Classic/Antique Car Repair: steering wander, front wheel bearings, steering gearbox

Question
Hello Dick - Thanks for answering my recent question re: starter fluid. My 1949 Packard has a BAD case of steering wander. On an irregular road surface it is sometimes downright scary. I have been told the problem is due to bias ply tires, but I have trouble believing that to be the case since I have a 1948 Buick also with bias tires that does not wander. Also, I am old enough to remember when all tires were bias ply and road wander (like my Packard) was certainly not the norm. The tires show no unusual or irregular tread wear. There is no wheel shimmy or free play of front wheels when car is on a lift. Front shocks have been rebuilt and rear shocks (incl. antisway bar) are new. Front wheel bearings have been replaced and packed. When driving straight ahead on a smooth road there is aprox. 30-40 degrees of free movement of steering wheel (before front wheels turn). What are the most likely causes of this wander, and how do I go about correcting it? Thanks very much.
Charlie Cain
Texas
1949 Packard Super Eight
1948 Buck 56S
1956 MGA

Answer
My guess is that there is serious wear in the steering gearbox, but before you go to the expense of having it rebuilt, try to adjust the free play by following the procedure in the shop manual.  If you don't have a shop manual, it is very important that you get one, as shops that are familiar with these older cars are getting hard to find.

With the weight on the wheels, you should only be able to move the steering wheel about 2 inches before the front wheels begin to follow; that is an ideal number, but 4 inches is acceptable, more than that indicates the steering box is badly out of adjustment or worn out.

You should also jack up the car so that the wheels hang free, then try to shake each front wheel by pushing on the front of the wheel and pulling on the back, then reversing and push/pull in the oposite direction.  Get a helper to do that while you watch for any looseness or monkey motion in the tie rod ends, the pittman arm, or idler arm bearing - you could have a worn out part there also.  This is a serious problem - see if you can find an alignment shop with mechanics who have gray hair and grease under their fingernails, who are willing to work on old car - they should be able to track down the problem quickly.  They can also adjust the steering box for you if you don't want to tackle it yourself.  I don't know where you live, but if you happen to be in the San Diego area, there is a shop I can recommend - let me know.

Dick