Question Hello, I have a 1951 Packard 200 deluxe and it occasionally makes a loud clanging noise when I hit a small dip in the road or when I'm turning sharp. The noise seems to come from the front passenger side. I've check everything I can see on the front end and everything looks okay and tight. I have replaced the front shocks. The car does seem to sway a bit if I hit a dip on the highway doing about 70 MPH, but I haven't replaced the rear shocks yet and they are a little weak. Any idea what would cause this, or where to look? Thanks Brian
AnswerThese kinds of intermittent noises are very hard to track down. I think you should take a very close look at the front sway bar - especially the bushings that hold the ends of the bar, and the two toward the middle of the car. If all that looks good, then I think you should take it to an alignment shop that is used to working on old cars, and have them look at the idler arm at the right end of the steering cross bar, and also look around for a loose inner fender panel, and any other loose piece of sheet metal under there.
I happen to have an identical car - and while I've never driven it 70 MPH, it is quiet and smooth at the speeds I do drive it.
As you may know, this particular car was rated the "best buy" by Consumer's Union in 1951, for handling, performance, economy, value and comfort, and also highly praised by the automotive press for that year, in addition to winning the style award for best design in Paris - quite the accomplishment for the John Rhinehart design.
Good luck with your car.
Dick
