Rag Joint Repair Kit 20 bucks: Does it work?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,738
Likes: 53
From: Bogart GA
Rag Joint Repair Kit 20 bucks: Does it work?
I have read many articles on the forum regarding rag joint repair. I had always thought I would replace entire unit until I saw a 20 dollar repair kit in Mid America. Looks easy enough, has anyone used this?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,004
Likes: 16
From: Gainesville, Florida
Re: Rag Joint Repair Kit 20 bucks: Does it work? (KJL)
I bought the repair kit initially but ultimately decided to replace the unit. After I got it apart it was in such sad shape that it made more sense, cosmetically and hassle-wise, to replace the whole thing.
I still have the kit...its yours...cheap! :D
Mark
I still have the kit...its yours...cheap! :D
Mark
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,738
Likes: 53
From: Bogart GA
Re: Rag Joint Repair Kit 20 bucks: Does it work? (30yr Wait)
Worse case you will have excessive play in your steering. This is easy to see. In my case the rubber is old and cracked as well as torn a bit at the bolt locations. It is only a matter of time before I feel it in the steering.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,738
Likes: 53
From: Bogart GA
Re: Rag Joint Repair Kit 20 bucks: Does it work? (30yr Wait)
Pat,
Also check the lash adjustment on the steering box. You will see a nut with a screw in the center. Put a screw driver in the screw to hold it still while you losen the nut. Then turn the screw until you feel resistance, stop, hold screw then snug up nut. You may need to do again. I had about a 1/2" of play in my steering wheel. I adjusted it just a little each time until it felt right. It is easy to over do it so be careful. If you have a haynes manual it will also show you how to check the lubricant level. I used grease to fill my box. I used almost 1/2 a tube. GM has steering box lubricant.
Also check the lash adjustment on the steering box. You will see a nut with a screw in the center. Put a screw driver in the screw to hold it still while you losen the nut. Then turn the screw until you feel resistance, stop, hold screw then snug up nut. You may need to do again. I had about a 1/2" of play in my steering wheel. I adjusted it just a little each time until it felt right. It is easy to over do it so be careful. If you have a haynes manual it will also show you how to check the lubricant level. I used grease to fill my box. I used almost 1/2 a tube. GM has steering box lubricant.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 3,715
Likes: 1
From: VASS, NC, USA
Re: Rag Joint Repair Kit 20 bucks: Does it work? (KJL)
FOLKS,
IF INDEED YOU NEED TO CHANGE OUT THE RAG JOINT, THEY ARE SOLD ON THE WALLS, AT AUTOZONE/ADVANCE AUTO/ LOOK CLOSLEY, AND YOU WILL SEE THEM. 9 BUCKS
IF INDEED YOU NEED TO CHANGE OUT THE RAG JOINT, THEY ARE SOLD ON THE WALLS, AT AUTOZONE/ADVANCE AUTO/ LOOK CLOSLEY, AND YOU WILL SEE THEM. 9 BUCKS
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
Racer
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 473
Likes: 18
From: Holland MI
Re: Rag Joint Repair Kit 20 bucks: Does it work? (KJL)
Does it work?
In a word, no. I tried to use the kit to repair my Dad's, but the kit quality is so poor and misfitting that I gave up. The bolts were the wrong length and shape, and it just wasn't worth it.
I bought a new GM one and it looked correct and fit perfectly. Good for another 30 years.
In a word, no. I tried to use the kit to repair my Dad's, but the kit quality is so poor and misfitting that I gave up. The bolts were the wrong length and shape, and it just wasn't worth it.
I bought a new GM one and it looked correct and fit perfectly. Good for another 30 years.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,280
Likes: 0
From: colorado springs CO
Re: Rag Joint Repair Kit 20 bucks: Does it work? (PHulst)
the repair kit sux!!! mainly becuase the steering pinch bolt and flange need to be replaced!!
heres my story:
i replaced the rag joint by doing the repair kit.... came with a new disc and bolts.... did it take the play out?? yah it did..
a month ago (or a lil more) i replaced the steering gear box and the pinch joint flange totally stripped out and the bolt stripped out too!!!!
do it right the 1st time and get the ~45 dollar new flange and rag joint!!
you wont be sorry next time u have to take it off again.
:)
heres my story:
i replaced the rag joint by doing the repair kit.... came with a new disc and bolts.... did it take the play out?? yah it did..
a month ago (or a lil more) i replaced the steering gear box and the pinch joint flange totally stripped out and the bolt stripped out too!!!!
do it right the 1st time and get the ~45 dollar new flange and rag joint!!
you wont be sorry next time u have to take it off again.
:)
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 112
From: Saginaw Michigan
Re: Rag Joint Repair Kit 20 bucks: Does it work? (KJL)
If you go to http://www.corvettefaq.com and look under Suspension and Steering, you will find:
Flex Coupling and Column Assembly Instructions - AIM Sheet
Flex Coupling Installation Instructions
Flex Coupling Pics
Steering Gear Adjustment - (In Vehicle)
These papers should give you all the information you will need.
BTW, my opinion is to purchase the GM flex coupling. Part number 7818568. It is available from any GM dealer. Also available from http://www.gmpartsdirect.com for $38.39 plus shipping. The pinch bolts are 7807271 and are $4.76 from gmpartsdirect as well.
Flex Coupling and Column Assembly Instructions - AIM Sheet
Flex Coupling Installation Instructions
Flex Coupling Pics
Steering Gear Adjustment - (In Vehicle)
These papers should give you all the information you will need.
BTW, my opinion is to purchase the GM flex coupling. Part number 7818568. It is available from any GM dealer. Also available from http://www.gmpartsdirect.com for $38.39 plus shipping. The pinch bolts are 7807271 and are $4.76 from gmpartsdirect as well.
