Adjustments & Inspection: Kingpin
- Raise and support vehicle. Remove wheel assembly. Remove tie rod nut at steering knuckle. Using tie rod separator, separate tie rod from steering knuckle.
- Disconnect tie rod from steering knuckle. Remove steering knuckle oil seal. See STEERING KNUCKLE OIL SEAL under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION in this article.
- Ensure kingpin retaining bolts are tightened to specification prior to measuring starting torque. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS table at end of article.CAUTION: Prior to checking starting torque, steering knuckle oil seal must be removed and kingpin retaining bolts tightened to proper specification.
- Using spring scale attached to tie rod area of steering knuckle, measure starting torque required to move steering knuckle. Starting torque should be 2.20-3.96 lbs. (1.0-1.8 kg).
- If starting torque is not within specification, kingpin preload must be adjusted. Remove kingpin retaining bolts. See Fig 1. Install a large amount of kingpin shims. Install kingpin and tighten bolts to specification.
- Recheck kingpin starting torque. Gradually decrease shim thickness to obtain starting torque of 2.20-3.96 lbs. (1.0-1.8 kg). Check starting torque after each shim removal.
- If correct starting torque cannot be obtained when no shims are used, inspect kingpins or bearings for damage.
- Reverse removal procedures for remaining components. Once correct starting torque is obtained, remove kingpin. Apply Sealing Compound 366E (99000-31090) to kingpin-to-steering knuckle contact areas.
- Install kingpin. Apply Lock Cement 1342 (990000-32050) to kingpin bolts prior to installation. Tighten bolts to specification.