Rag Joint Rebuild
 

I got a rag joint rebuild kit from Zip Products. The hardware included does not exactly match my original hardware. What perplexes me is how to remove the 2 alignment pins. Do they unscrew or do I need to drill/chisel the riveted side?
Regards,
Walter

I need to do this as well.....going to be watching this thread.

I would send the kit back and just buy a new one......

I tried the rebuild path a LONG time back, and it was a real PITA and looked flimsy. :eek:

Just mt 2 cents....

Rag rebuild kits are not very good, spend the money and buy a GM rag while you still can. I have thrown out several of those kits.

:iagree: I agree with Gary.

If you absolutely must go with a rebuild, please make sure that the bolts that attach the flex coupling to the steering column flange have shoulders. You should never make a bolted connection by just compressing rubber. Torque retaining nuts, locktite, double nutting, etc are not acceptable methods of retention. Connections must be metal to metal. YOU ARE STEERING YOUR CAR THROUGH THIS CONNECTION.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y38...lgFeatures.jpg
Use the original rusty shoulder bolts if you must. Note in the above picture that both the stop pins and the attaching bolts have shoulders.

Jim

GTR1999 is correct guys,,,I took his advice and bought a new one from GM after I had installed a rebuilt one that I did earlier the year before.

This is one of those dont skimp deals with your Vette,,,I got the rag half and used my upper part,,,cost was 112 bucks,,,,but,,,,I could tell a difference.

Lee

what is the GM part #???? thanks............

7818568 and still available through GM dealers.
Jim

Thanks for the advice
 

I guess I will persue a new one... it will look better anyway and I think my frustration will be greatly reduced. Thanks for the advice. Gotta go finish the power steering...

i had a buddy rebuild mine. it took a little time and a grinder....I am glad it wasn;t me doing it:D

I got mine from GM Parts Direct. Its really a safety factor and a cheap insurance, just imagine your Corvette coasting at 50 MPH with no steering control!!

:iagree: 100%

Get a new one.

I bought the NOS rag joint!
 

A follow up to this thread... I bought a NOS rag joint, and it worked perfectly. The down side... GM has discontinued those parts. Now it is either make a rebuild kit work, or buy from ebay/amazon etc. the good stuff is gone unless you have really deep pockets to buy a NOS hold-out.

Working on this now. The bolts in the lower end had to be ground off and punched out. Bought the kit from Corvette Central. Looks to be decent quality and straight forward. Rubber is thick as a brick.

Hi; I'm new to the forum. I've been searching and searching and searching on this topic. From what I can see, in the absence of OEM, the two best quality I can see out there now, are the Borgeson unit, and the Duntov Motors unit. Anyone have experience with either? What's your suggestion for best option today?

Thanks speedreed; I didn't even check there. I was surprised....from the pic, that one looks like it has shoulder bolts in addition to being 7 Ply. Anyone else have comments in general or experience with the Rock Auto rag joint?