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'41 120:steering "sticks" or binds. problem began this season at first drive.initially noted on turns, but today (second day out) it happened at slow speed, straight street in the neighborhood. the phenomenon is intermittent and not consistent but is scary!
? any suggestions?
I asked this question on the AACA forum but it was suggested that I ask here. I'd be afraid to drive the car on a tour in the present condition and it is frustrating that this did not happen last season!

If at the time of the sticking there is absolutely no play in the steering wheel, then the problem is in the column. If there is play at the wheel then I guess the problem is in the box. Seems someone here was showing pictures of a failed sector gear sometime in the past. Best pull the cover off the box and have a careful look.

Does it have that center pivot mechanism. If so, what would happen if something in that section developed a problem. I remember posts from others about finding something in that area loose or damaged or dry. Don't remember what it was or what the symptoms were exactly but it would seem anything that doesn't move freely there could cause your sticking.

Yes Howard, seems that the center pivot mechanism was very well placed by Packard engineers so that any radiator leaks ran down, around and through it. If it was missed when greasing under the car, and no doubt many were missed over the years, then it could have corroded and is causing problems. And, as Ross says, check the steering box. Seen a few that were empty or with minimal oil.

DANGER. If it is impending failure (excessively loose) of the roller on the top of the "sector", AKA the cross shaft, an imminent failure which can happen IS dangerous. Roller fails, steering box locks up. Bad things can happen. References provided on request.

alternate (less dangerous) sticking could be at either point of the drag link due to the ballstuds at the end of the pitman arm or the center steering arm worn into a groove that then feels sticky, or the infamous center steering pin being really really worn. Also don't rule out a wheel bearing loose or failing.

Thanks for suggestions. Flackmaster's post induces the same bad feeling I had when it happened. I THINK all of the links are OK since I inspected and lubricated them when engine rebuilt 600 miles ago. The steering has always been "loose" and sloppy, so that may be the big clue that the box is the problem. The events happened so fast I can't tell you if there was play in the wheel at the time.
Plan is to open the steering box for inspection, but I'm not certain what to look for if all looks and feel OK.
Any guidance for steering box inspection/repair would be appreciated.

I would jack up the car and disconnect the rod from the pitman arm to the center pivot arm now you can check which part of the system is "sticking"

packardinfo.com/xoops/html/modules/newbb ... m=10&post_id=111389#forumpost111389

note that these pictures do not show the cross shaft in situ. When you remove the cover of the steering box, you can then have someone turn the steering wheel a bit and see whether the roller "wobbles" before moving the pitman arm. IF so, start unbolting things...

DAF

Will do. Hopefully it will stick and the answer will be obvious, since it isn't always sticking during the drive.

John, vapackard, for including your '41 One-Twenty 4-Door Touring Sedan in the Packard Owner's Registry. Your comment in OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT of "fixed divider with glass slider separates front and rear compartment - an anomaly" is interesting.