Ok in the last few threads I have read they have all referenced a rag joint in the stearing, and in one linked to an eliminator.


couple question.

what is this rag joint, whats it look like?
with the eliminator is there more road vibration?

and is it something that will make the stearing feel tighter?
I only have 60k km on my car (30k miles) and it feels like I can move the wheel a few degrees either way and it not effect the direction of the car, and I dont like that.

 

Anyone?

 

On the f-body, the rag joint is a multi-layered fiberous mesh that sits between the upper and lower portions of the steering linkage. It is held together by rivets. It's primary purpose, from what I've gathered, is to serve as a vibration damper. The object circled in red in the following picture is the "rag joint":
http://www.classicgaming.com/vcoleco...c/ragjoint.jpg.

Unfortunately, due to its construction, the rag joint won't last forever and the rivets holding the parts together stretch over time. This causes the rivet holes in the fiberous mesh to wear into an oblong shape - which results in 'free play' in the steering.

Replacing a worn rag joint will usually remove any free-play in the steering, assuming that all tie-rods and ball-joints are within spec.

IMPORTANT: Free-play in the steering should be taken seriously. We all know what could result if you should happen to loose control of your steering: death. All tie-rods, ball-joints, and other connectors that make up the steering assembly should also be inspected thoroughly - just to be safe.

 

is a replacment rag joint jsut as good as the eliminators?
I'm going to try and inspect mine here as soon as I can get it into hte garage.

 

if you ever get headers it will just wear out again and faster. the eliminator is cheap and works great.

 

Won't the eliminators cause more road vibration sicne they defeat the purpose of having a RAg joint in the first place?

If they do...how good is the response with them? Vibration is nothing but response is everything.

Where can you get them at anyway?

 

Where can this rag joint eliminator be purchased from...is it something that can be bought from a local parts store?

 

Only place I know that makes an eliminator kit:

http://www.unbalancedengineering.com/Camaro/Rag_Joint/

 

I installed the eliminator yesterday after finding a lot of play in the old factory rag-joint. My car use to require a lot of corretions in the steering to keep it going in a straight line down the highway. After the rag-joint install, it tracks perfectly straight with little-to-no corrections in the wheel.

After installing it, I do not notice any increased vibrations in the steering wheel. I was advised that the rag-joint is actually a safety feature and is designed to be the weak point in the column in case of a head on collision. Basically, it breaks off and prevents the steering wheel/column from impailing the driver.

Thomas.

 

hmm good to hear that it didnt make more vibrations and tightened up hte stearing.

but is this true that the rag joint is ment to break as a safety item? if it is that would make me more aprehensive about putting it on my car, as I dayly drive my car.

 

It definitely tightened up my front end, but only because the factory rag-joint in my car was pretty shot. It had a lot of play at the joint itself. If yours is not worn, then the eliminator won't do anything for you.

I was told it is a safety feature by a reputable GM source, but I've never heard anything else to support or dispute it ......... So I'm not really sure if it's true or not, just something I've heard.

Thomas.

 

On our cars you'd be so F34KED up after that 350 pushes into your cockpit and that Flimsy urethane and sheetmetal twist back at you I doubt you'll have to care about a steering wheel than.

 

so what did you have to do to install it? Do you have to knock back the Steering linkage any or is this a 1-2-3 deal where you just unscrew something? When I did the headers and pulled the linkage I jhad a bad feeling about the piece....somethng just wasn't right...and my car has allot of symptoms the other guys ares are having accept I only have play going in one direction...about 10degress or so.

 

Xride,

As a daily driver, I'm thinking you'd be happier with replacing the rag joint with the same material, either from the dealer or a local parts store.

The nickname 'Rag' joint leads you to believe this part is supposed to flex somewhat and absorb vibration. I can only imagine how much you'd feel every pothole without it being somewhat shock-absorbing...

As far as the 'safety' point of view, I've never heard of it..but then again, almost every car has one...be it a Silverado or a LeSabre, so you may be on to something.

The 'Eliminator' that is linked appears to be the cast/solid aluminum disk replacement that I've seen here before - The general concensus was that if the part fractured (remind me to show you the shattered aluminum pistons from my A4), you'd either get very sloppy steering, or lose all control of the vehichle. Another vote for a factory replacement....

Lastly, it's going to be a little bit of a job, depending on whether you decide to remove part of the steering column from the car or doing it while it's on your car. In either case, you'll need a power drill, some sharp bits (for the rivets) and a little patience...

A Haynes manual would be a plus, as would marking the alignment of all the parts before you take them off.

Best o' luck..

 

Uhm, I have no clue why you would attempt to change the rag joint while the steering joint is on the car. It takes two bolts and about 5 minutes to remove.

I had my old rag joint almost fail on me and come apart.. had about 1/2" of slack in the rivet holes. I think the problem is when you put headers on a car you have to remove the protective cover on the rag joing and that can cause it to wear out quickly and become dangerous.

I think i'd feel better with aluminum holding my steering linkage together than fibers.. I think a lot of cars have a direct connection (no rag joint) and are perfectly fine.