Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

My '52 Mayfair was retrofitted to have power steering but the steering box itself is still 5 turns lock-to-lock. I would like to find a 3.5 turns lock-to-lock to replace it. Any suggestions?

Also, I have an extra steering column (also 5 turns lock-to-lock). The box is about one inch longer and the shaft about an inch shorter than my Mayfair. Is this from a Patrician?

Might PM Ross or Packardssouthwest on the steering box. Unless someone took care to identify them upon removal, you will probably have to provide some good dimensions to get the proper item. On the one with the shorter shaft, is it complete with the shrouding so definitely a 51-4 or just a shaft. There are different columns for Manual, Ultra, PS and for Ultra with PS but no mention of what the differences might be as to length of shaft. If no shroud and being shorter, I wonder if it might be from a 55.

If I remember correctly the steering shaft and shroud assy are shorter on cars with PS. I have a box and shroud from a 53 Mayfair with PS and Ultra I'd be happy to sell you but you're are going to a lot of labor and trouble for what you will find to be a very small difference in the perceived steering speed unless you are doing slalom. Cheez, on my own cars I take the power steering off.

Thanks for the information. That helps!

I learned to drive on a 52 Mayfair that didn't have PS. You could steer it with one finger as long as it was moving. By moving I mean at idle in "H". Great steering automobile.