Loose Rag Joint
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,972
Likes: 243
Loose Rag Joint
I've had a slight amount of freeplay in my steering wheel since day 1 of owning the car. I was never able to find play in tie rods, ***** joints, etc. I happen to have the headers off and found that if I wiggle the steering shaft I could feel the movement but more importantly I could SEE it in the rag joint. It looks like where the 2 bolts go through the 'rag' has become wallowed out.
It looks fairly simple to replace. Just 2 bolts if I'm not mistaken. But, I can't seem to source a replacement locally. Is this part available, or is the solution to replace the whole shaft?
It looks fairly simple to replace. Just 2 bolts if I'm not mistaken. But, I can't seem to source a replacement locally. Is this part available, or is the solution to replace the whole shaft?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,376
Likes: 111
From: Cherokee National Forest TN
NAPA may still carry replacement isolator rings. Don't know if they will work on a Vette, never tried but have install a # of them over the years.
Use a line up mark on both shafts to aid reassembly, the steering wheel could end
up 180* off center.
Use a line up mark on both shafts to aid reassembly, the steering wheel could end
up 180* off center.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,290
Likes: 6
From: St Marys GA
It's not that bad to replace, really. Hardest part was finding one; ebay ended up being the only place for me. Apparently they don't make them anymore, so NOS ones are incredibly expensive. Search ebay for used.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,972
Likes: 243
Is the rag joint a safety mechanism? Is it meant to shear in a violent front end collision so the steering wheel doesnt rip your arms off?
Or, does it just reduce vibration in the steering wheel by isolating it from the R&P?
If just the latter I might look into putting a bolt through it.
Or, does it just reduce vibration in the steering wheel by isolating it from the R&P?
If just the latter I might look into putting a bolt through it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,753
Likes: 15
From: backwoods upstate ny
Is the rag joint a safety mechanism? Is it meant to shear in a violent front end collision so the steering wheel doesnt rip your arms off?
Or, does it just reduce vibration in the steering wheel by isolating it from the R&P?
If just the latter I might look into putting a bolt through it.
Or, does it just reduce vibration in the steering wheel by isolating it from the R&P?
If just the latter I might look into putting a bolt through it.
84/85 didn't even have a rag joint...WHY? (i dunno)
