Molly Issa

1979 Vette. Car, drive straight, occasionally feel the car wander. Front end check is in order but was curious about how to check if the rag joint is good or bad. No matter what, taking car in. Was just curious as how to inspect this..

The13Bats

The very nature of the c3 steering makes it feel floaty a bit when the steering wheel is in center it's worse when these cars get worn steering parts and the steering box is out of adjustment, just go to a shop you trust chances are you have some work out parts...

doorgunner

What he said..........and.......

unlock the steering column and start the car.....

have someone slowly turn the wheel half a turn to the right while you watch the rag joint to see if it distorts/twists....

then have them turn the steering wheel to the left past center 1/2 turn while you watch the rag joint to see if it distorts twists......

It should not flex.

MrJlr

Rag joints aren't expensive (in the scheme of things) and are pretty easy to change. If you have any doubt about the condition of yours, change it and remove all doubt

A new rag joint, good suspension and tires, and a spreader bar - it will drive very nice for an old car.

GregS_72

Do a visual. How does the rubber disk look? Frayed or otherwise beat up is not good. How do the safety pins look? Grooved like below is bad. Also, recommend reading Jim Shea's flex coupling articles here...
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/?cat=5

Side-by-side of my new rag joint with old...


Safety pins on mine were scary!

GregS_72

Also, do your research on replacements. There are shoddy replacement parts and repair kits in the aftermarket.

MrJlr