changing kingpin bearings & oil seals

[theboy]

Hi, im changing the kingpin bearings, half shaft oil seals & knuckle seals on my sammy

I've been doing my research on the forum before I attempt this job.

Just wanted to clarify a couple of things -

1. I have free wheel hubs, do i not need to remove these to get to the kingpins and half shaft? I've read I just need to undo the 4 bolts behind the disc that hold the stub axle on - what's the stub axle? is this different to the half shaft? (amateur mechanic!) Im not planning on replacing the the wheel bearings so didnt want to dismantle if not required.

2. Kingpin Shims - do i just need to refit any that i find when I take them apart? Is there anything specific I need to know when tightening the kingpins up so I don't damage them?

Thanks

Tom

[ScottieJ]

You need to remove the cap off the freewheeling hubs to remove the circlip on the end of the half shaft, then you can after you undo those 4 bolts after removing the brake caliper the stub axle will come off, to might need to buy some kingpin shims if there are none left on yours.

[theboy]

You need to remove the cap off the freewheeling hubs to remove the circlip on the end of the half shaft, then you can after you undo those 4 bolts after removing the brake caliper the stub axle will come off, to might need to buy some kingpin shims if there are none left on yours.

thanks Scottie, im assuming shims are dealer only parts? How will I know if I need them? Will the kingpins not work correctly without them?

[dan_2k_uk]

King pins will be over tightened if you dont shim them enough.

As far as I am aware they are dealer only.

[Darrell]

I'm afraid unless you know the long term history of your 4x4, you don't know if anybody has removed a shim or 2 in the past to take up any wear. If your lucky any worn kingpin bearings in the past have been replaced and therefore you will not need to add any more shims, but until you get the new ones in you won't know.
I assume the shims are fitted from new to allow for differences in the swivel housing casting and to allow you to adjust things by removing as necessary.

[theboy]

Cheers guys, I'm still unsure how I will know if I actually need to shim them? What are the symptoms of too many or too few shims?

[dan_2k_uk]

There is a certain ammount of force needed to turn the hub.

I just set mine up by hand to the point where there was no play in the hub and it wasnt hard to turn.

[theboy]

There is a certain ammount of force needed to turn the hub.

I just set mine up by hand to the point where there was no play in the hub and it wasnt hard to turn.

thanks Dan, do I just need to rotate the hub assembly from left to right and see how it feels when i've built it back up?

thanks

Tom

[ScottieJ]

http://forum.suzukiclubuk.co.uk/vi ... 12/t,3182/

[theboy]

thanks Scottie, I have a feeling I may end up seeing if they 'feel' right as I dont have access to a torque gauge as pictured in the manual!

When I jacked the car up there was very limited play from top to bottom on the wheel, I had to put quite a bit of force in to make the King pins make a creaking sound?

Although when I drive it I get a horrible vibration if I go over uneven tarmac through the steering wheel and gear box. I need to check the T box mounts too. I know the kingpins need looking at as the oil seals have failed on the half shaft

Tom