Kingpin Annealed Copper Shims

Snake Oil or a Cure????

One solution for Kingpin wobble/loose steering that has been told to me by a number of people is the use of soft (annealed) Copper Washers. The annealing process makes them soft and easily deformed. The principle is that you put them onto the TOP Kingpin Bearing  when you are replacing the Bearings and then tighten down to the correct torque.

The washers deform and crush, taking up any remaining play in the joint. This was apparently a well known technique when solid axle cars were more common.

A number of people on this forum have tried them and had different results varying from a small improvement through to a cure, no negative effects have been reported.

To install:

1. The kit contains 4 washers, you will install two per side.

2. Undo the top Kingpin (the four bolts on top) and prise the Kingpin out.

3. Slip over two of the washers

4. Put some sealant on the Kingpin and replace.

5. Torque down to the recommended setting (25Nm)

6. Repeat on the other side.