rag joint
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,114
From: Crossville TN
That is not a piece you want replace with some 'gypo' part. If the rag joint fails, you can't steer. Also, I don't see how you can 'rebuild' it without a new fiber 'washer'....and I've never seen one advertised.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,246
Likes: 4
From: Bay Area CA
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Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,114
From: Crossville TN
The 'wear' portion of the rag joint is the fiber washer that is the flex-type link between the steering drive shaft and the input shaft to the steering gear box. If that washer is not deteriorated and doesn't display any 'give' when you load the steering wheel to the right and left {with the engine OFF, of course}, then the joint still has integrity. If you see the washer fraying or disintegrating, or visibly flexing when you load it, the part probably needs to be replaced. A more definitive test would probably be something destructive, like seeing how much strength it had left in it...and none of us have the equipment to do that kind of test.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 112
From: Saginaw Michigan
The following address will take you to a paper that I guarantee will provide you with everything you ever want to know about flexible steering shaft coupling assemblies. There is an index on the first page that will direct you to the page(s) that are what you are looking for. However, you might consider reading the whole paper because it will provide most of the how's and why's concerning the flex coupling.
Jim
Sorry,
Here is the address:
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...hing24ja07.doc
Jim
Sorry,
Here is the address:
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...hing24ja07.doc
Last edited by Jim Shea; Sep 21, 2008 at 08:20 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,892
Likes: 3
From: Springfield Illinois
The following address will take you to a paper that I guarantee will provide you with everything you ever want to know about flexible steering shaft coupling assemblies. There is an index on the first page that will direct you to the page(s) that are what you are looking for. However, you might consider reading the whole paper because it will provide most of the how's and why's concerning the flex coupling.
Jim
Jim
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,006
Likes: 28
From: Lutz Florida
Here it is: http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/. Click on the Corvette steering papers and look for the article "Flexible Coupling, Everything You Ever Wanted to Know".
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 26,545
Likes: 46
From: Huntersville NC
ok.. looks like I replaced mine exactly 3 years ago. Several not very helpful old threads, but here is the useful info for 1968 owners!!! (courtesy of Rowdy Rat) ====>>>>>>
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...66&postcount=7
and here is what I get from GMParstdirect.com, an online parts dealer.. make sure you check shipping charges.
GM PART # 7806391
CATEGORY: All
PACK QTY: 1
CORE CHARGE: $0.00
GM LIST: $118.40
OUR PRICE: $70.20
Last edited by PRNDL; Sep 21, 2008 at 03:36 PM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 353
Likes: 0
From: West Point MS
What is the coupling at the end of the steering column called, the part that the rag joint sits in between? I have some slack in it also where it is cut out for the studs on the rag joint to fit, is this normal?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 112
From: Saginaw Michigan
Here is the address for the flexible steering shaft coupling paper.
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-co...hing24ja07.doc
Jim Shea
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 353
Likes: 0
From: West Point MS
So once the rag joint is replaced, the cut outs on the detachable flange should not come in contact with the stop pins on the rag joint. Do I have this correct? The ears of the flange comes in contact with the stop pins now and this should not happen?