Help with connecting rag joint and steering column
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Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Annapolis Maryland
Help with connecting rag joint and steering column
Trying to re-attach my steering column to the steering box. Having an issue getting the two to "meet." Pretty sure that the issue lies in the steering column. Separated the two 2 years ago and don't remember if the column shifted If so, I'm not really sure how to make that adjustment. Aware of the firewall plates and imagine it has something to do with pulling those bolts - requesting guidance before tearing things apart. Also, pretty sure that the flange on the steering box has to be "pinched" at the bevelled area on the shaft - correct?? Thanks for any help - this is a show-stopper for me right now. Have pics; will email if this will help someone diagnose (unable to post the pics on forum for some reason).
Team Owner
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From: In limbo
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Instructor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 248
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From: Taylor Ridge Illinois
I replaced the rag joint on mine and was pleasantly pleased with the amount of slop that was taken out of the steering! I never had a problem with it going back together at all. It was a simple old out, new in, replacement. Maybe if you used a punch or a rat tail file in one of the bolt holes, you could line it up enough to start one of them. Once you get one started, I would make sure the others are also started before completly tightening any one of them. Maybe your car was moved with those apart. When I purchased my replacement rag joint, the guys at Auto Zone recommended I also replace the bolts too with new ones.
It was easy and took less than 1/2 hour to do. I HIGHLY recommend this if you have any slop in your steering this is a very cheap and very effective fix.
It was easy and took less than 1/2 hour to do. I HIGHLY recommend this if you have any slop in your steering this is a very cheap and very effective fix.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,287
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From: Westminster Maryland
Do you mean they don't line up, or are they too far apart?
Perhaps your 'safety collapsible column' has collapsed a bit and needs to be pulled back out.
Regards,
Alan
Yes, the lower part of the joint 'pinches' at the beveled area of the steering box shaft.
Perhaps your 'safety collapsible column' has collapsed a bit and needs to be pulled back out.
Regards,
Alan
Yes, the lower part of the joint 'pinches' at the beveled area of the steering box shaft.
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 68
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From: Annapolis Maryland
King...great ideas and good tips! Alan, you are "spot on" I think. The actual problem is that the two are too far apart...approx. 3.5 or 4 inches....think something has to be done to extend the shaft....
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 38
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From: central coast CA
The shaft on a '72 t/t should extend 4.70 inches from the lower bearing retainer face. Also, the rag joint should be placed as far back on the steering box shaft as it can go. When I rebuilt my column my steering shaft had been collapsed (I'm sure by the dealer that I had install the last rag joint) so I had to extend the shaft almost two inches to get the right length.
Last edited by yezbozz; Apr 6, 2009 at 05:24 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,086
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From: Michigan
Jim Shea's papers show the correct lenth of the column from the lower bearing flange to the end of the column shaft for various columns in his papers.
Try to use constant force to extend the column if needed instead of pounding on it to make it longer to protect the bearings and column inerds.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,117
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From: charlotte north carolina
use different lenghts of pipe that just fit over the shaft and seat against the bearing face. then attach the coupling on the shaft and using the pipe as a fulcrum, pry against the coupling to extend the shaft. change to a longer pipe and continue.
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Annapolis Maryland
jnb....gonna give your advice some thought and see if I can picture the procedure of which you speak....also, someone else was talking of jim o'shea's papers.....rookie question: where can i find these? also, someone recommended moving the flange that holds the rag joint as far back as I could on the steering box shaft; someone else ("Alan" I think) noted that the bolt has to cinch at the bevelled area on the shaft....it seems by looking at the component that it was designed with the latter method in mind...thoughts??
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,246
Likes: 4
From: Bay Area CA
The parts should align like the second pic, if the steering column is shorter, when installed, it most likely got partially collapsed. You can remove it, place the plate in a vice and use a come-along to re-extend it, Jim Shea has the correct length from the bottom of the lower bearing, to the end of the shaft, it should be.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
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From: Saginaw Michigan
You can find my papers at the following websight:
www.corvettefaq.com
click on Jim Shea's Steering Papers
click on Corvette Steering Papers
scroll down to the various sections
download as required
Jim
www.corvettefaq.com
click on Jim Shea's Steering Papers
click on Corvette Steering Papers
scroll down to the various sections
download as required
Jim
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Joined: Apr 2007
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From: Annapolis Maryland
Thanks to everyone for the help with this issue. The column was indeed telescoped...popped right out with some friendly persuasion. One step closer to being on the road! Thanks again!
