Kingpin (automotive part)

The steering kingpin is held in place by the forked ends of a beam axle on a Ford Model T

The kingpin (also king-pin, king pin and k pin)[1][2] is the main pivot in the steering mechanism of a car or other vehicle.

The term is also used to refer to part of a fifth wheel coupling apparatus for a semi and its trailer or other load.

  1. ^ Oxford English Dictionary (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press. 1989. king-pin: that which holds together any complex system or arrangement. 1958 Engineering 28 Feb. 265/3 Another remarkable feature of the design is a front suspension which uses telescopic dampers as the king pins and steering swivels.
  2. ^ "Random House Dictionary: kingpin". Random House, Inc. 2010. Retrieved 2010-03-25.