Changing the Kingpin Bearings

Introduction

If you off-road a Jimny (or any of the Suzuki classic 4wd vehicles) then this is a job you will become familiar with. It is also one of the worst in my opinion, not because it is difficult, but because of the smell, you will find out what I mean later.

It is also closely tied in with changing/working on the wheel bearings so some of the steps are duplicated. So what are the symptoms of worn KingPin bearings:

• Steering Shimmy
• Oil/Grease leaking from Swivel Joint
• Vertical play in the front wheel (with the car jacked up grip the wheel top and bottom and rock it, there will be movement of they are worn)

Changing the bearings

First of all secure the car, release the wheel nuts and jack up the car and remove the road wheel. This then reveals the brake caliper, this is the passenger side (nearside) caliper (UK).