Anyone know where I can get a steering gear box for my 96 TA? I have alot of play in my steering wheel. Anyone know how much these usually run?

 

Replace your rag joint and tie rod ends. I doubt its anything in your rack/pinion

 

Can't say I've ever heard of "rag joints".

 

There's only one, its in your steering shaft. Its a rubbery fiber piece that gets weak and becomes very flexible/crappy over time. You can get a new joint, or get a rag joint eliminator and eliminate it and its flex completely. Thats what I have, and steering feel is much better. Almost zero play. Take a look here, its a nice piece

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

 

Yea i would tend to agree that i would look elsewhere before i would buy a new gear box. Tire rod ends are most likely the cause of the play. Get those fixed and then go from there if the problem persists. Also, you will need to get an alignment after replacing the tire rods.

 

That rag joint eliminator looks like a pretty good deal for only $32. I think that I'll buy one and change the tie rod ends as well and see how it goes from there. Hey Spinner, thanks for link to the eliminator.

 

No problem

 

Get this, I just talked to the local Chevy dealership and the local Pontiac dealership. They both want $210. for the "Rag Joint" they wont sell it by itself. It comes with the whole bottom portion of the steering shaft. I was also wondering if the part from unbalanced caused your steering to change in anyway. I mean in a bad way. I was wondering if it could cause a rough ride or anything like that because of it being a solid piece rather than a flexable one.

 

I didnt notice any driving difference except for a better steering feel and less slop. The dealers dont sell the joints individually, you gotta buy a whole new shaft.