Rag joint is ripped in half %!#!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 405
Likes: 0
From: Fresno
Rag joint is ripped in half %!#!
Yep, its ripped in two places. The safety pins are hitting the other flange, I can tell becuses the flange and pins are shiny in the same spot. Also my rag joint is not straight/flat. Was it supposed to be flat upon installiation. Mine is bent , it flexes about a 1/2 inch from bolt to bolt, back to front. Is this correct or did someone install it wrong? All the pictures show that it shold be basically flat . Jeez...looks Like I have my work cut out for me this next weekend..any advice?-TK
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,407
Likes: 2
From: Carmichael CA
Re: Rag joint is ripped in half %!#! (TJKirby82CE)
I think the original ones get bent...aftermarket replacements start out flat, but get some bend in them. Hey, just like normal people...they start out flat, but after awhile get bent! I think I'll go get bent tonight! :crazy:
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 405
Likes: 0
From: Fresno
Re: Rag joint is ripped in half %!#! (JRChurch)
It's easy to fix. Before removal, make sure you mark the placement of the two joints on the steering shaft and steering gear (on the box) respectively. You'll need an 16 sided socket or better. You'll need to get under the car to loosen up the steering box, remove all the bolts. It sounds intimidating but it is not. Once the rag joint is out, take it to a local garage or machine shop to have the rivet heads ground off or do it your self if you have a grinder. AutoZone sells a replacement rag joint complete with hardware for about $8 or so. I did it and I am a novice at this stuff. On a scale of one to ten (ten the hardest), I would rate this a two. It just takes some time and planning.
:chevy :cheers:
[Modified by JRChurch, 9:41 PM 5/19/2002]
:chevy :cheers:
[Modified by JRChurch, 9:41 PM 5/19/2002]
Its all in the details, that was one of the best responses to a post I have ever gotten. Clear , concise, and detailed. I was wondering if the originals were riveted in or not. Mine have rivets so like everything else on the car that is worn out it is original. I have a grinder myself so I can tackle this job. Thanks-Travis
