TheSamba.com :: View topic

Sat Apr 26, 2025 8:04 am

I am rebuilding a 63 beetle that I recently purchased. Replaced the king pin bushings and pins and got the link pin bushings installed. Now I’m at the car and the links won’t fit thru the bushings.

All 4 links measure .705” OD and the link bushing ID is measuring .685” average. I feel like a press fit on the link pins in incorrect from YouTube videos I’ve watched and they just slide in.

Do I need to ream these bushings out? Am I mistaking and a press fit is acceptable?

Sat Apr 26, 2025 8:50 am

maybe they need to be reamed. I've use a 'special' reamer for just such a job. Not only reams to fit but gets the in alignment

Sat Apr 26, 2025 9:05 am

I was wondering if I could use the king pin reamer as its .710” but now I’m curious on your special one.

Sat Apr 26, 2025 9:18 am

here is a link to check out https://vwparts.aircooled.net/710-King-Pin-Reamer-Rental-p/king-pin-reamer-rental.htm

Sat Apr 26, 2025 9:28 am

I have that reamer. I missed the last 1 minute of the JBugs assembly video that said to ream the holes out to the same as the king pins. Got it fixed!

Thanks for the input that my brain think.

Sat Apr 26, 2025 9:51 am

I hint for reamers.

1. always use cutting oil with them
2. always NEVER turn them backwards, a sure way to dull them
3. when storing them, take care to protect the fine edges, dont toss them unprotected in a tool box, also dont drop them, fragile edges!!
4. dont over speed them, only hand turn or if power turning them, use a slow enough speed, too high a speed will destroy the fine edges.

good you fixed it!!!!!!