BULLETIN NUMBER:
IB17-E-001B

IMPORTANT SERVICE
INFORMATION FOR:
 SERVICE MANAGER
 SERVICE ADVISOR
 TECHNICIAN
 PARTS DEPARTMENT

ISSUE DATE:
JANUARY 2020
GROUP:
STEERING

KINGPIN REPLACEMENT KIT INSTALLATION TIPS
AFFECTED VEHICLES



2008MY-Current Isuzu N-Series Vehicles
2012-2018MY Isuzu NPR Stripped Chassis (Reach)

This bulletin supersedes bulletin IB13-E-001A. This bulletin is being updated to
revise content. Please discard bulletin IB13-E-001A.
INFORMATION
AIPDN has consolidated kingpin replacement kits to a single type of kit. This kit comes
with two (2) thin kingpin thrust bearings. If the vehicle you are servicing arrived
equipped with a thicker kingpin thrust bearing on the passenger side, you will have to
install a spacer in order to utilize the new thinner bearing in the kingpin replacement kit.
Isuzu recommends replacing all the kingpin thrust bearing spacers with new parts
anytime a new kingpin replacement kit is installed. These spacers are not included in
the kingpin replacement kits.
This bulletin also addresses a number of concerns that may arise when installing
kingpin replacement kits.
INSTRUCTIONS
Original Thrust Bearing Configuration
2008 and newer N-Series vehicles may be equipped with two different thrust bearing
configurations, depending on the model and production date (see Chart 1). Use this
chart to determine if you will need a spacer to complete the repair, as AIPDN will be
providing kingpin replacement kits that come only with two thin thrust bearings.
NOTE: Isuzu recommends replacing any spacers with new parts (P/No.8-94168490-0) anytime a kingpin replacement kit is installed.
NOTE: If your dealership has any of the original kingpin replacement kits that
were applicable to the vehicle you are servicing in stock, continue to install those
kits until you exhaust the stock.
Refer to the parts catalogue for vehicles produced prior to 2008MY.

Thrust Bearing Differences and Locations
Depending on model year and production date 2008MY – current N-Series kingpin thrust
bearings were originally configured in two (2) different ways:
a. With thin (13.8mm) bearings and a spacer on both the left and right hand sides.
b. With a thin bearing and spacer on the LH (Driver) side and a thick (15.8mm)
bearing on the RH (Passenger) side.
Refer to Chart 2 for clarification.

Spacer Installation
When installing the thinner (13.8 mm) thrust bearings, a 1.95 mm spacer must be
installed on the top of each bearing. (See Figure 1.)
Refer to Chart 2 for clarification.

IMPORTANT: 1.95mm spacers (P/No. 8-94168-490-0) are not included in the kingpin
kit. Dealerships must order these spacers separately.

Figure 1
Thrust Bearing Installation Direction
When the thrust bearings are installed, the seal on the bearing should be facing
downward. (See Figure 2.)

Figure 2

Shim Installation

Shims are used to adjust the steering knuckle to axle clearance. (See Figure 3.) The
shims are installed on the top of the axle as shown in Figure 3. Shims are available in
different thicknesses. No more than two (2) shims should be installed. (See Figure 4 for
an illustration of incorrect spacer and shim usage.) Refer to the applicable Isuzu
Workshop Manual (WSM) for further instructions and clearance specifications.
These shims are not included in the kingpin replacement kit. Isuzu recommends
replacing these shims with new ones whenever the kingpin is replaced.
Refer to the appropriate Parts Catalogue for shim part numbers.

Figure 3

3 Shims

No Spacer

Figure 4

Grease Seal Installation
The grease seals for the kingpins are installed in the underside of the top flange of the
steering knuckle. (See Figure 5.)

Figure 5

It is important to install these grease seals in the proper direction to allow grease to be
discharged. Each seal has white marks on the downward side of the seal. (See Figure
6.)
IMPORTANT: Be sure to install these seals with the white marks facing down.

White mark

Figure 6

Kingpin Bushing Installation
Each kingpin bushing must be installed in the proper direction. Therefore, all new
bushings are clearly marked ↑ LH (for the left/driver side) and ↑ RH (for the
right/passenger side). (See Figure 7.) The arrows must be facing upwards for the
applicable side when the bushings are installed.
Additionally, each bushing has a hole in the side (see Figure 8) that allows the entry of
grease from the grease fitting installed on the steering knuckle. When installing the
bushings, ensure that each hole in the bushing aligns with the grease fitting opening on
the steering knuckle.
Use special tools grip CH 50439 and bushing repair tool CH 50440 (A) for removal of
the kingpin bushings. Use special tools grip CH 50439 and bushing repair tool CH
50440 (A) and (B) for installation of the kingpin bushings.
Refer to the appropriate WSM for additional instructions.

Figure 7

Figure 8

Lower Sealing Plug Installation
Before installing the kingpin sealing plug in the bottom of the knuckle, apply Three Bond
1215 (Isuzu Part Number 2-90067-710-0 or equivalent) to the sealing plug.
Refer to Information Bulletin IB13-E-002.
Upper Seal Installation
Kingpin Replacement Kits may come with one of two different upper seals: a smaller
diamater seal with a 14mm head retaining bolt, and a revised, larger diameter seal with
a 21mm retaining bolt.
Tighten the smaller 14mm retaining bolt to 32 N·m (24 lb·ft).
Tighten the larger 21mm retaining bolt to 45 N·m (33 lb·ft).

Grease Fittings Installation
Over time grease fittings can become clogged with debris and dried grease. Therefore,
kingpin kits all come with four (4) new grease fittings. Make sure to replace all four (two
on each side) grease fittings with the new fittings.

Lubricating the Kingpins
When the installation of the kingpins is completed, use a grease gun to inject grease at
each of the four (4) grease fittings. Continue to inject grease until new grease is seen in
a complete circle around each kingpin upper sealing plug and at each pivot point (two
per side). (See Figure 9.)

Upper Sealing Plug

On Top of Axle

Lower Side of
Bearing

Figure 9

Please refer to the applicable WSM for additional installation procedures.