Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

The lower kingpin bearings have been modified to tapered roller units as the original ball bearings were completely worn out. The steering is very heavy and I heard a comment from a fellow some time back that the tapered roller bearing was not a good choice because they would tend to bind up with the weight of the car upon them. Has anyone else experienced this problem. I'm considering replacing them with a ball thrust race if necessary.

Generally speaking, a tapered roller bearing is chiefly for a transverse load with considerably less axial capacity--witness your front wheel bearings. That is, unless it is a special with a large included angle. Don't know what manner of machining has already been done or what you might needs do to accommodate a ball thrust and simple bronze bushing.