Rag Joint - Lateral-g Forums

jonesy · #1 08-30-2009, 09:28 AM

I noticed a lot of play in my '69 Camaro's steering and realized that it was bc of the rag joint. I am having a lot of problems with removing it from the steering column itself. It came off the steering box pretty easy. Has anyone done this repair before that has some suggestions?
Thanks,
Jonesy

**GregWeld** · #2 08-30-2009, 03:48 PM

Jonesy --

Did ya release the bolt that clamps it to the column -- and you have to have the BOLT COMPLETELY OUT..... can't leave it in there and get 'er off.... you'll see why when you get 'er off.

fabricatordave · #3 08-30-2009, 04:02 PM

some have the upper flange built into column shaft wont come off. it also should require loosing the box or column to get some movement so it will spread apart to get it out

jonesy · #4 09-01-2009, 10:52 PM

fabricatordave,
would the flange happen to be located on the column where it meets the firewall? If so, then yes mine has that. What does that mean if it does? I removed the clamp bolt that allows it to release from the steering box. Is it still possible to remove it?
Thanks,
Jonesy

cowboybob · #5 09-02-2009, 06:12 AM

Jonesy,

The column flange at the firewall (on the inside of the car) does not need to be removed. I believe that the column bolt/flange that Dave and Greg are referring to is the bolt that holds the upper/top part of the rag joint to the steering column shaft (this bolt does need to be removed).

The easiest way that I found to remove the rag joint is to remove the four bolts that comprise the joint (one on the gearbox, one on the steering column shaft, and two that clamp the rag joint halves together). Then, on the inside of the car, remove the plastic dash piece that covers the bottom of the steering column. Next, loosen the column flange at the firewall, inside the car. Finally, remove the two bolts that hold the steering column bracket to the dash supports. This will allow you to pull the entire steering column down and backwards (you only need to come back a few inches) and give you enough room to get the rag joint out. This summary makes it sound pretty involved, but its actually a very easy project.

Hope this helps.