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kingpin

1 8.4

A large central bolt that lets the wheel turn in a vehicle

noun
/ˈkɪŋˌpɪn/

Specialized

: pivote de la dirección

Examples

Positive offset between the pivot and axle centerline provides good turning response, while the lower kingpin angle keeps things steady at speed.

Blog text (18)
Wheel alignment, including caster, kingpin inclination, wheel camber, and wheel toe-in; this concerns the two steering wheels.

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The mechanic adjusted the kingpin to ensure that the steering was responsive and safe.
To achieve smooth turns, it's essential that the kingpin is positioned correctly in the vehicle's steering mechanism.
Regular maintenance of the kingpin can prevent steering issues in heavy-duty trucks.

Synonyms

kingbolt

vskingpin

Archaic

1 9.9

A large bolt that joins the front axle to the steering so wheels can turn

is larger and forms the central pivot specifically in motor vehicle steering

swivel pin

vskingpin

Specialized

1 7.5

A metal part that turns to let a car's wheel move when you steer

is a larger central pivot bolt used as the main steering pivot

Surface Forms

kingpin singular

kingpins plural

Morphology

kingpin = king + pin (semi-transparent) = king + pin

The compound literally denotes the principal or central pin in a mechanism, but the term is a technical/mechanical term and thus may not be fully predictable without domain knowledge.

Etymology

Kingpin for a vehicle part comes from the same idea: it is the king 'chief' pin that acts as the main bolt allowing the steering to turn. Because it is the central part the wheels turn around, a bad kingpin can make the steering fail.