[Healeys] Front suspension question

Alan Grossman agrossman at pacific.net
Sat Aug 27 17:53:59 MDT 2011


"You won't know if it's bush or kingpin..."

Yeah, but I can hope it's the bush ;->

Thanks for the replys, Alan
  ----- Original Message -----
  From: Bob Spidell
  To: Alan Grossman
  Cc: Healeys at autox.team.net
  Sent: Saturday, August 27, 2011 12:47 PM
  Subject: Re: [Healeys] Front suspension question


  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



  --------------------------------
  Bob Spidell - San Jose, CA


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-


  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


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