The Official 356Talk Forum

Could someone tell me the correct size reamer for sizing the kingpin bushing? Is this reamer available anywhere? I would like to try replacing kingpins and link pins myself. Another 356 owner and I would like to attack his car and mine this winter. We have plenty of time and access to a press.

Thanks

Bob,
Pretty sure time and a press are the least of your concerns; add a selection of shims and a surface grinder to the stuff required.

Discussion and size here. viewtopic.php?f=1&t=29431&hilit=link+pi ... g&start=15 18.034mm I think I have the correct one from parts/tools of late friend. Contact me through my email link. I have no use for it.

Thanks Ron, I have the grinder and the shims came with the link pin kit.

Doug, I have sent you an email regarding the reamer.

Thanks guys

You will need a long adjustable reamer for this company http://www.chadwickreamers.com/pilot.ph ... fractional to accommodate slightly different diameter king pins (German vs Brazilian). The pilot bushing is crucial for alignment of the two bushings. In addition to the correct reamer, you will need a good press with a driver and adaptors to push the old pin out and drive in the new.

Brad, thanks for the info. My kingpin diameters measure 18.14 mm and 18.25 mm. What would the correct size reamed bushing be? Would it be the exact size of the kingpin diameter? Slightly less? Speaks to your suggestion for an adjustable reamer.

Thanks

Guy,
Bob,

Per the B/C manual the bushings should be reamed to 18.016-18.034mm, (0.709"-0.710") see page S 20,see also page S 52 for spec tolerance.
I use a VW kingpin bushing reamer purchased from J.C.Whitney (see photo) some decades ago. It has worn to the point where it is undersize now and I now finish up wit a standard adjustable reamer of the 45/64"-23/32" size to achieve that "just right feel" ! Nice feature of the old VW tool is that it doubles as a bushing driver and has a lead-in diameter to keep the reamer aligned to one bushing while reaming the other.

Does anyone still sell this reamer ? I don't know but maybe some old VW/ 356 enthusiast is willing to part with theirs ?

It may be easier to have someone hone them.
j

King pin bushing reamer for VW and 356: http://www.carcraftstore.com, $129.95. From an ad on Thesamba.com

Not brain surgery but there more to it beyond having the reamer. For instance, the C-links must be checked for proper offset and straightness on a special jig (which was not a Porsche or VW tool). Oh, you will need a selection of thrust washers -- eight thickness -- for between the spindle and C-link.

Maybe the thing to do is to send off your axles to someone like Zim's or other shops, which have the equipment and experience to rebuild the axles completely.

Brad Ripley wrote:...but there more to it beyond having the reamer. For instance, the C-links must be checked for proper offset and straightness on a special jig...
Oh, you will need a selection of thrust washers -- eight thickness -- for between the spindle and C-link...

Factory-recommended HUNGER adjustable bushing reamers, 18-21mm.
The C-link gauge and press support tube are factory VW tools.
A selection of Porsche thrust washers, which do not come in link pin kits as previously implied...

The checking plate/device VW 259 for checking the offset of the C-link is what I was referring to in my post. A simpler "tool" can be made with a step for the offset and posts for the link pin holes. The C-link is then placed over it, if it doesn't slide over the posts nicely, then it's bent (often the case).

Thanks to everyone for all your tips, suggestions and reference photos. I will take a step back and decide where to go from here.

Hi
the easy way

Jacques,

Which Sunnen hone do you have? I have been after one but am struggling to find the room for one in the shop. Got a lead on a nice one currently