Play in the Kingpin

[ZX-Smoov]

If I shimmy my front left tire, there is a lot of play in the area where the kingpin is located. Also, I'm getting steering wheel shake between 15-35 MPH. When braking at those speeds, the "banging" feels as if the car will fall apart. Has anyone experienced this, and how did you solve the problem?

Thanks for all suggestions!!

[nissanfreak12]

Replace the worn suspension/steering parts. Also check the tension rod bushings, that will cause all types of shake when braking. If its that bad, I would look into replacing sooner than later, it can brake and cause a catastrophic issue.

[ZX-Smoov]

I will be getting under the car as soon as the kingpin and components come in. I plan to check for play in the tension rod bushings at that time. Thanks and I will let you know what I come up with after installation.

[evildky]

Ummm...., Kingpin? These cars use a lower ball joint and an upper a arm bushing, no kingpins here, i thought you were calling the tc rod a kingpin now I'm really not sure what part you were referring to? Bad tc rod bushings case wicked vibrations, the ball joints and control arm bushings aren't typical points fo failure but on a 25 year old car everything is game.

[nissanfreak12]

Its just a general term for the ball joint evil. This is what he is referring to;

https://conceptzperformance.com/nissan- ... p_5242.php

[evildky]

Wow!? Ya got me on this one, I never noticed the knuckle was seperate of the upright. One more goofy over engineered part for the Z32.

[nissanfreak12]

Personally I think the one I pictured from concept Z is for the rear, with HICAS. Trust me I had to look it up first before I said there is no kingpins on the Z, took me by surprise as well. They are definitely ball joints on the front though, just played with them today.

[ZX-Smoov]

Hi everyone,
Sorry for the delay getting back to update the situation. The kingpin was fine. My lower ball joints and tie rods were shot! I also replaced the upper control arm bushings while i was in there.
She is running "smoov" in the front now.
Next step is three rear suspension!!
Thanks for all the feedback.

[ZX-Smoov]

I wanted to follow up and forgive the delay. My problem was NOT the king pin as stated earlier. My driver side hub bearing was bad and the caliper needed reconditioning. I had the work done at Car Line Auto in Detroit. Joe had his work cut out for him switching out the bearing. I ordered a kit for the caliper and did that work myself. It feels like a smoother (Smoov-er) ride and more responsive since there is no more left-side sticking. Up next: The remaining three calipers!