Took me 3 hours to install this thing!!!

Taking it off was not a problem. Getting those rivets off was the problem. I grinded off both ends but the rivets are pressed on or something. They have to be drilled off.

I found the easiest way to drill off these iron bits were to use cutting oil and start with a small bit and work my way up.

Another piece of advice is when you put the entire unit back in, unlock the steering column. Makes lining up the joints a lot easier.

Took a while to install but it got rid of my freeplay and cost a lot less than getting a new joint from GM for $280.

 

Did mine a month ago, fixed my problem. Would have done it a year or more ago if I had knew. Was easier for us since we have air tools and a shop.

cheers

 

That's my next purchase, thanks for the info.

 

I actually just installed mine this week also. Made the steering feel tighter and more responsive. Had the same problems. You really need to grind both sides of the rivit off, because the shaft on the rivit is fatter than the hole, meaning they can only fit through one side. You really can't tell which side that is so you need to grind both sides off. I also made the the mistake of pounding down on the shaft and pushing the two pressed in piece's together, which need to be pounded out then. Air tools are definitely needed and a vise.

 

What were your handling symptoms before the swap, and where did you buy the kit?

 

I bought it at Unbalanced Engineering web site. You can run a search for it. It's called rag joint eliminator. It was $30 and I got it in 3 days. My steering just felt a little mushy and there was a small amount of play in the steering wheel like 1/2". The headers heated up the rubbery pad in the joint and caused some looseness. I still have the 1/2" of play, but that's my rack, but the steering is tighter now especially when it's hot.

 

Somebody have a URL?

 

unbalancedengineering.com

 

www.unbalancedengineering.com

 

Neato Mosquito.

 

First I should ask: Is the rag joint the U-joint looking section of the steering column?

By any chance did your rag joint squeek(more like a groaning) or make kind of a popping noise like it was binding or needed lubrication? I don't think it's my power steering. My 96 Z had 20,000 miles on it and I think the joint is squeeking.

I didn't know a new one cost $280.

 

I originally thought it was my rack that had the play. I had about an inch of play. Change the rack and still had the problem. So I changed the rag joint.

If you take the entire assembly out, you'll see it's 2 pieces connected to a fat rubber spacer looking thing. If you try twisting one part you'll see the amount of play you have. Or you can just tell by driving your car.