DIY Network

1938 Packard: Steering Crank-Arm Restoration From "Classic Car Restoration" episode DCR-406

The old, worn-out steering pin and bearings, and the new replacement pin.

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 third segment of episode 406, Mark cleans up and restores the steering linkage.

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 hammers, power tools or pneumatic tools.

The original Packard replacement bearings came packed inside a housing with a felt washer (figure A) that, in theory, served to maintain the lubrication on the bearings. In fact, this "bicycle style" set-up resulted in water getting trapped and eventually rusting out the bearings.

The modern replacements (figure B) are permanently sealed and protected from moisture and rust.

Replacement center-pivot arms were available from Packard as well (figure C). Ideally the pivot-arm assembly (figure D) should operate with no "play" and with a nice, even swing.

Figure C

Figure D

Steps:

• With our crank-arm assembly removed from the vehicle, we stabilized it in the workbench vise and cleaned it up using spray cleaner.

• Use a punch and hammer to carefully tap the old bearing out of the assembly, then clean out the portion of the arm that holds the bearing.

• Add some fresh grease to the top replacement bearing and gently tap it into place (figure E). Repeat the process for the bottom-bearing.

  Tip: You can use the vise to seat the bearings firmly into position (figure F). Make certain that the bearings seat snugly, but don't force them or over-tighten the vise.

  Figure F

  Figure E

  
  

• To check the tie-rod ends for integrity, work the ball-and-socket joints (figure G) back and forth, and up and down, to make certain that the joints are tight, and without play. Excessive play in this assembly would translate into loose steering when the vehicle is driven.

• Clean and then re-grease the grease fittings with a grease gun (figure H) before reinstalling the assembly onto the car. It's important to clean the fittings before re-greasing to avoid forcing dirt and debris into the fittings with the new grease.

  Figure G

  Figure H

  
  

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