[Healeys] Front suspension question

[Bob Spidell]

You won't know if it's bush or king pin wear, or both, until you disassemble (I'm assuming you tested by putting the front A-arms on jackstands and tried to move the top and bottom of the wheel in and out in the vertical to test for looseness?). 

You can place jackstands securely under the A-arms, lower the front end onto the jackstands and detach the king pin at the trunnion to the shock arm (use four jackstands so the entire weight of the front end is on the springs. and the car is level). Suffice it to say there's a bit of risk; it's safer to drop the springs but I've done it without losing any sleep. I think--haven't done it myself--once you've disassembled the top trunnion the swivel axle will just slide off the king pin (brake calipers, etc. have to come off first). Of course, if the king pins are worn you'll end up having to drop the springs and disassembling the bottom trunnion anyway. 

Yes, the bushes will have to be pressed-in and reamed, and the grease hole has to be properly aligned. BCS, and maybe other, closer shops can do this for you. There was some problems with replacement king pins for a while, but haven't heard of any lately. 

Bob 



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Bob Spidell - San Jose, CA 

----- Original Message -----


Hi, 
My front end feels wobbly on the road, there is noticeable movement in the 
lower swivel pin bush both sides. So it seems like I should go for new bushes. 

Is it wise to disaassemble the suspension with the floor jack method? 

Do the bushes need to be reamed? 

Everything, else feels okay; what should I be looking at, or replace as a 
matter of course, while it's apart? 

Thanks, Alan 

'58 100 6