How do I remove King Pins ???

J

Jim in Upstate NY

Member
I have a 1937 Ford complete front axle which is now out of the car. The axle is rusty but the spindles turn. What's the best way to take the king pins out so I can remove the spindles for another project. Thanks, Jim
 
Take the stopper nuts off the keeper pins. Use a brass hammer and tapout the keeper pins. If they don't come out put the stopper nuts back on until they are 1/8" away from the axle. Smack them gently until loose. You may need to drift them out after knocking them loose. Turn the axle over and use a brass drift to tap the king pins out. If they won't come out use a 50/50 mix of trans fluid and acetone to soak them. They can be tough, while you are soaking them if the perches are still in the axle soak them as well. 'Cause the perches are the real bear if they've been outside.

Good luck, be patient and don't get out the BFH as it will only cause damage.


Tim
 
Remove the nut that holds the cotter pin (also acts as the steering stop), remove the cotter pin.
Then remove the kingpin by tapping from the bottom and removing from the top.

If it is stubborn you might need to remove the hub and backing plate, support the axle upside down so you can get a better / straighter hit on the kingpin.
Soak the whole area with your favourite penetrating oil beforehand.

Mart.

EDIT: Must type faster.
 
If you're not using the axle, try a couple of heat cycles with a oxy-actylene torch and penetrant in between. Remove the the king pin lock bolt ,as described ,first.
 
I didn't have any problems with my king pins, but the perch bolts were a problem for me. The best thing for me was patience. I heated the axle but not cherry red. I sprayed PB Blaster around the bolt over about 10 days. I would go out periodically and hit the nut (I put it back on the bolt) with a plastic dead blow hammer (hammer broke because of the cold temperature). Nothing seemed to be moving so I went and got a brass hammer and worked on the pin and finally got it to come out.
 
I got one out by doing what you guys said. I'm soaking the other kingpin with Krolls and will give it a shot in a few days. If that doesn't work I'll try heat. I don't need the axle but if I can save it, I'll offer the axle and wishbones up for someone that can use them. Thanks, Jim
 
I've never had any luck with penetrating oil, unless I can get the part to turn a little so the oil will soak in. Heat has always worked for me. Could not complete any project without the torch.
 
There is a clamp-on press-like tool for doing this job as well. I know Snap-on makes one. I'm sure others as well.

Don't know how it cost and I'm lucky enough that my dad owns one.

No fuss, no muss, no heating, just a little lubricant and the pins come right out from the force of the press.
 
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