MG Car Repair: movement in midget kingpin, mg owners club, wheel bearings

Question
My mechanic has said there is play in the wheel bearings but upon pulling the wheel off I have noticed that the play is actually in the kingpin. When I lift the hub up there is about 1mm of movement. Is this a problem?

Answer
Hi Alethea
Yes, you do have a problem, probably a badly worn kingpin.  This is very common on Midgets.

Assuming that your mechanic does not have the specialist equipment necessary to re-bush your stub axle, the simplest and cheapest fix is to replace the entire stub axle assembly with a reconditioned exchange unit.  They come complete with top trunnion, and they are already assembled with the correct shims.  In the UK, they can be obtained for £41 (exchange) from the MG Owners Club.  In the USA, they are available from Moss.  When your mechanic fits the bearings to the hub, make sure he uses the correct shims.  These hubs must not be set up like a modern car.  You cannot adjust the bearing by tightening or slackening the hub nut.

I would also inspect the other side carefully.  There should be no lift or sideways movement in the kingpin, and it probably needs greasing.

Midgets do need regular greasing of the front suspension.  It only takes 2 minutes, and should prevent this from ever happening again.  I recommend every 1,000 miles.