Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

I have a 55 clipper . and a 55 patrician , I changed the power steering unit complete off of the patrician to the clipper [ patrician parts car] had new hoses made up. PROBLEM when I start the car , the steering wheel jumps back and forth . cant turn the steering wheel?? I NEED HELP . do I have the hoses on wrong ? is there a diagram showing same , or what is happening . Bill

Which power steering systems were involved, Bendix (4-hose) or Monroe (2-hose)?

I believe that the 55 Pat (like all Seniors that year) had Bendix and the 55 Clipper had Monroe. The supply lines become a bit blurred, however, when it comes to the 56 Seniors.

The closest visual I can come up with are the illustrations from the Parts Plates section of 55-56 parts books, which can be downloaded here, for FREE - see Plates 31C (Bendix) and 31D (Monroe).

Also, did you remember to swap the pumps as well, if not their pressure-regulating valve assemblies? Otherwise, the pumps themselves are the same. The Monore system required higher pressure than Bendix, and SC Vol. 29, No. 4 specifically warns against interchanging pump between the two systems.

Hi 4 hoses ,2 short valve to cylinder, 2 from the pump to the valve , I changed the whole unit complete ,took the original hoses and had new ones made, the pressure hade a 2 size deal the new was exacly the same way. Bill

So, you've got a Bendix system on the Clipper, now.

I can envision a problem, such as you previously described, with that system if the two short hoses, between the control valve and the power cylinder (ram) are reversed at one end or the other.

Brian gives good advice. Swap the valve parts from the Bendix to the Monroe pump. The Monroe pump has an orifice that raises the pressure for the Monroe cylinder. Swap the parts 15.898 thru 15.852 as seen in this plate 31I from the Bendix pump to the pump on the car. Then make a note of it for your own good.

Attach file:

---

  (44.30 KB)

Pretty sure Brian nailed it, the short hoses are crossed. The power assist will immediately halt any steering input you give rather than aiding it.