[Colin Souch]

I have some side-play in the front near side.  Not sure if it is the wheel bearing or the swivel pin bushes yet, however, either way if I need new parts are these Ford Pilot components.

Many thanks

Colin

[Tom Walker]

Hi Colin

Best to jack it up, then grab hold of the wheel at 12 and 6 o clock. A gentle rock back and forth will show the play in the bearing. The bearings are taper roller, so should always have a very small amount of “play”.

To rule out your king pin bushes, remove the split pin from the stupid stub axle nut, and tighten the nut. If this takes the play out, then you know it was the bearings that needed adjustment.

To check the king pins you really need a willing helper. It takes more effort to rock the wheel back and forth, and someone with a torch looking at the joint between the axle end and the stub axle hub. Ant movement at that point is worn kingpins

Let us know how you get on. Regards Tom

[Tom Walker]

Should read stub axle nut not stupid ! Also in last para, should read look at joint between axle end and the hub. The bit that moves when you apply steering

[Colin Souch]

Hi Tom, many thanks for the advice which I’ll follow; it will probably end up being the ‘stupid’ axle nut if puts up with a fight.

[Ben Stevens]

I rather liked the “stupid” nut, but I’ve amended your original post Tom.

[Charles Gough]

Hello Colin.

You can get king pin sets from here:-  Stainless Steel King Pin Kit (Royal King Pin Kit) 78-3111-R, 78-3111 – Belcher Engineering (belchers.uk).

These are the stainless steel types and they do come at a cost, however there are some on ebay that are the standard steel types etc. Give Belcher Engineering a call they should be able to help you out as they get parts from the USA, let us know how you get on.

Kind regards, Charles Gough

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