|
View Full Version : Rag joint Dave69Z May 21st, 01, 04:16 AM I noticed my manual steering's Rag JOint is pretty well trashed. The Repair maual says to remove the steering box is there an easier way? GeorgeZ28 May 21st, 01, 04:46 AM No easier way. But, you don't have to completely remove the steering box. Just remove all but one bolt and loosen the remaining bolt so the box will rotate. Disconnect the pitman arm linkage. Take the nuts off the rag joint and you should be able to rotate the steering box enough to get the rag joint out. This is a fairly easy job on manual steering. ------------------ George Thomas 1969 Camaro Z28 X77 gst@cox.rr.com http://home.cox.rr.com/gthomas/gt.htm travis May 21st, 01, 09:49 PM I always attack it from the other end...loosen the bolts under the dash that hold the steering column in place (you may have to remove them) and you will have just enough slack to do the job. I have never done it on a camaro but have done it on a dozen other various chevys and fords and it works for me...and I think it would be a lot easier too. ------------------ 375hp 78 Chevy truck 77 Chevy Nova 95 Chevy Lumina 3.4L and building a 78 Nova RFrenette May 22nd, 01, 04:32 AM Stupid Q (Sorry): What does the rag joint look like and what does it do??? Thanks! RickD May 22nd, 01, 05:10 AM I've done it both ways. It's much easier to loosen the steering column and get some play. The rag joint has to slip off the splined steering shaft end. It will make a nice improvement. GeorgeZ28 May 22nd, 01, 11:28 AM The "rag joint" joins the steering column to the steering box. Primarily its purpose is to dampen vibration/shock between the steering system and suspension, and the steering wheel. Without this dampener you'd feel a lot more vibration/jolts from a less than smooth road surface. Probably you'd end up cracking some plastic dash parts too. Also, it makes it easier to join the steering column to the steering box when the alignment isn't perfect. ------------------ George Thomas 1969 Camaro Z28 X77 gst@cox.rr.com http://home.cox.rr.com/gthomas/gt.htm Jonesy May 22nd, 01, 04:19 PM Here's what it looks like: http://abacus.sj.ipixmedia.com/abc/M28/10ff16c7e68a2be050713a2e38/i-1.JPG RFrenette May 23rd, 01, 02:42 AM Ahhh... Thanks! So, in order to remove the steering col, I have to unbolt this. Got it.. Thanks! JohnZ May 23rd, 01, 04:41 AM The rag joint also has a copper strap from the upper flange to the lower flange that provides the ground path for the horn button; if the strap is broken or corroded, the horn won't work. ------------------ JohnZ '69 Z28 Fathom Green Dave69Z May 23rd, 01, 04:47 AM Has anyone rebuilt this part ? It is much cheaper to rebuild than to replace. $7.50 VS 53$. PUMA68 May 23rd, 01, 01:05 PM i got my from GM,i pay only $25.00 ------------------ 68 RS ORIGINAL 327,350 trans.4 BARREL 650 CFM EDELBROCK, HEADERS,2CHAMBERS FLOW MASTERS,3" PIPE. 12 BOLT REAR END 331 GEARS |