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Link Pin Shims

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    11/12/08*

Answer---> The Ball Bearing was used up to 1965 on the kingpin front end, but most replacement bearings are now roller bearings. The ball bearings have become very expensive compared to the replacement roller type. Both inner and outer bearing must be the same type. If you have one bad ball bearing it will be less expensive to replace them both with the newer roller bearings. Ball bearings must be set up a little loose, unlike the roller bearings. Most books call out .001"/.005" play. When the two nuts and lock plate are in place and adjusted, you should be able to slide the thrust washer back & forth with a screwdriver used as a pry bar. (Using the KP race nuts will make this job a lot easer) 
 1966 and later (plus early Kingpin front ends with the replacement roller bearings) are adjusted more like any other car. Most VW books call out the same .001/.005" but we prefer to adjust them like most all other front ends since they all use the same type bearings. Snug them up pretty tight (15 to 20 foot lbs) and the back off the nuts to just short of being able to move the thrust washer. (Wheel bearing nuts on Ball Joint front ends__  to__ foot lbs) No need to fill the dust cap with bearing grease since this can cause problems with the speedometer cable. 

Note: A little too tight on the ball bearings will destroy them and don't worry if you have a little free play when checking the outer diameter of the wheel as this goes away when the ball bearing warms up.  Have fun and don't forget to adjust the brakes.   Vic 
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