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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
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65 Corvette Coupe L78 67 427/390 Vette Coupe unrestored 67 L-79 Vette roadster (Top Flight) 69 L71 Roadster Survivor 69 L46 Roadster Survivor (Sold) 69 Z/28 RS 69 Dodge Charger R/T 70 W30 442 Auto Air Survivor 2016 Z06 Coupe M7 70 AAR Cuda (Sold) 69 L78 Chevelle |
#2
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Go buy a Lottery ticket right away. Cash in on your good luck!
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Wow! You are blessed. There was no unusual feel prior to failing?
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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.
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Freddie 1969 Camaro RS/SS396 (427) 4 speed Last edited by big gear head; 03-30-2019 at 01:14 AM. |
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can these be rebuilt? I would guess nos thats 50 years old might be suspect too
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Bill |
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Wow. Glad you’re ok!
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#7
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Quote:
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.
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...................... John Brown This isn't rocket surgery..... |
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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
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1969 Beaumont 350 Auto White Sold 1969 Beaumont 307 Auto Green Sold 1969 Chevelle SS 396-L35 Auto Blue Sold 1969 Oldsmobile Cutlass 'S' Sports Coupe W31 |
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I’m glad you and the car are OK. I thought the same thing Ryan.
Jason |
#10
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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.
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Patton Glade 70Post Restorations Austin, TX Last edited by 70post; 03-30-2019 at 04:57 AM. |
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