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Topic: Steering coupler replacement

in Forum: C3 Handling Components


Steering coupler replacement

Posted: 9/13/07 7:47pm Message 1 of 7
Former Member
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Canada
Joined: 7/15/2007
Posts: 49
Vette(s): 1980 L48 Automatic
In the process of replacing the rag joint but I can't get it off the steering box shaft. It moves forward on the shaft about 3/8" of an inch then stops. I've tried tapping and prying but no luck. Any ideas before I get the torch. All the bolts are off as well.ConfusedConfused


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Steering coupler replacement

Posted: 9/13/07 8:38pm Message 2 of 7
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Tulsa, OK - USA
Joined: 4/26/2007
Posts: 152
Vette(s): 1973 LS4 4 speed Coupe. Silver & Oxblood 1996 LT1 Coupe. Arctic White & Tan.
[QUOTE=Metal Man]In the process of replacing the rag joint but I can't get it off the steering box shaft. It moves forward on the shaft about 3/8" of an inch then stops. I've tried tapping and prying but no luck. Any ideas before I get the torch. All the bolts are off as well.ConfusedConfused[/QUOTE]
 
If the clamp bolt is completely removed, it should slide right off.



Steering coupler replacement

Posted: 9/13/07 9:32pm Message 3 of 7
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Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Tap a thick screwdriver down into the slot of the coupler, to spread it open. It will come of easier then.

Spray it down with WD40(or equivalent) too.


Joel Adams
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Steering coupler replacement

Posted: 9/15/07 10:19am Message 4 of 7
Former Member
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Canada
Joined: 7/15/2007
Posts: 49
Vette(s): 1980 L48 Automatic
O K got it off with a wheel puller. Took it apart and installed the NAPA kit. What a PITA taking it apart, had to grind off the rivets. Re installed everything and I think it feel a little tighter only problem know the wheel is a bit off centre. During dissamble I had removed the coupler from the steering shaft side, I know it wasn't necessary but I centered it ont the shaft, counted the splines. Is it possible that the wheel may be not centered on the shaft. I know if I take the wheel off and remove all the set screws is there a block and nut on the shaft that I can remove and shift a spline over? Smile


Steering coupler replacement

Posted: 9/16/07 5:29pm Message 5 of 7
Former Member
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Canada
Joined: 7/15/2007
Posts: 49
Vette(s): 1980 L48 Automatic
The steering wheel was the problem, wasn't centered on the shaft. Bubba must have had it apart at some time. It feels better with the new rag joint, but it still had some slop in it so I turned the adjuster screw on the steering box in 1/8" of a turn. What a difference, much more responsive. The combo of these two things has made this car handle like nite and day, I'm a happy guy.Smile


Steering coupler replacement

Posted: 9/16/07 8:07pm Message 6 of 7
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Yelm, WA - USA
Joined: 7/12/2007
Posts: 356
Vette(s): 1979 L82 4 speed Scat 383 crank 190 cc Procomp Aluminum Heads 202 160 stainless valves GM Powder metal rods Speedpro H860CP Hypereutectic pistons 280 cam hydralic HEI Pro comp 1.6 roller rockers Mighty Demon 750 Sanderson CC1AP Hedders.
Thats awesome I pulled mine out of the solvent tank today and started cleaning it up. How much was the rebuild kit from napa? 


Steering coupler replacement

Posted: 9/16/07 9:04pm Message 7 of 7
Former Member
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Canada
Joined: 7/15/2007
Posts: 49
Vette(s): 1980 L48 Automatic
I think the kit was 13.00 canadian. That was for the rag joint. I didn't rebuild the steering box. I just gave it a slight adjustment. It seems to feel a hole lot better. I was told not to turn it in anymore than the 1/8" of a turn or I could do more damage than good. Next step, better tires. $563.00 installed for BF Goodrich TA's 225/70/15 at Costco. It's got Goodyear Eagle RH's on right now, not very good tires.Smile


in Forum: C3 Handling Components


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