"While I was in there"???
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From: Dover, Delaware
"While I was in there"???
Good morning friends in the C3 world
As the saying goes "while you're in there" well I am wondering if there is a special lubricant for the Rag Joint?
It is the OE and have not had any driving/steering issues and it is not shredded or torn and with that said while I was in there and just wanna know if it can be lubed and if so what would you folks recommend????
JJ78
As the saying goes "while you're in there" well I am wondering if there is a special lubricant for the Rag Joint?
It is the OE and have not had any driving/steering issues and it is not shredded or torn and with that said while I was in there and just wanna know if it can be lubed and if so what would you folks recommend????
JJ78
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I don’t know, as I’ve never read of someone lubricating one, but did a quick search and read that most of the rubber restoration stuff generally just cleans the surface. I do know that petroleum products and rubber don’t mix well, with the rubber getting broken down over time by those types of products. I do know that silicone lubricants are considered as safe, possibly even good for rubber.
I also know that there’s other stuff than rubber in those joints. I was interested to learn (from this forum) that those joints actually are semi metallic and are designed to be able to carry (if I remember correctly) a charge (ground?) through them. If they, or the metal connecting pieces are replaced with incorrect materials then there can be electrical issues that pop up, if memory serves me correctly.
I also know that there’s other stuff than rubber in those joints. I was interested to learn (from this forum) that those joints actually are semi metallic and are designed to be able to carry (if I remember correctly) a charge (ground?) through them. If they, or the metal connecting pieces are replaced with incorrect materials then there can be electrical issues that pop up, if memory serves me correctly.
Last edited by litevette; Jul 26, 2025 at 11:59 AM.
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It's the ground for the horn that is of concern.
My original rag link tore back when I lived in northern Wisconsin. I went into the Chevrolet dealership in Minocqua Wisconsin and asked the parts department if they had a replacement. They did not. But said they could have one for me next day. So, .....
In went a gen. GM rag joint. You would never know it's not the born with rag joint to look at it. I never keep receipts for anything, so a new owner to my car might just as well think it is indeed the original. But the original did not last 50 years.
So, is your rag link original?
Lube it you say?
No, never heard of anyone lubing a rag joint in any way.
My original rag link tore back when I lived in northern Wisconsin. I went into the Chevrolet dealership in Minocqua Wisconsin and asked the parts department if they had a replacement. They did not. But said they could have one for me next day. So, .....
In went a gen. GM rag joint. You would never know it's not the born with rag joint to look at it. I never keep receipts for anything, so a new owner to my car might just as well think it is indeed the original. But the original did not last 50 years.
So, is your rag link original?
Lube it you say?
No, never heard of anyone lubing a rag joint in any way.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
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From: Virginia
Maybe spray some vinyl protectant on it (like you would on your interior, but water-based only, not the old petroleum-based formulation of Armor-All).
I've never heard of anyone lubricating this part, though.
I've never heard of anyone lubricating this part, though.
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I only have the WD40 version, but I can’t say that I would or would not suggest it. Only because I have not used it for such an application. That being said, I think your goal (if I’m reading you correct) is to just make sure that it is kept in tip top shape. Knowing that, I would just maybe give it a good cleaning with one of the rubber restoration products. Adding the silicone stuff into the mix may actually have an adverse effect, by making the surfaces apt to hold dust, grit, grime. I may be wrong, but that would seem likely/probable.
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Le Mans Master
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@62corvette I did not read anything in his post that would have me thinking that better/safer was the goal. I deduced that he wanted to maintain it in as good a condition as possible, or kind of preserve it to keep it in as good of a state as it currently is.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2019
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Mine was dripped on from brake master/ booster apparently most of its life. Fixed leak it looks dry and supple still .
looks like fibers and rubber, maybe anything safe for rubber could work. I like shinetsu grease
looks like fibers and rubber, maybe anything safe for rubber could work. I like shinetsu grease
Heel & Toe
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No lube needed on the rag joint it’s designed to run dry. Just check for cracks or wear and replace if it’s stiff or damaged. Grease can attract dirt and cause deterioration. If it’s still flexible and intact, leave it alone.