Pre-war kingpin 'wear'.

Tony Fearn · Post by **Tony Fearn** » Thu Aug 27, 2009 7:01 pm

Both pre-wars passed their M.O.T.s recently with advice on each of them about a slight wear in the king pins and bushes.

So I had a look at the front axles this week and agreed that there was a little play in that area.

Nevertheless, I wondered if the cotter/wedge pins that hold the kingpin into the stub axle might just need a little 'take-up'.

I gave each of the pins a clout from behind the axle a couple of times with a lump hammer, and this of course drove them deeper into their holes and loosened the nuts on the opposite (front) side.

After tightening the nuts on the front of the axle (carefully because they are easily stripped) I tested the play again.

Most of it had disappeared!

So check this before you go to the M.O.T. station, or even asap. you don't want the kingpins dropping out.

Regards,

Tony.

Keith Andrews · Post by **Keith Andrews** » Thu Aug 27, 2009 9:50 pm

I dont know about the MoT in England...but the equivient WoF in NZ is very strict....NO play in king pins at all.
But it is my understanding that these old cars, including the Bradfords generally always had a little play...
It is my opinion that the people (deskjockeys) who make up 1/2 of these specs have no idea of the real vintage world

Also check the spacer bush for wear..It is my understanding ,very often it is not wear in the king pin but wear in this bush...

ian Howell · Post by **ian Howell** » Sat Sep 12, 2009 8:04 pm

How much 'play' in the front wheels is acceptable in the current MOT?

I guess it might be measured by the lateral movement at the outer rim of the tyre with the wheels 'free'. On mine - unrepaired - it is about 1/8" but barely noticeable at the actual king pins (the bearings are OK and the cotters are tight Tony).

On a similar vein, does anyone have ideas about repairs to the steering boxes on pre-war cars - the ones with an internal gear quadrant and a pinion on the end of the steering column?

After replacing the actual column (many thanks to JCS), there is still a little play in the box itself between the quadrant and the casing.

I have an idea, but has anyone managed anything other than a complete replacement?

Keith Andrews · Post by **Keith Andrews** » Sat Sep 12, 2009 9:04 pm

I covered a rebuild of the Bradford steering box in a thread quite some time back when I metal sprayed and rebuilt....
DONOT put grease in the box....the nipple is for a grease gun with 90 gear oil.

ian Howell · Post by **ian Howell** » Sun Sep 13, 2009 5:20 pm

Keith: -

Thanks for that. That was the article I remembered, also about the grease nipple.

I am still quite a long way from MoT time - most of the bodywork and all the electrics still to do - but I have put your article 'in the book' for reference when the time comes.

As an aside, as it was the steering gear makers that determined that oil should be used, I wonder why they didn't have the word 'oil' cast into the boxes during production - like the gearbox lid has the gear positions cast in? A grease nipple just INVITES grease from anybody 'doing the rounds'.

Post by **Forumadmin** » Sun Sep 13, 2009 7:25 pm

How about putting the article in the Gallery?

Keith Andrews · Post by **Keith Andrews** » Sun Sep 13, 2009 8:43 pm

Cold metal spraying and re grinding is not cheap
So start shopping around for contacts now
And It maybe worth while investgating with other club members getting a bulk order of boxes done at the same time.