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

Previous investigation: Engine, transmission, and front wheel bearings eliminated from suspicion.
1/15/13 Here's the latest as the car is now on a frame lift. 1. Between the transmission and the front universal joint is a bolted-together, flat plate that attaches the transmission to the drive shaft. Looks like a notch is marked on each side of the plate, but the notches are not aligned (notches may have been added by the previous owner). They are off by one bolt hole. 2. Start the car, shift into 3rd gear and accelerate: the forward section of the drive shaft wobbles badly just behind the universal joint. 3. The pinion shaft moves in and out of the rear end differential about 1/2 inch in travel. This in turn causes the spline shaft on the drive shaft to slide in and out. 4. Left rear wheel out of balance and exhibits out of alignment; also it has a small wobble and noise can be heard. I checked Hemmings and found no listing for differential, universal joint, or pinion service. Anyone know of a guru in or near North Central Florida? Steve (Navy65@windstream.net)

Dear Mac:

Check the driveshaft working angles. If they are unequal you may need to reposition the overdrive unit.

Usually this problem manifests itself on takeoff.

If the growl starts at 41 mph and continues upward I would be looking for a differential bearing or pinion bearing problem although wheel bearings will cause same.
As will worn out gears. Improper pinion preload will cause whine, and differential runout or backlash problems will cause howl.

If the unit has been apart before it is probably not set up correctly.

G'day Steve,
Although this is your second post here, because I missed the first, a belated to PackardInfo!

Have been following the thread about your problem over on the PAC Website.

And I invite you to include your '27 343 Touring Car in the Packard Owner's Registry here on PackardInfo.

Steve,
for including your '27 Eight Touring in the Registry. A fine looking original survivor with an interesting history!