Lower kingpin bearing race

hokie_yj · Mar 12, 2016

So this little rig I just bought is quickly turning into a headache. What started as replacing a stuck caliper has turned into pretty much having to rebuild the whole front end. Once I jacked it up I found that the lower kingpin bearing was pretty much non-existent on the driver's side. I got it tore apart but I can't get the race out of the bottom of the C. I tried using a big drift punch from the top but all I did was destroy the dust cap, the race didn't move. I found a few posts where people have had success welding on the race and then letting it cool and then knocking it out. Anybody ever tried that? Or know any other tricks.

I've ordered all the parts to fix it. The other side still feels ok, but it looks like the seal is shot so I may just tear it apart too. I went ahead and sprung for the spring eliminators and bronze bushings too. The nylon bushing was also broken.

So much for buying a rig that was ready to go wheeling. Oh well, it's always something. :-\

BMWhittle53009 · Mar 12, 2016

Yup. Welding around the race has always worked for me get the lower kingpin race out!
:woot:

hokie_yj · Mar 12, 2016

I guess I'll give it a try. How much did you weld? Just tacks, or did you do a bead all the way around?

RebelRider · Mar 12, 2016

All the way around works best.

Rokcrler · Mar 12, 2016

I just use a punch from the top. Destroy the dust cap and you can place the punch on the edge of the race. Alternate ends and out it comes.

hokie_yj · Mar 12, 2016

Rokcrler said:
I just use a punch from the top. Destroy the dust cap and you can place the punch on the edge of the race. Alternate ends and out it comes.

Well drive up here to TN and knock this bitch out for me then.

I did exactly that. I beat on it for close to an hour and it never budged.

Rokcrler · Mar 12, 2016

Re:

I'm on my way

hokie_yj · Mar 12, 2016

laughing1

I went back out there in my damn shorts and flip flops because I thought maybe I was just a puss and couldn't knock it loose. I got out the 4lb sledge and the biggest chisel I had and beat on it for 15 minutes. It finally moved. About 1/32". :****:

onepieceatatime · Mar 13, 2016

Re:

I had the same problem and someone told me the welding trick. Ran a bead around it and it came out first smack.

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Toddy · Mar 13, 2016

Put a wet rag on it right after you get done welding. Prob fall out.

pholmann · Mar 13, 2016

I've had to use this to get stuck pilot bearing remains out before. Works great.

hokie_yj · Mar 13, 2016

Thanks guys. I'm going to give it a shot as soon as I get a chance to work on it again.

fordcontraption01 · Mar 15, 2016

Yes weld it then beat it right out :dblthumb:

muddinmetal · Mar 15, 2016

hokie_yj said:
laughing1

I went back out there in my damn shorts and flip flops because I thought maybe I was just a puss and couldn't knock it loose. I got out the 4lb sledge and the biggest chisel I had and beat on it for 15 minutes. It finally moved. About 1/32". :****:

I figured you were just hitting it with your purse :fish:

hokie_yj · Mar 15, 2016

Maybe you could just come up and squeeze it out? laughing1

hokie_yj · Mar 18, 2016

I finally got a chance to get back in the shop today. I put a few short beads on it then cooled it with a wet rag. Just a few hits it popped right out. Thanks for the advice guys.

I was still wishing muddinmetal would have came up and squeezed it out with his bare hands though. Lol

ranger11 · Mar 18, 2016

Re:

He may have broken the c off. I heard he could squeeze a man's head off his shoulders.

I learned the weld trick on ATVs, done forgot it till I read it here. Glad you got it out.