Rag Joint?
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Downers Grove IL
Rag Joint?
Hi All,
My 82 CE has VERY sloppy steering. I can move the wheel almost 1/8 of a turn before she responds. It is so bad, I don't want to take her up to highway speed or around curves. My brother says rag joint. I want to be sure before I just start replacing parts. 2 questions:
1. How can I be sure it *is* the rag joint? Is there an inspection technique?
2. What is the best place to get one in a hurry? Bloomington Gold is in 2 weeks, and I figure I'll only have a few nights next week to work on her.
Thanks in advance
-Chico
My 82 CE has VERY sloppy steering. I can move the wheel almost 1/8 of a turn before she responds. It is so bad, I don't want to take her up to highway speed or around curves. My brother says rag joint. I want to be sure before I just start replacing parts. 2 questions:
1. How can I be sure it *is* the rag joint? Is there an inspection technique?
2. What is the best place to get one in a hurry? Bloomington Gold is in 2 weeks, and I figure I'll only have a few nights next week to work on her.
Thanks in advance
-Chico
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 234
Likes: 3
From: Johnston Rhode Island
I just ordered a new rag joint because I am having the column rebuilt. I think it was $50 from ecklers. They were out of stock 2 days. Supposedly they got them in and are shipping now.
Have someone move the wheel and see what happens at the joint. I doubt your issue is because of the joint. There is 2 bolts and line up tabs that keep it together tight. My car is a 71.
Have someone move the wheel and see what happens at the joint. I doubt your issue is because of the joint. There is 2 bolts and line up tabs that keep it together tight. My car is a 71.
Last edited by Hpozzuoli; Jun 14, 2014 at 10:59 AM.
Intermediate
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 48
Likes: 1
Hi All,
My 82 CE has VERY sloppy steering. I can move the wheel almost 1/8 of a turn before she responds. It is so bad, I don't want to take her up to highway speed or around curves. My brother says rag joint. I want to be sure before I just start replacing parts. 2 questions:
1. How can I be sure it *is* the rag joint? Is there an inspection technique?
2. What is the best place to get one in a hurry? Bloomington Gold is in 2 weeks, and I figure I'll only have a few nights next week to work on her.
Thanks in advance
-Chico
My 82 CE has VERY sloppy steering. I can move the wheel almost 1/8 of a turn before she responds. It is so bad, I don't want to take her up to highway speed or around curves. My brother says rag joint. I want to be sure before I just start replacing parts. 2 questions:
1. How can I be sure it *is* the rag joint? Is there an inspection technique?
2. What is the best place to get one in a hurry? Bloomington Gold is in 2 weeks, and I figure I'll only have a few nights next week to work on her.
Thanks in advance
-Chico
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,006
Likes: 28
From: Lutz Florida
This should help diagnose the problem. Scroll down to the system inspection and diagnosis section.
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/?p=796
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/?p=796
Racer
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 284
Likes: 15
From: St Louis MO http://1972corvetterestomod.blogspot.com/
Replaced the rag joint in my '72 several months ago to fix the same problem as you. It did tighten up the steering some. Reference the Jim Shea corvette steering papers for inspection, replacement, etc. Below are pics of my old one in the car (notice the very worn safety pins) and the old one side-by-side with the new one out of the car. While doing my research I found the best bet is to find an original OEM replacement rag joint as the aftermarket ones are not that great in quality... read the Jim Shea papers about that too. Good luck... it wasn't too bad to do in an afternoon for this rank amateur! 
old rag joint in car...
old rag joint side-by-side with new out of car...
old rag joint in car...
old rag joint side-by-side with new out of car...
