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MOTRS

FJ / FE / FC

1953-1960 / Sedan / Coupe / Australia

All FJ / FE / FC problems All workshop issues
Common Suspension and Steering

King Pin Wear

Symptoms

Vague steering, wandering on straight roads, uneven front tyre wear. Clunking over bumps from the front end.

Cause

The FJ/FC front suspension uses king pins, vertical pins that the stub axle pivots on, rather than the ball joints used on later cars. King pins wear in their bushings, developing play that translates directly to steering vagueness. Australian roads accelerate this wear.

Fix

Replace king pins and bushings.

King pin kits are available from specialists ($200-400 per side).

This is a moderately skilled job requiring a press to remove and install the pins.

Have it done at a workshop if you're not equipped.

While the front end is apart, replace the tie rod ends and any worn bushings.

Cost mentioned in fix
$200-400 per side

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// More FJ / FE / FC problems

Other known issues

Common Suspension and Steering

Sagging Leaf Springs

The rear of the car sits lower than it should. The car bottoms out over bumps. The rear end wallows and bounces excessively.
Common Suspension and Steering

Steering Box Wear

Excessive play in the steering wheel, you can turn the wheel significantly before the front wheels respond. Heavy or uneven steering effort.
Common Engine, Grey Motor (132.5ci / 2.17L Flathead Six)

Worn Bearings and Low Oil Pressure

Oil pressure drops below 20 psi at idle when hot. Knocking noise from the bottom end, particularly under load. May also develop a deep rumble at idle.
Common Engine, Grey Motor (132.5ci / 2.17L Flathead Six)

Valve Seat Recession

Gradual loss of compression, rough running, tapping noise from the engine that gets worse over time. May develop a misfire.
Critical Engine, Grey Motor (132.5ci / 2.17L Flathead Six)

Overheating in Modern Traffic

Temperature gauge climbs or the engine boils over in slow traffic or on hot days.
Common Engine, Grey Motor (132.5ci / 2.17L Flathead Six)

Fuel Pump Failure

Engine stalls, won't restart, or runs inconsistently. Fuel starvation symptoms, the engine dies under load but may restart after sitting for a few minutes.
View all 17 FJ / FE / FC problems