King pin thrust bearing

[Robert V.]

I got a front end rebuild kit from Corvette America for my '54 and I can't instal the king pin thrust bearing. The new bearing measures .573 thick and the old bearing is .559 thick. The space available with the bearing uninstalled is.5615, so, there is .0115 interference with the new bearing. I called the vendor and they measured some of their other bearings as did their supplier and they all were at or near the .573. I hesitate to grind any material off the mating parts. Has anyone else had this problem and if so, what was the solution? Thanks for any help you have.

[Ed Jennings]

Re: King pin thrust bearing

I have installed numerous king pin kits and never had this difficulty. The last couple I have installed came from NAPA. I THINK they were TRW manufacture. On both installs, I did not need to install a shim, since the gap was under .006(?), or whatever the max gap spec is. I would send them back and visit my local auto parts store.

[Joe Pennington]

Re: King pin thrust bearing

I check a bearing that I have in a kingpin set that I bought from Corvette Central a year or so back. It measures .561". The bearing was mfg'd by Trayer Products Inc. Made in the USA. # BE-14.

[Robert V.]

Re: King pin thrust bearing

Thanks for the info, Ed. I'll check out NAPA with michrometer in hand.

[Robert V.]

Re: King pin thrust bearing

Thanks for the response, Joe. That's interesting because that is exactly the same as the identification on my bearing and it measures .573". Different lot maybe?

[Chris S.]

Re: King pin thrust bearing

aren't many kits made oversize and the spindle needs reamed and bushed ?