Midget Lower Fulcrum Pin

[Martin350]

Hi.

I'm in the process of refreshing the front suspension of my '78 Midget.

The lower fulcrum pin is starting to give me a bit of a headache.



It's had several soakings in penetrating oil from both ends.
I've tried a big screwdriver, spanners on big screwdrivers (that have a hex just below the handle) and hammer & punch, but it hasn't budged.

Has anyone here come up with a fancy solution?

I have googled it, but it would be nice to get any ideas from others on here who have experience with this.

Thanks!

Edited by Martin350 on Thursday 16th February 01:51

[PositronicRay]

Impact screwdriver, I take it, it's is a RH thread?

[Martin350]

Well I'm not 100% sure, but I have a Haynes manual for the Midget (handily came with the car) and there's no mention of left hand thread.

A work colleague also suggested an impact driver today, so I'm about to try that when I get home.

Thanks!

[Martin350]

It seems that this pin is made of some super hard steel!

I tried the impact driver, it chipped chunks off the bit.

I tried another impact driver bit with my impact gun, chipped another bit.

Then I removed the cork seals and with a thin cutting disc in the grinder cut through the pin both sides of the kingpin.
I was going to replace the pin anyway so that didn't matter.



The seized part of the pin, inside the kingpin, was then pressed out. It took around 3 tons at its peak.



The ends of the cut pin left in the suspension arm then have to be removed.
The end with the slot in it unscrewed easily.
But the other end (on the right) has no slot and is more than finger tight, so I'm not sure how this is going to come out yet.

[hidetheelephants]

It needs a nut or a bit of bar welded onto it, then wind it out with a spanner or mole grips.

[Martin350]

I don't know how I didn't think of that, maybe a lot on my mind and a bit tired, if I get time I'll do that after work tomorrow!

[Martin350]

Sorted!

[Flying Phil]

Well done!

[Martin350]

Thanks.

Just got the other side to do now, and that is proving to be more of a challenge!

[hidetheelephants]

Job jobbed!

[AdrianR]

You didn't say if you tried heating it. Often works well - part of the reason why welding studs/nuts on works.

Before reassambling, clean wishbone and examine carefully for stress cracks.

[Martin350]

I didn't use any heat other than the two small welds, I really must get another blow torch.

The other side has a seized cotter pin which I've not yet managed to shift, and that needs to come out before the fulcrum pin can be removed.

I've read about the lower arms cracking, so yes, they will be thoroughly cleaned and inspected.