Rag joint removal???
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,124
Likes: 0
Rag joint removal???
Tried to replace the rag joint today, ended up stripping the bolt on the flange and using the cutting wheel to separtate it. Question is, now that both halves are free, there's not enough clearance to remove either one.
Just wanted to hear from you guys whether it would be easier to loosen the staering box and swing it out of the way or try to loosen the steering column and maybe slide it up.
Any thoughts?
:cheers:
Tom
[Modified by 427_Roadster, 12:43 AM 5/12/2002]
Just wanted to hear from you guys whether it would be easier to loosen the staering box and swing it out of the way or try to loosen the steering column and maybe slide it up.
Any thoughts?
:cheers:
Tom
[Modified by 427_Roadster, 12:43 AM 5/12/2002]
Pro
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 534
Likes: 0
From: FL
Re: Rag joint removal??? (427_Roadster)
I just pushed up and collapsed the column a little, without loosening anything. People say that's not supposed to happen (only in an accident) but it worked for me, and the steering column has no turning play in it.
-Noel
[Modified by Noel Carboni, 12:49 AM 5/12/2002]
-Noel
[Modified by Noel Carboni, 12:49 AM 5/12/2002]
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 197
Likes: 0
From: joliet il
Re: Rag joint removal??? (427_Roadster)
hi-the may issue of corvette fever did a "rag joint R&R" they say "with the two pinch bolts and two other bolts removed, pry the halves apart. use a big screwdriver. (a tire tool or a crowbar may also work). "the goal of prying is to slide the collar on the steering-column side up the steering column (toward the firewall) to get the clearance you'll need to slide the rest of the rag joint off between the two shafts" "once the collar is out of the way, slide, pry, or otherwise motivate the rag joint toward the gap between the shafts. but don't be suprised if all the sliding and prying dosen't give you the clearance you need. we also tried a brass hammer, but that didn't do the trick either. due to manufacturing tolerances, some corvettes will have enough clearance between the shafts to slip the rag joint through, others won't. ours didn't, which means we move onto the steering box. remove the three 5/8-inch bolts, then slide the steering box forward. now you have the clearance you need to get the old rag joint off. the collar stays on the steering column."
that was all from the magazine--hope that helps you. :seeya
that was all from the magazine--hope that helps you. :seeya
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 2,581
Likes: 14
From: Tolar Texas
Re: Rag joint removal??? (427_Roadster)
When I changed my rag joint, I lowered the steering column first. It was real easy to lower and easy to put it back up into position. That's where the easy part ended. This made removal clearance a non-issue but it was still a fairly difficult job removing, rebuilding, and replacing the coupler. It certainly took me longer than I had first anticipated.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 229
Likes: 1
From: Uxbridge MA
Re: Rag joint removal??? (427_Roadster)
Pull the steering box to gain your distance. Much easier than trying to push up the steering column. I know. I did and it was a PITA to pull it back into place.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 112
From: Saginaw Michigan
Re: Rag joint removal??? (andyg)
The issue I had with the Corvette Fever article was that they made no mention of the fact that using pry bars as they were doing could collapse and foreshorten the steering shaft back up into the column. If you were not aware of this possibility, when it was time to reattach everything, a person could just barely attach the upper flange to the column or the flexible coupling to the gear thinking that was the way it was originally. You could also end up with the rubber disc being stretched to try and accommodate this increased distance (quickly wearing out the rubber disc.)
Pro
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 534
Likes: 0
From: FL
Re: Rag joint removal??? (Jim Shea)
The issue I had with the Corvette Fever article was that they made no mention of the fact that using pry bars as they were doing could collapse and foreshorten the steering shaft back up into the column.
-Noel
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,001
Likes: 112
From: Saginaw Michigan
Re: Rag joint removal??? (Noel Carboni)
It doesn't slide that easily. Number one, with the column still in the car, the shaft is difficult to get at. One member mentioned that he had to grip the shaft with a visegrips and then pound on the grips to get it back out.
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,124
Likes: 0
Re: Rag joint removal??? (Jim Shea)
Thanks for the replies, looks like I'll try moving the steering gear this weekend. Also thanks to Jim for the great article on steering couplers (see, I didn't say 'rag joint!') in the FAQ. Gotta love this Forum.
:cheers:
Tom
:cheers:
Tom
Racer
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 405
Likes: 0
From: Fresno
Re: Rag joint removal??? (427_Roadster)
Ok, in order to gain the space necessary I thought I would move the steering box not drop and pull back the colum becuase if i screwed something up I would rather it be the steering box not the tilt-tele column :crazy:
Soo....do you have to remove/ disconnect the pitman arm from the box in order for it to slide foward, or will it move foward just by removing the three bolts which hold it in place?-TK
Soo....do you have to remove/ disconnect the pitman arm from the box in order for it to slide foward, or will it move foward just by removing the three bolts which hold it in place?-TK
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 3,365
Likes: 5
From: Lake Villa IL
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In V Veteran
St. Jude Contributor
Re: Rag joint removal??? (427_Roadster)
Partsamerica.com actually carries these parts, as do most of the parts houses.
I've seen Jim Shea recommend using only the G.M. replacement couplers, not the rebuild kits. Which rules out Partsamerica.com
I've seen Jim Shea recommend using only the G.M. replacement couplers, not the rebuild kits. Which rules out Partsamerica.com
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,124
Likes: 0
Re: Rag joint removal??? (razz1980)
I got the flange and the coupler from Zip, as complete GM units, not rebuild kits...well almost complete, had to go to Home Depot for the nuts, bolts, lockwashers and spray paint. I think it was about 100 bucks for everything :eek: :crazy:
:cheers:
Tom
:cheers:
Tom
