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

Just started, when I turn the steering wheel, at various positions, the horn will sound. When I steer to another position it goes off. My first choice is to look under the horn ring? I know pre war, but never have had the horn ring off on post war.
If you think it is under the ring, push and twist to remove?
Thanks Todd

The emblem pushes down slightly and twists CCW a few degrees to remove. There is a rubber cushion under the emblem that should provide a bit of tension yet yield when pushed. Those cushions do deteriorate so it is possible it has hardened or worse turned to glue.

Once the emblem is off 3 screws will hold the entire horn ring assy to the wheel. Once the assy is off, 3 more screws on the bottom of the upper spring seat threaded into the horn ring will let the contact plate and horn ring separate. There are insulating washers on some of the screws

Since it is intermittent I would check for a broken insulator washer, warped contact plate or the center wire and contact thru steering shaft which touches the contact plate might have a bad insulator washer letting it sag or tilt. There is also a possibility the wire has broken insulation. One known place for insulation issues is at the exit hole at the end of the steering box. When the shaft twists any bare wire could be rotated or pulled and touch the box.

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Had the same problem with a 49 Packard several years ago-the wire going down the length of the steering column is shorting out to the inside of the tube. I had to replace the wire going down the center-it is not too difficult- hard part was getting the wire thru the small opening in bottom of steering col. Used stiff single conductor wire

The trick there is to cut the old wire at one end leaving a few inches. Strip it, and twist firmly onto the new wire. Then you're using the old wire to pull the new wire through. Works like a champ!

Thanks to all, as always.