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

Need some help. The other day, I checked the steering gear oil. Nothing was bone dry, but there was little to no oil. I filled it with 90W oil. It is clearly leaking.

I’ve attached a page from the service manual and circled where it’s leaking in the diagram.

I’m very new to all of this…in fact, pretty new to working on cars in general.

I’m assuming there is a seal in this area. I’d appreciate any help on how to fix this.

Attach file:

---

  IMG_1455.jpeg (360.60 KB)

Probably the cross shaft seal. Packard group 15.3225, part 302274.

According to this thread, something like this would work. Just check the shaft/bore dimensions. Polish/clean the shaft if needed before re-install, as dirt tears up both the shaft and seal. Grease the seal on its inside before install also.

Thanks, this is very helpful. Now the next question…As I’ve mentioned, I’m new to all of this…

Any guidance on the how to replace the seal?

From the diagram, it looks to me like the cross lever has to come off. Is that right? If so, can you give me an idea of the steps/procedure?

I have no idea honestly. Probably the service manual would at least give you a start.

Most likely you will pry the old seal out with a screwdriver after you remove the shaft. Use some solvent to make sure the bore is clean then press in the new seal with an arbor press and tool. Note the orientation. Before re-installing the shaft, polish the seal area.

Unbolt Pitman arm from cross shaft
release Pitman arm from drag link
Use Pitman arm puller to remove Pittman arm from cross shaft.
open steering box cover pull cross shaft out.
replace seal.
reverse.

I can mail you a seal on monday...

Awesome! Thanks, Kevin…Looks like I need to get a puller.

Okay…BigKev’s steps make sense. But, the question I have is how does the Pitman arm release from the drag link?

Attach file:

---

  IMG_8386.jpeg (282.61 KB)


  IMG_8387.jpeg (279.95 KB)

If the Pitman arm is off the steering box shaft, won't that allow you to remove the cross shaft and pull the output shaft? Don's car may be different but I removed my whole steering box and had it rebuilt and replaced it without taking the Pitman arm off the drag link. Also Don, is there any play in your steeing? I'm thinking if all or most of the lube leaked out and the gearbox has been 'cranked dry' there may be considerable wear on the internal bearings. If you are going to the trouble of replacing the seal, maybe a good time to have the unit rebuilt?? Chris.

Remove cotter pin.
Unscrew end of drag link (I use the end of my short crowbar)
Release from pitman arm.

When your cross shaft is out, report on the feel of the roller on the end. It is NOT easily repairable, unlike the more fortunate 39-later Packards....

Thanks everyone!

Regarding the question of have the steering box re-built….

I do have a good amount of play in the wheel. It certainly got a work out for years! The car sat in my dad’s garage for my entire childhood (he stopped driving it in 1965). All through the 70s and early 80s, me and the neighbor kids played “gangster” in the car, complete with our candy cigarettes, bubble gum cigars, and toy machine guns. There was always someone playing “get away driver” and working the wheel!

For now, I will just take care of the leak. My primary goal is to get things working and get the car drivable enough to be included in my son’s wedding pictures at the end of March.

After that, I’ll start tackling things in a more complete manner piece by piece while still being able to drive it some in between “projects”.