Steering column rag joint.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 162
Likes: 8
Steering column rag joint.
Has anyone replaced the steering column rag joint with a universal joint, but then, gone back to the rag joint.
For any reason, vague steering feel, too much feel, anything.
I am going replace the worn rag joint in my car, just wondering what to expect.
Can't help but wonder why GM put a rag joint there to begin with.
For any reason, vague steering feel, too much feel, anything.
I am going replace the worn rag joint in my car, just wondering what to expect.
Can't help but wonder why GM put a rag joint there to begin with.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 11,183
Likes: 3,335
From: North of Toronto - Ontario
Rag joints were (are?) way cheaper that universal joints and AFAIK they were really designed to absorb some vibration rather than correct misalignment... Shea would be the one to ask.
M
M
Pro
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 587
Likes: 49
From: Belgium
Problem with a UJ is the extra stresses it might put on the bottom bearing if there is some misalignment. Where a rag joint 'takes up' this misalignment ( up to 5° iirc).
There is this company that makes UJ's for corvette c3's, I think it was something with flame or fire in the name, could be wrong. I have written it down, I'll ceck in the morning if no-one replies before me
cheers
There is this company that makes UJ's for corvette c3's, I think it was something with flame or fire in the name, could be wrong. I have written it down, I'll ceck in the morning if no-one replies before me
cheers
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,347
Likes: 121
From: Kernersville NC
I just replaced my rag going because it was deformed and had some minor cracks. The steering column was out anyway so it was not a very difficult task. Results surprised me. It took out a lot of slop that I thought was in the box.
I think Dusky was thinking about Flaming River.
I think Dusky was thinking about Flaming River.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 10,045
Likes: 675
From: FL
NOS GM 7818568 on eBay $139. This does only have one flange and you will need to reuse the other flange.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1969-1982-G...-/273976147224
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1969-1982-G...-/273976147224
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 10,045
Likes: 675
From: FL
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/?p=793
All of Jim's papers:
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/?cat=5
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 3,326
Likes: 523
From: home
Change over was in 1969. Here is a link to Jim Shea's paper:
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/?p=793
All of Jim's papers:
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/?cat=5
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/?p=793
All of Jim's papers:
http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/?cat=5