I can't speak for the prevailing practice, but that with which I am familiar in auto machine shops is that king pin bushings are honed to fit the pins.
This is a very routine auto machine shop job similar to honing connnecting rod little end bushings to size. And the fit is not critical, although there are specifications. A nice oiled slip fit or no tighter than a light thumb push fit is what you need. This is true of old Ford pickups, big trucks, and old cars that use king pins instead of ball joints. Manufacturers' service manuals usually speak of reaming the bushings to size, which requires a suitable reamer. There's nothing wrong with good reaming, and I like it better than honing, perhaps because I believe deep down the honing leaves gritters in the bushings. But I've known of set after set that were honed. AFAIK they don't crater, and I think I'd know it if they did. They seem to endure as long as the owners will keep them greased. Pins and bushings will last forever, like more than 300,000 miles on an old Ford pickup, if greased regularly. Make that frequently. How I know this ought to be obvious. ___________________________________________________________________ Tue, 9 Oct 2007 15:33:18 -0700 From: David Bruckmann <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote Subject: Re: [MBZ] W108 4.5: The nightmare begins King pins kits are about $200 (does both sides) from Rusty. But I think the labour can get pricey because there's some machining involved to install them. D. >From: "Kaleb C. Striplin, work" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote > >So how much are king pins? Never messed with them before. > >--- >Kaleb C. Striplin >Cox Auto Trader >730 FSBO Supervisor > "andrew strasfogel" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote >To: "Mercedes Discussion List" <mercedes@okiebenz.com> >Sent: Tuesday, October 09, 2007 4:24 PM >Subject: Re: [MBZ] W108 4.5: The nightmare begins > > >> Wandering all over the road might mean you need new king pins. This is >> bad >> (expensive!!) news if true... _______________________________________ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
