My Rag Joint Failed

**sixt9rsx33** · #1 03-29-2019, 10:11 PM

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

Lee Stewart · #2 03-29-2019, 10:21 PM

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

Stihl · #3 03-30-2019, 12:56 AM

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

**sixt9rsx33** · #4 03-30-2019, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stihl

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

Nope no warning at all

**XXXGoldL34M20** · #5 03-30-2019, 12:29 PM

do you have manual or power steering?
if you have manual steering that rag joint should be a 7 row dotted thread showing, I count only 5 which I think is for power steering.

**Ryan1969Chevelle** · #6 03-30-2019, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XXXBlackLs6M22

do you have manual or power steering?
if you have manual steering that rag joint should be a 7 row dotted thread showing, I count only 5 which I think is for power steering.

Danny, I need to stop by and pick up that rebuild kit and rag joint. (Maybe one. Ight this week....

Ryan W31

**XXXGoldL34M20** · #7 03-30-2019, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ryan1969Chevelle

Danny, I need to stop by and pick up that rebuild kit and rag joint. (Maybe one. Ight this week....

Ryan W31

Sure Buddy,
Come on over, we'll have a beer.

**sixt9rsx33** · #8 04-01-2019, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XXXBlackLs6M22

do you have manual or power steering?
if you have manual steering that rag joint should be a 7 row dotted thread showing, I count only 5 which I think is for power steering.

Manual steering. There are five rows of dotted threads.

**big gear head** · #9 03-30-2019, 01:12 AM

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.

**Billohio** · #10 03-30-2019, 01:20 AM

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

The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to sixt9rsx33 For This Useful Post:
L78M22Rag (03-29-2019), m22mike (03-29-2019)

The Following User Says Thank You to XXXGoldL34M20 For This Useful Post:
Charley Lillard (03-30-2019)