions?

Thanks

[Benz Dr.]

There are three washers in the kit. I assume you have the thin one installed?  I've had this problem before on a few cars so I tightened the nut until I felt zero end play and locked it in place. It may have been slightly less than the torque specs but even 50 lbs is considerable.

[ja17]

Make sure the upper thrust washer with the notch, did not rotate out of position. If so it may be riding on top of the pin.

[akborder67]

I tried using the thinnest washer and even tried taking all the compensating  washers out and it still binds.
I also made sure the thrust washer was lined up with the notch and it isn’t riding up on the pin.

Any other suggestions?

[Benz Dr.]

Wow! Something isn't right but I'm not sure what it would be. You should have quite a bit of end play without any compensating washers installed. Are you sure that your torque wrench is working properly? I've had ones go bad and be way out of calibration. The more you tighten the nut the more the end play will disappear.

There are grease or dirt shields in the kit. If you changed them make sure they're all the way home as they can hang up on adjacent parts.

[akborder67]

With no compensating washers I have no end play. I will check the torque wrench but it feels about right, doesn’t feel like I’m having to put a lot more effort into it than I should.

The dirt shields are fully installed.
I’ve seen a few other posts with the same issue from about 10 years ago and all posts stop after trying the few obvious things that have been posed on this thread with no indication of what the problem was.

Thank you

[ja17]

I'd try replacing the lower trunnion block next. Sounds like the hole for the king pin in your old ones are too big.

[akborder67]

Kingpins and  lower knuckles are new... so are king pin bushings.

[Benz Dr.]

Are they FIBI parts?

[akborder67]

Bought the parts from miller inc mbz

[Benz Dr.]

FIBI is the brand name or who made the part.