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There is a lot of play the car's steering so I figured I would adjust worm gear. On page 222 Se it calls for Service Manual under S118, Step 4 calls for "Pillar tube should be adjusted so the worm is just free.

I've looked, but can't find out how to do it.

Any help would be appreciated.

Marty: You can adjust the steering gear on your car by tightening the thrust bearing nut. The manual only shows the 646 but the 901 has a pinch bolt that you must loosen first. Take care when tightening the nut as too much adjustment will cause stiff movement. I also had to tighten the the sector shaft nut which is hard to get to. I used a 16in. adjustable wrench to get to it. You can also tighten up the steering tubes. At each end there is a cotter and large adjustment screw. Use a large straight blade screwdriver to turn it in some and replace the cotter with the cotter going in the screw slot to keep it from backing out. Also I use StaLube 140 gear oil in the steering box, trans, and differential. The manual calls for Witmers No 52 which I understand to be 160 wt. gear oil which is no longer available so the 140 seems to be OK. It is good for yellow metals which our cars contain in many places. You can PM me if you need to talk as there are many things we have in common with these cars.

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The adjustment nut is on mine is 1-15/16 across flats.

I've adjusted the steering gear car by tightening the thrust bearing nut, which got the free play down from ~30 deg. to ~12 deg. I've read S118 steps 5 & 6 and they seem to be the same. Am I right or what am I missing?

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Some of the steering boxes had shims to remove large slop.

I know this for a Dodge but I think this is the adjustment Gary was talking about "You can also tighten up the steering tubes".

Hope this helps.

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Drag link.pdf Size: 232.94 KB; Hits: 85

The Packard drag link tube is a bit different than the Dodge but along the same lines. The Packard one has a coil spring inside to keep tension on the ball and adjusted by the large screw in the end.

Marty,
Here's some detailed info on how to adjust the steering box. Drag links should also be checked to make sure the slotted plugs are screwed in enough so the springs are compressed enough to prevent excessive play. I've used GL-4/5/6 85-140W with no problems. With proper adjustment on good gears I have about 1/2 to 5/8" play at the outer edge of the steering wheel.
Dave

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9th 10th 11th Series Packard Steering Gear Adjustment Process.pdf Size: 259.42 KB; Hits: 90

You'll notice this isn't specifically for the 9th series eights, but I've used it as a general guide.

Tom - Thanks the step by step is a a gem.