Swivel Pin Wear

[SUE482]

Hi if I fit new trunions to the existing swivel pin there is some "rocking" before any grease is applied, how much play is acceptable or should I just replace the swivel pin as well as the trunions.

[bmcecosse]

There would have to be NO 'rocking' - really is best to fit complete new King Pin assemblies - then you know they are NEW and with regular greasing they will last 'for ever'. However - I do appreciate money can be tight - and so obviously new trunnions should take up half the wear that was there before but don't expect/think that grease can take up any wear.... It's up to your judgement.....

[mike.perry]

For safety I would advise fitting the complete assembly but if you pack the trunnions with grease before fitting them and there is no movement you should be ok. Keep a check on them and give them a squirt of grease evey time you take the wheel off

[bmcecosse]

Problem is - that the new trunnion may feel 'ok' at first - but very quickly wears away since it may only have 'line' contact with the remains of the thread on the King Pin - and in no time at all - the free play is just as bad as ever.......

[SUE482]

Hi thanks for the advice, I am going to do what I guessed was necessary, but its nice to get a second opinion.
Many thanks.

[bmcecosse]

Put polyurethane bushes in the top link (to the damper) - these make a HUGE improvement.

[kennatt]

just look at the edge of the threads on the pins if they are sharp(They should be flat)then the pin has had it and should be replaced they will quickly wear out new trunnnion

[SUE482]

Hi thanks for all the advice, I'm replacing the pins. One other piece of advice which would be welcome, replacing bushes with polyurethane versions, is it worth replacing all or just a selection?

[bmcecosse]

It is worth doing 'all' (except the rear half of the front tie-bar mount which is best kept as rubber) - but the top trunnion bushes make a huge improvement, and you will be in that area anyway - hence my suggestion you change them now. The others can be done over time - they all help, but these top trunnion bushes give by far the biggest improvement.

[mike.perry]

Not worth stripping the suspension down just to fit poly bushes, replace them as you replace trunnions or the rubbers wear out.
I am stilll working my way through a tin of rubbers on my rear shackles