[Spridgets] Hello and Kingpin bushings?

[rrengineer at dslextreme.com]

Mark,
    Hello and welcome to the list.  You already broke ettiquet by not
telling us your preference in guns, cats and beer.  If your wheel has
1/8th movement at the bottom and not the top it could be either the
lower kingpin bushing or the fulcrum pin.  Put the car on jack stands
and get underneathit and see if there is any movement at the fulcrum
pin.  Also make sure the wheel is not moving top and bottom.  Then I
would suspect the bearings.  In any case once you start taking it
apart to see what is wrong you will probably want to just rebuild the
whole front suspension.  New bushings make a world of difference is
the handling of the car.  The list provides some excellent parts
sources for your car, such as Peter Caldwell at NOS Imports and Ed at
Just Brits.  Don't forget Paul A when you put that 5 speed in your
Meegit.
Mike MacLean
60 Sprite
56 BN2
2002 HD Heritage Springer


Mark A. O'Neil
> Hello all,
>
> Sorry if some will see this twice as I sent this to the mgs list
> yesterday and today while trying to find why I didn't see it found
> this list which may be even more appropriate, so I thought I would
> introduce myself rather than just lurk.
>
> I recently purchased a '79 Midget - not really my favorite year, but
> a good one to start with as any I suppose.
>
> I drove Corvairs for about 10 years until I traded the last one in
> for my '41 741b Indian about 4 years ago. Unfortunately the Indian is
> down for what looks like the rest of the summer and well I wanted
> something fun to drive!
>
> I told my wife the Midget is safer than a motorcycle - well, at least
> with the Midget I am strapped into the projectile!
>
> The car has been in storage for the last six years or so, but handled
> nicely on the 70+ mile drive home and has minimal rust with the only
> rust through being two quarter sized holes at the bottom rear of the
> front wheel wells.
>
> I think first on the list is some front end and brake work. The
> brakes are a tad soft and (I think) a kingpin bushing(?) needs
> replaced on the front right as the bottom wheel can pull out about
> 1/8 an inch or so (the left is solid).
>
> It is my understanding that unlike a ball-joint the kingpin bushing
> replacement requires some 'fitting' (reaming?) that is best done by
> someone with the proper equipment - correct?
>
> Anyway, I am eager to learn and am certain I will have many questions
> similar to the above as I am not at all that familiar with British
> autos.
>
> Thanks and glad I found this list too!
>
> -m
>
> ---
>
> Mark
> Hanover, NH USA
>
> '41 741b
> '79 MG Midget 1500
> '06 VW Passat TDI
> MythTV - for when I want to watch it.
> _______________________________________________
> rrengineer at dslextreme.com
>
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