kingpin rubber seals?

[kevfromwales]

ok guys

FINALLY managed to get some new front end bushes (long saga, involving disrupted air freight, a volcano, and no stock anywhere in the UK!) had to get a local polybush supplier to make me some from scratch eventually - fitted them today, along with all the suspension etc

now it's time to fit the new kingpins - I've already had the bushes fitted and reamed, but when we emptied the rest of the box out, there are a pair of circular rubber seals - now whereabouts do they go?? - they are a tight fit to the kingpin, just not sure where they go!

also included are the cotterpins, shims, and new grease caps - all of which I know where to put! - but the bearings - I presume these fit with the 'cover' facing upwards???

cheers guys! - kev

[AlleyCat]

Kev, there should be 4 seals. These go in the spindle bores against the axle with the seal lips facing the axle(s). They are supposed to keep water out of the bushings while allowing grease to pass onto the wear surfaces of the axle(s).

You are correct on the bearings. The covered side faces upwards.

[robroy]

Good day Kev!

FINALLY managed to get some new front end bushes (long saga, involving disrupted air freight, a volcano, and no stock anywhere in the UK!) had to get a local polybush supplier to make me some from scratch eventually - fitted them today, along with all the suspension etc

That sounds like quite a situation Kev!

Wow--custom made bushings! Well done with the polyurethane material. Next time I replace these on my truck, I'll chose that type also.

now it's time to fit the new kingpins - I've already had the bushes fitted and reamed, but when we emptied the rest of the box out, there are a pair of circular rubber seals - now whereabouts do they go?? - they are a tight fit to the kingpin, just not sure where they go!

Those seals are tapped in to the spindle body. On the first page of this thread you'll see photos that I took showing exactly where they go and how I installed them: #50's I-beams/spindles 100% and bolted up!

also included are the cotterpins, shims, and new grease caps - all of which I know where to put! - but the bearings - I presume these fit with the 'cover' facing upwards???

That's a good question Kev. I looked through my photos and don't see any showing which way I installed them, but I have many more photos that I never posted here on FORDification.

I'll search through my photos that were taken during the disassembly process to see if I captured that detail.

Kev, it sounds like you have more automotive experience than I do, yet if you're anything like me you'll also be wondering about the way those bearings feel. If your new bearings are like mine were, they don't feel as smooth as wheel bearings. I asked about that and got some great replies here: Kingpin bearings: are they supposed to be smooth when dry?

I'll let you know what I discover about the bearings Kev!
Robroy

[kevfromwales]

Kev, there should be 4 seals. These go in the spindle bores against the axle with the seal lips facing the axle(s). They are supposed to keep water out of the bushings while allowing grease to pass onto the wear surfaces of the axle(s).

You are correct on the bearings. The covered side faces upwards.

cheers clay!

OK, so that's the bearings sorted - just got to source another pair of the rubber seals

I see where to fit the seal now too, just got to get them the right way round!

- kev

[kevfromwales]

robroy - thanks very much for all the info there ^^^ - very helpful indeed!

I think once I sort out another pair of rubber seals, I'll be all fine on this one!

- kev

[robroy]

Good day Kev!

robroy - thanks very much for all the info there ^^^ - very helpful indeed!

You're most welcome!

I think once I sort out another pair of rubber seals, I'll be all fine on this one!

Perfect. I agree with Clay's statement regarding the direction of the kingpin bearings, by the way. I'm pretty sure that's the only direction they can face that allows the grease to reach them from the great fittings on the ends of the spindle.

I hope your day's excellent Kev!
Robroy

[AlleyCat]

Kev and Robroy, the sealed side of the bearing is also the thrust surface of the bearing. When everything is assembled and the truck is on the ground the weight of the vehicle rests on this surface.

Robroy, the rollers in these bearings lay flat. Wheel bearings are tapered. When the king pin bearing is loaded it too rools nice and smooth.

Robroy, the custom made bushings are nice. It took a good machinest to make those. A bit of advice from an old truck mechanic though. When ever you have a choice the original style steel backed brass bushings are always the best choice. Properly maintained they will far out last urathane or nylon bushings.