steering rag joint and box
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 3,052
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver BC, Canada
steering rag joint and box
I’ve got a fair amount of play at the wheel. I suspect the rag joint. How do I confirm?
Do I need to replace just the flexible coupling piece, or do I need to replace lower column coupler w/rag joint.
How difficult is it to rebuild the steering box with the kit from Zip? I have access to shop tools and precise measuring gauges. And I like a challenge. :cool:
Do I need to replace just the flexible coupling piece, or do I need to replace lower column coupler w/rag joint.
How difficult is it to rebuild the steering box with the kit from Zip? I have access to shop tools and precise measuring gauges. And I like a challenge. :cool:
Racer
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 438
Likes: 0
From: Houston, Texas
Re: steering rag joint and box (Turbo-Jet)
I rebuilt mine not too long ago.
First, there is a lash setting screw on the top of the box. Make sure you have this set properly before assuming the box is warn.
Second, the rang joint certainly wears out, but the steerin gear rarely does on the life of a vette. On my 69 the innards looked fine. I just cleaned it up, replaced the grease, seals, and one beraing a mashed while bolting it up, painted it and it was a s good as new. I don't know what is in the Zip kit, but a seriously doubt you need a full rebuild of the unit. Just be careful when reassmebling, the back bushing slips out of place and is very soft. If out of place it will mash when you tighten things down.
If you do rebuild, you don't need any special tools. The tolerences are not that close.
First, there is a lash setting screw on the top of the box. Make sure you have this set properly before assuming the box is warn.
Second, the rang joint certainly wears out, but the steerin gear rarely does on the life of a vette. On my 69 the innards looked fine. I just cleaned it up, replaced the grease, seals, and one beraing a mashed while bolting it up, painted it and it was a s good as new. I don't know what is in the Zip kit, but a seriously doubt you need a full rebuild of the unit. Just be careful when reassmebling, the back bushing slips out of place and is very soft. If out of place it will mash when you tighten things down.
If you do rebuild, you don't need any special tools. The tolerences are not that close.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 21,453
Likes: 461
From: Massillon,Ohio USA
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Cruise-In VI Veteran
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12
Re: steering rag joint and box (Turbo-Jet)
IÂ’ve got a fair amount of play at the wheel. I suspect the rag joint. How do I confirm?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 2,142
Likes: 195
From: Englewood FL
Re: steering rag joint and box (Turbo-Jet)
If the idler arm is original, would replace. When it wears, you get play in
the steering wheel. When replacing the rag joint, would use the original
GM part which is still available. Do not use the universal kits available in
the Help section of chain auto parts stores.
the steering wheel. When replacing the rag joint, would use the original
GM part which is still available. Do not use the universal kits available in
the Help section of chain auto parts stores.
