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

Thanks for all the good information, very much appreciated.
This helps a lot.
Bernhard

Follow up question.
I need to replace/install the rubber grommet on the fire wall at the bottom of the steering wheel column.
My assumption was that I need to do this from the top and therefore need to remove everything from the steering wheel down to the firewall. I may be completely wrong.
Any hints and tips on installing the grommet?
Thanks in advance. Bernhard

Unless you want to split the piece and figure a way to cover and reinforce the split, the rubber piece needs to be replaced from the bottom which means the entire column has to come out and any gearshift lever parts at the bottom end removed so the grommet can pass over the area. The reason it cannot be installed from the top is the spider which holds the mounting pieces for the turn signal switch and gearshift lever is welded onto the column itself. The shroud is also screwed to that part but only goes down half way. The tube itself is continuous all the way to the steering box.

Check out plate 117 in the 48-54 parts book. It is labeled for 22-23 series but your 53 is almost identical in construction. The angled sort of rectangular piece with holes shown at the right side of drawing on the end of the column is the part welded to the tube.

Thanks Howard.
I was kind of afraid this was the case after having watched the video Kevin posted.
Before going the route of removing the entire column, I am trying to figure out a solution to split the grommet and then have it reinforced again on the back/bottom side once in place.

I believe it takes more than just removing the column from the car in order to get that grommet on the column. All the linkages at the bottom need to be removed, or the cover and other parts at the top need to be removed. I didn't look into how involved that was on my car, so I couldn't tell you. Frankly, unless it's super east to completely disassemble the entire column, I would just split the grommet, put it on, then use some weatherstrip adhesive or something similar to glue it back together.

Agreed, it's not worth the hassle. Split the grommets and glue it back together.

Before gluing the grommet on that way, I would disconnect the pitman arm from the steering linkage then check the steering wheel pull as shown in the manual. If the number is too low then the steering wheel is too loose and the shim pack should be adjusted in the steering gearbox to get tighter steering. That is a reasonable excuse to remove the steering column if you are also fixing that.

The time involved is a lot if you're just trying to install one grommet but the entire service operation can be done in around a day, so to tighten up the steering as well, that's not too bad.

Thanks to all for the helpful hints and tips.
Bernhard