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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - King pin bushes

Any quick tricks for removing old king pin bushes from the swivel hub?
Guyw

I used a suitably sized socket and a 10-ton press, although I guess you could use a long bolt and wind it out.
Dave O'Neill 2

As usual, top one is in good condition so I am minded to just replace the bottom, and then ream it.

I was puzzling how to get something inserted from the bottom to grip and extract the bush downwards. I guess to do this the best way is to remove the grease tubes and springs?
Guyw

Yes, you definitely have to remove the dust tube, not the least because all the swarf will get embedded in the grease and then later be unhelpful to kingpin life.

If you haven't got one made, sockets do make good mandrels as Dave says. If you don't have a press, a good vice will also do the job.

We have some specially made stepped mandrels that locate in the bush on the small diameter and the large diameter a clearance amount smaller than the bush OD, and use that to drift it out.


Paul Walbran

Well, old bushes out and new ones fitted and all reamed to a nice close tolerance on a new kingpin. I decided to do them both as it was so easy, and I had both anyway. I hadn't realised they were split bushes, which does make R & R easier.

Damn, I should know this sort of thing, but I have a box of "useful parts" for front suspension and steering, collected over years. For the kingpins I have the square sectioned O ring that goes at the base of the grease tube. But I have a similar sized round section one as well. Is that a duplicate, or relevant part of the king pin kit - if so where does it go?
Guyw

Is this the same Guy that lives in Cumbria?!

I thought you knew everything?! I am shocked and amazed you are asking us mere mortals for help. :-)

Malcolm
Malcolm Le Chevalier

Thanks Paul, yes I used a selection of sockets and washers and pressed them out & in with a heavy bench vice. Pretty straightforward.

Cynic, Malcolm! I probably did know this once, when I was a young whipper-snapper like you, but I have enjoyed too many birthdays and memory just fades after a while!
Guyw

and good on ya for doing so :-D
Malcolm Le Chevalier

The round section o-ring fits in the bottom of the stub-axle, at the base of the kingpin.
Dave O'Neill 2

Thanks Dave, between the bottom of the lower bush and the bottom flange of the kingpin?
Guyw

IIRC the bottom bush protrudes slightly and the o-ring fits around it and just inside the stub-axle.
Dave O'Neill 2

Yes, that was right Dave. The O ring sits around the edge of the bottom kingpin bush.

Its all back together now and with new outer fulcrum pins as well as replaced king pins and bushes it all feels much tighter again.

Thanks Paul - if you are following - for the loan of the reamer. I will drop it back with you when next out your way.
Guyw

Do you often go to New Zealand, Guy?
Nick and Cherry Scoop

No, Nick. If the loan was from that Paul I might just arrange an extended world trip to make sure I returned it. Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately depending on the point of view the specific Paul in this case lives about 4 miles away. I suppose it could still be an excuse for a world trip, if it was just the first leg, as it were.
Guyw

This thread was discussed between 30/06/2016 and 01/07/2016

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