The nuts and bolts of Kingpin bearings!

Took a deep breath and had a go at doing the kingpin bearings today using parts bought from Martin and the guide thats on here. Aside from the fact that it took quite a while (it will be much quicker next time) it went pretty well.

Low points were 1) realising neither I nor my friend had a torx socket for the hub, and having to go to the shops and buy one :whistle: .......... 2) the numerous stubborn bolts we came across......... 3) I struggled to realign the long drive shaft when refitting, it wouldn't slot it at the diff, my friend eventually got it by weighing down on it, I presume to lift it slightly at the diff end to align it.

We hit a low point when the instructions said 'remove the disc backing plate' bolts, because there was no way these things were shifting! deformed, rusted, rounded etc. - we did use wd40 and heat and an air gun but no joy. After a bit of 'googling', which incidentally just thew up results from this forum, we realised we didn't need to remove these to do the job (Martin, is there a reason that I don't understand as to why its in the instructions then? )

All in all a satisfying job and I'm delighted I've done it. I'll also fit new discs this month as I noticed they were a bit rusty - but the question I have after today is, is there anywhere you can by replacement for the numerous nuts/bolts you need to remove to do this job? - I'd gladly pay for new bolts for the swivel seal, king pins etc to make it easier next time. I didn't have to grind this time, but was close!

Anyone sell the bolts etc? - I presume if not you can get them from the dealer?
wHIZz

whizz3006 wrote: Took a deep breath and had a go at doing the kingpin bearings today using parts bought from Martin and the guide thats on here. Aside from the fact that it took quite a while (it will be much quicker next time) it went pretty well.

Low points were 1) realising neither I nor my friend had a torx socket for the hub, and having to go to the shops and buy one :whistle: . You can get away with a socket but if the heads are iffy perhaps not.......... 2) the numerous stubborn bolts we came across......... 3) I struggled to realign the long drive shaft when refitting, it wouldn't slot it at the diff, my friend eventually got it by weighing down on it, I presume to lift it slightly at the diff end to align it. That don't sound right.

We hit a low point when the instructions said 'remove the disc backing plate' bolts, because there was no way these things were shifting! deformed, rusted, rounded etc. - we did use wd40 and heat and an air gun but no joy. After a bit of 'googling', which incidentally just thew up results from this forum, we realised we didn't need to remove these to do the job (Martin, is there a reason that I don't understand as to why its in the instructions then? )
I think it is because the routine includes other jobs like bearings. I removed mine using a ring spanner carefully. I like to use a ring spanner on iffy rusty nuts for control and I know what force I am applying.

All in all a satisfying job and I'm delighted I've done it. I'll also fit new discs this month as I noticed they were a bit rusty - but the question I have after today is, is there anywhere you can by replacement for the numerous nuts/bolts you need to remove to do this job? - I'd gladly pay for new bolts for the swivel seal, king pins etc to make it easier next time. I didn't have to grind this time, but was close!

Anyone sell the bolts etc? - I presume if not you can get them from the dealer? Probs though they'll be costly.
I have found a lot of jobs I have done use extra fine threads, hard to grab off the shelf just anywhere and small hex heads........Suzuki all over.
wHIZz

I can honestly say this is the best tool I have ever got, and has not failed to get my rusty nuts (!) off the Jimny once:

www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/detai...-piece-bolt-grip-set

I used these to get the disk plate off, then got replacement bolts off eBay. I used 10.9 grade hi-tensile bolts (might have been 12.9...). Only a few pence more than the 5hitty ones that Suzuki use. No need to go to Suzuki for replacements. Yes, over engineered I know, but why not and are unlikely to rust and crumble anytime soon.

It's pretty easy to measure the bolts sizes needed, I have somewhere posted the size of the bolts I used for the disk plate but can't find it...

EDIT: Bolt size is M10 x 25mm x 1.25 (Metric Fine)

GuardianAngel wrote: I can honestly say this is the best tool I have ever got, and has not failed to get my rusty nuts (!) off the Jimny once:

www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/detai...-piece-bolt-grip-set

Nice and on my Xmas list, yes Xmas is coming.

whizz3006 wrote: (Martin, is there a reason that I don't understand as to why its in the instructions then? )

Yes, when I did it the first time I followed the Suzuki official workshop manual.

Since then we have found what bits are not necessary, sorry.

The next set I am changing will be videoed anyway, probably on an ABS car to show the difference as well.

Thanks Martin, no apology necessary though, this site is great and I wouldn't have done the job (or bought the bits) without it. Doesn't do any harm now and again to hit a snag and figure out a solution for yourself!