My Rag Joint Failed
 

Guys

I wanted to give all a heads up that the rag joint in my 69 Chevelle just ripped and the steering failed. Thank God I was in my driveway. I told Lares to replace the rag joint when my box was rebuilt but I don’t think it was. I think they just put new studs in the rag that mate up to the flange. I should had inspected it very closely. I put on a repro from NPD. Far from correct but had to do this because the car was blocking my driveway. Just want those with questionable rag joints to replace them. I had been driving the car down the interstate at speeds and zipping down city roads with 100 year old oak trees just off the curb. I am glad this thing crapped out in my driveway!
I put the rag back together but you can see where it ripped. The repro has polyurethane for the rag instead of the regular rubber.

Lawrence

Go buy a Lottery ticket right away. Cash in on your good luck!

Wow! You are blessed. There was no unusual feel prior to failing?

About 36 years ago I put my '67 SS Chevelle in a ditch because of the same failure. I was running about 80 when it happened. I had to put a new quarter panel on it.

can these be rebuilt? I would guess nos thats 50 years old might be suspect too

Wow. Glad you’re ok!

There are kits to repair them in many auto parts stores, but have heard some brands don't have the exact same hole pattern. No idea on the quality either.

I have all the parts the rebuild one and an extra to rebuild.

I thought the steering shaft and rag joint had overlap so if the rag ripped the pins would still turn the steering box? (Hard to explain)

Ryan W31

I’m glad you and the car are OK. I thought the same thing Ryan.


Jason

There are notches in the belled-out end of the intermediate shaft that should "catch" the two big rivets that are part of the rag joint. Still.....you don't want to have to rely on that if you have a questionable old rag joint.

Quite frankly, I would get rid of that poly disc.....it has no fiber or steel reinforcement in it from what I've seen...just a piece of polyurethane.

Also - at some point, GM added a stamped metal "cross brace" piece to the assembly (my '70 cars have the brace). It goes on under the two bolts. Better than no brace but it's still stressing both bolt locations of the rag joint material. Can't tell exactly from your pic but I swear I see the steel brace that I mention and it looks torn in two.

I deal with alot of these and have noticed slight stress cracks starting in the steel braces in a specific location. I can post pics if need be.