It's me trunnions Doctor....

[Dominic]

Hi folks

Just serviced my brakes, thankfully all ok there. However, whilst checking for any "play" in any of the suspension parts, I found the cause of the occasional "clonk" I get when reversing. The top nearside trunnion has visible play in it, in a fore & aft direction. I'd estimate it at about 0.5 - 0.75 mm. The lower trunnions were replaced fairly recently, probably no more than 7000 miles on them. The offside upper seems completely "tight". (By that I mean no loose play! It swivels well!) I have kept them meticulously greased every 1000 miles since owning the car last October. Come to think of it, the previous owner did mention that the uppers might need attention in the not too distant future.
My question is:-
Should this be repaired as a matter of urgency, or would it be safe to get it done in a month or so? (approx 1000 miles more) I fully realise that it needs to be attended to before MOT time! Any advice would be gratefully received! Thanks folks!

Dom

PS just how awful a job is it? The technical guide on here looks a bit daunting!

[bmcecosse]

Top one is dead easy - and I would do it now. Although it is rare for the top one to fail - it might! The wear could be such that you need a complete new upright with top and bottom swivels.

[Dominic]

I rather fear that the kingpin might need replacing too.... I am presuming that the threaded part would wear at least as much as the hole in which it fits?