Topic: Rag joint alignment
in Forum: C3 Handling Components
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Ok, I can use some friendly advice.
I'm currently replacing the rag joint on my steering. After removing the old rag joint, I noticed that the steering box shaft and the end of the steering column shaft were not lined up completely. I thought that if I loosen the nuts and bolts on the steering column that I could move it far enough to realign properly as I install the new rag joint, then tighten down the column again after I get the rag joint bolted on. Am I thinking in the right direction or am I "steering" myself wrong??
Thanx, Larry
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I had some difficulty when I did mine, I think I just spun my steering wheel when it was free to center it and line everything up. The rag joint was kind of a PITA for me though. Then I used a little brute force and some lever action to bolt the rag joint back on. Hope this helps! Maybe someone will know the cool trick to do it correctly.
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If you're referring to the actual centerlines of the shafts not lining up, it's fairly normal. You can loosen the bolts/nuts holding the column up to help get the new joint back on. You'll really need to take it loose anyway to slide the column back far enough to get the new joint on to start with. Once the new joint is on, just tighten the column back up and go. One of the purposes of the flexible joint there is to make up for the mis-alignment of the two shafts, along with attempting to keep vibrations in the column down. 
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I thought that was what I needed to do, just wanted to check to make sure. Thanks. 
Larry
The difference between men and boys is the cost of their toys!!
in Forum: C3 Handling Components
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