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I realize that there has been much discussion on the subject of rag joints, but I noticed something odd while re-assembling my steering column after repairing the clutch shaft in my C-2. The bottom of the steering column shaft is splined, yet the coupler does not appear to be splined at that end. Tightening the pinch bolt all the way still leaves a minimal amount of play between the column and coupler. Is this a big deal or should i be concerned ?
Unknown if it is original. It appears that the actual rubber disc has bee replaced at one time. The top and bottom metal couplers appear to be original. {58000} miles. If the splines on the coupler were worn out because of a loose pinch bolt, I would expect to see the same type of wear on the splines of the steering column. There is no evidence of any wear on the splines at all.
Very common problem. If the lack of pinch bolt torque ever allowed the coupler to become a bit loose, the splines wear and it can not be tightened with the bolt. The reason is because the bolt is not fully threaded and the threads end before actually applying clamping force to the two halves. You can either use a die and add a few more threads or all an AN washer under the bolt head. an AN washer is the exact same size as the underside of the bolt head.
The correct washer sounds like a reasonable fix for this problem. Ill bet that the actual couplers are probably made of un-obtainium ! I'll go out this afternoon and locate a washer. Thanks again guys for the fast response to what I thought was probably a somewhat stupid question.
The only stupid question is the one you don't ask. I learned something from this thread and I'm sure there are others who did also. (Now if I can only remember it when the time comes that I need to put it to use! )
The correct washer sounds like a reasonable fix for this problem. Ill bet that the actual couplers are probably made of un-obtainium ! I'll go out this afternoon and locate a washer. Thanks again guys for the fast response to what I thought was probably a somewhat stupid question.
Peter
AN washers are generally not available at hardware stores. The diameter of conventional washers is too large to fit properly. AN washers are exactly the right OD that matches the OD of the underside of the bolt head. Maybe an Army/Navy surplus store would have what you need?
It's going to slip no matter how much force you put on that bolt. Especially if you have non power steering. I would do it right and purchase a new half. They are on ebay most of the time. What's an AN washer?
It's going to slip no matter how much force you put on that bolt. Especially if you have non power steering. I would do it right and purchase a new half. They are on ebay most of the time. What's an AN washer?
If I were restoring a car back to factory specs, I would replace the coupler if I could find one for a reasonable price. That seems to be quite difficult now though.
I repaired that exact issue on my 66 right after I bought it in 1983 using an AN washer. (previous owner had wide unbalanced tires on the car that loosened the coupler/splines) No issues in 35 years and probably 40,000 miles. I've done the same to quite a few Corvettes the same way over the years with no issues. Unless the splines are severely worn, which they likely are not, the patch repair works and almost can't be seen.
Not the first time I've been wrong. I just know for me it takes a lot of force to get one snug without wiggle, and that's one with good splines.
That's because you have likely run out of threads on the bolt. You're probably torquing the bolt in the threads but not compressing the coupler halves. If you really torque down on it, it will begin to cut (destroy) it's own threads. If you remove the bolt, you will most likely see a shiny torn area just above the threads.
Look at the bolt in FtF's post above.
Last edited by Critter1; Apr 17, 2020 at 04:38 PM.
I have been throwing nuts, bolts and washers into my top box for almost 50 years. I did in fact find 2 stainless washers that fit perfectly. Even with the washers, I am not able to get enough torque on the pinch bolt to tighten the coupler. If anyone knows where I can just purchase the top coupler, please let me know. I don't really want to spend $250 for a NOS complete unit from E-bay.
I have been throwing nuts, bolts and washers into my top box for almost 50 years. I did in fact find 2 stainless washers that fit perfectly. Even with the washers, I am not able to get enough torque on the pinch bolt to tighten the coupler. If anyone knows where I can just purchase the top coupler, please let me know. I don't really want to spend $250 for a NOS complete unit from E-bay.
Peter
I'm a little surprised. How thick were the washers that you used? Your coupler must have really been worn.
Approx .030, but I don't see any evidence of tightening at all. I would measure them but can't find my micrometer. I'm going to disassemble the joint tomorrow to get a better look.
I also am curious to find out. As I said previously, there is no visible wear on the steering shaft itself. Last night I was looking through the file that I got with the car. It covers almost 30 years of parts purchases from 3 different owners. I found a rag joint replacement kit was purchased by the last owner of the car. 5 years ago, but only 1600 miles. I'll hopefully have some time this afternoon to take things apart to inspect.
Actually - you can find the coupler housings without too much difficulty; its the "rag" in between that you can't find (hardly)..
As to the "pinch bolt" been there done that - I got a fully threaded one to fix my loose, "clicking" steering..
Hi,
i had the same problem that I was not able to get clamp pressure because the threads had ended - turned out that the rag joint had been installed upside down.
greetings from Austria
Wolfram
(1966 C2 427 red)
LOL.... First post & on a 5 year old thread Welcome to the forum Wolf. As others will say.... We need pics of your car.... But on a new thread plz. We like Corvette eye candy here.
Darin
LOL.... First post & on a 5 year old thread Welcome to the forum Wolf. As others will say.... We need pics of your car.... But on a new thread plz. We like Corvette eye candy here.
Darin
thank you for the warm welcome 😊
yes I am aware that its an old thread, but I assume there are o lot of other people, who use the older threads as a knowledge database, same as me 😊
the forum is very valuable for me as I am still a rookie.
however, next thread will be new 😊
Rag joint, steering coupler
)
Welcome to the forum Wolf. As others will say.... We need pics of your car.... But on a new thread plz. We like Corvette eye candy here.