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Another rag joint question - Jim Shea?

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Old Jan 18, 2015 | 01:22 AM
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Default Another rag joint question - Jim Shea?

Hi all,

Does anyone know what type of nuts (as pictured here - the ones that attach to the shouldered bolts) these are supposed to be? Nyloc? Standard?



Cheers!
-Matt
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Old Jan 18, 2015 | 08:26 AM
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There is a standard split lock washer between the nut and the steering column flange. The 5/16 nut (the one on the copper plated bolt) has a special size hex (the same as the 3/8 nut.) That allowed the car assembly plant to use the same tool to tighten both nuts.

FYI, the copper plating on the 5/16 threaded shoulder bolt results in the correct torque-tension relationship when torquing both nuts to 20 ft-lbs.

Jim
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Old Jan 18, 2015 | 10:07 AM
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Originally Posted by Jim Shea
There is a standard split lock washer between the nut and the steering column flange. The 5/16 nut (the one on the copper plated bolt) has a special size hex (the same as the 3/8 nut.) That allowed the car assembly plant to use the same tool to tighten both nuts.

FYI, the copper plating on the 5/16 threaded shoulder bolt results in the correct torque-tension relationship when torquing both nuts to 20 ft-lbs.

Jim
,
Dang Jim is there anything you don't know about these steering systems?
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Old Jan 18, 2015 | 10:23 AM
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Yeah, what he said...
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Old Jan 18, 2015 | 02:58 PM
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Originally Posted by Gordonm
,
Dang Jim is there anything you don't know about these steering systems?
I was a Product Engineering Supervisor at Saginaw Steering Gear Division, GMC in the early 1970s. I had a group of engineers responsible for flexible steering shaft coupling assemblies, power steering hose assemblies, and hydraulic seals. The common denominator was rubber in the different parts.

39 years working in the steering system area provided me with lots of background. It didn't hurt to own three C3s during that time.

jim
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Old Jan 18, 2015 | 03:16 PM
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What is your personal preference for replacing or rebuilding these joints Jim? Are there specific materials being used by certain manufacturers that are better? These joints seem to be a real hit and miss part with the aftermarket. Thanks in advance for any insight you could offer.
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Old Jan 18, 2015 | 11:17 PM
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Sorry, I just don't have specific information on hand rebuilding flexible coupling assemblies. They are difficult to rebuild because the OEM manufacturing process involved special induction heating fixtures that heated and hot upset the ends of the stop pins into the bow tieflange. So servicing and replacing the rubber coupling disc requires you to grind off the upset stop pin head and then driving the pin from the bowtie ear.

If you are trying to try and duplicate the looks of the OEM assembly the following is an article from the NCRS website on hot upsetting the stop pins to the bowtie flange.

http://www.ncrs.org/forums/showthrea...ighlight=joint

This article involves an earlier flexible coupling but has a lot of the same pins, rubber coupling disc, and flange. The above NCRS fellows may be of a lot more help than I would be.

BTW, Corvette flexible coupling discs were always a lamination of seven layers of cotton cloth and neoprene rubber.

Jim
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Old Jan 19, 2015 | 01:00 PM
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Default Rag joint removal

Originally Posted by Jim Shea
Sorry, I just don't have specific information on hand rebuilding flexible coupling assemblies. They are difficult to rebuild because the OEM manufacturing process involved special induction heating fixtures that heated and hot upset the ends of the stop pins into the bow tieflange. So servicing and replacing the rubber coupling disc requires you to grind off the upset stop pin head and then driving the pin from the bowtie ear.

If you are trying to try and duplicate the looks of the OEM assembly the following is an article from the NCRS website on hot upsetting the stop pins to the bowtie flange.

[url]http://www.ncrs.org/forums/showthread.php?109020-questions-on-riveting-a-telescopic-rag-joint&highlight=joint[/

This article involves an earlier flexible coupling but has a lot of the same pins, rubber coupling disc, and flange. The above NCRS fellows may be of a lot more help than I would be.

BTW, Corvette flexible coupling discs were always a lamination of seven layers of cotton cloth and neoprene rubber.

Jim
Jim can you lead me to thread that tells me how to remove it. The coupling is loose but there is not enough room to slide it off. Do I need to remove bolts from steering gear box or is the shaft on the steering wheel supposed to slide back up inside of itself. I know there is a thread out there somewhere but I haven't found it yet. 73 small block coupe.
Thanks Byocum
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Old Jan 19, 2015 | 07:19 PM
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Hi Jim,

Thank you very much for your response to my question! I have managed to find an excellent condition NOS GM rag joint as well as the correct shouldered bolts. The only thing I'm missing is the nuts and your question fixes that for me.

Cheers,
Matt

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