replacing rag joint(steering coupler)...

[87gninpa]

I need to replace my rag joint and im not quite sure as how to do it. Anyone done this before and has some advice? also, right above that rubber boot on the steering shaft there is a bolt. Is this bolt supposed to be tightened at all? or is it non-adjustable? There is just so much play wher the two shaft couple together...

 

[turbofish38]

To replace the rag joint it is best to remove the entire intermediate steering shaft. Chances are the rubber boot is torn on that vibration joint too. Remove the 11mm headed bolt at the steering box and remove that bolt and nut on the upper part of the shaft. The shaft will colapse some by either pulling on the shaft down towards the direction of the gearbox or you can hit it with a hammer at the vibration joint. Just reverse the procedure to reinstall. The nut should be a tight as you can get it but don't over torque it as you can distort the shaft.

 

[87gninpa]

thanks eric, your'e right, there is no rubber boot left, thats probably my main problem.....

 

[BEATAV8]

Does anyone know if the rubber boot can be replaced or does the whole intermediate steering shaft have to be replaced?

my rubber boot is wasted too, but the shaft/joint assembly is still in good shape.

 

[87gninpa]

Steve, from what ive heard and read, the whole shaft has to be replaced. Thats how mine was, the boot was gone, but the joint was ok. That will slowly start to change because the purpose of the boot is the keep the joint greased and after a while it will get completely dry and crap out......i think im going to try to go to the junkyard and get a good one form a monte or cutlass and see if that'll work. if your'e interested let me know and ill email you the results after im done. im going to go tomorrow and try to get one

 

[BEATAV8]

for sure let me know how that works out. I'll probably be out at the junkyard this weekend looking for one myself.