DIY Network

1938 Packard: Steering-Linkage Removal From "Classic Car Restoration" episode DCR-406

To disassemble the tie-rod without damage, carefully tap the connection from the side to gently jar the pieces loose.

In this episode of Classic Car Restoration, host Mark Lambert focuses on the steering system in the restoration of a 1938 Packard Club Coupe. In this In this second segment of episode 406, Mark removes the steering linkage (a.k.a., the steering crank) for inspection and restoration.

Following is a summary of the major steps in the procedure as shown in the episode.

Materials used in this episode:

Standard automotive tools (socket-wrenches, screwdrivers, nut-drivers, etc.)
Jack and jack-stands
Grease gun
Heavy gear-lube
Tap-hammer
Bench vise
Replacement steering center pivot-pin
Replacement bearings
Replacement cotter pins
Anti-seize compound
Eye protection
Protective gloves

Note: This is a summary of steps included in the automotive restoration procedures shown in this episode of Classic Car Restoration. These are general guidelines for restoration procedures on this particular make and model of vehicle, and for the level of restoration selected for this project. There may be variations in procedures depending model, condition of vehicle, level of restoration undertaken and the types of replacement parts or upgrade kits selected. Always follow proper safety precautions, and read and follow manufacturer's guidelines, diagrams and safety notices that come with any replacement parts or kit that you select.

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	Figure A
	Figure B

Safety Alert: Always wear eye protection when working with power tools or pneumatic tools.

Steps:

• To check the steering linkage beneath the car, begin by checking the amount of movement in the elements using a pry bar (figure A). Ours was extremely loose, indicating a bid center-steering pivot. The tie-rod ends, however, appeared to be in fairly good shape.

• To remove the steering linkage, you'll need to pull the front bumper, radiator and harmonic dampener. (Refer to your vintage Packard service or repair manual for these procedures.) Once those parts are removed, the center pin can be loosened and dropped out.

  With those parts removed, we discovered that our center pin was only being held in place and supported by a single cotter pin -- which was in fact an unreliable and unsafe situation. The part should actually be held secure by a castellated nut -- as seen on our replacement part (figure B). The cotter pin should only hold the nut in place, not the pin itself.
  

• To extract the center-pivot pin, remove the cotter pin (and castellated nut), then gently tap the top of the pin using a punch and hammer (figure C).

• Once removed, we could inspect our old pin for signs of wear -- which was significant (figure D).

  Figure C

  Figure D

  
  

• Next, pull the outer tie-rods. To properly release a tie-rod end, first pull the cotter pin using needle-nosed pliers (figure E).

• Then remove the castellated nut.

• With the nut removed, gently tap the tie-rod end
• from the side to loosen the end from the cone-shaped fitting (figure F). Avoid hitting the tie-rod end from the top, as this could damage the threads.

• Repeat the process on the opposite side.

  Figure E

  Figure F

  
  

  Figure G

• With the steering linkage free, the assembly can be released from the center-pivot (figure G) and removed from underneath the car. Having an assistant to help lift out the assembly will make this job easier.

RESOURCES :


Resources and Special Thanks for Classic Car Restoration 400 series


The Packard Club
Columbus, Ohio
(National & regional clubs, car shows & judging, magazine, resources, etc.)
The Cormorant magazine
The Packard Club
www.packardclub.org

Packards International Motor Car Club
(National owner's club, judging rules, magazine, newsletter and other resources)
Santa Ana, CA
Packardsinternational.com

Packards of Chicagoland
(Regional affiliate of The Packard Club)
Elmhurst, IL
Packards of Chicagoland

America's Packard Museum
Dayton, Ohio
www.americaspackardmuseum.org

The National Packard Museum
Warren, OH (the birthplace of the Packard)
www.warren.org

The Packard Motor Car Foundation
(Foundation for preserving the Packard marque) Restoring the Packard Proving Grounds and other Packard activities.
www.packardmotorfdn.org

Motorbooks International
www.motorbooks.com

Automobile Inspections LLC
(Nationwide automobile appraisal & inspection services, including classic cars)
Hartford, CT
www.automobileinspections.com

Classic Auto Appraisals (Evaluation of Classics, Street Rods, Antiques, Competition Cars, Exotics, Commercial Vehicles and Hand Crafted Vehicles).
www.autoappraisals.com