Anybody know the difference between a power steering rag joint and a manual steering rag joint? They look basically the same in the pics. I just re-installed my steering shaft on my 70 and I feel a slight popping sound when I turn the wheel back a forth. I suspect its in the mating between the rag joint and the spline on the gear box. Almost seems like its slipping a bit. I re-used everything that was on there before. Thanks

I think I figured out the slippage problem. The female part that clamps onto the input shaft of the gear box has no spline cut into it! That aint right is it?? The male input shaft is splined!

I can't say for sure but that sure doesn't sound right! :noway: You might try sending a PM to JIML82. He is a retired Saginaw steering engineer and knows just about everything there is about the steering on these cars. He is a wealth of information! :yes: If he sees this thread, he might even chime in...

Dana. I went ahead and ordered a new one from Year One. All the rag joints I have seen in pics have at least some spline it them. I probably will pm JimL82 also just in case. thanks for the info! Nick

Also make sure the new one has either a ground wire like the old one or the rubber has steel inside it, otherwise your horn won't work. jimshea.corvettefaq.com

The 1970 flexible coupling for the power gear had a flange to accept a 13/16 input shaft. It would also have four cotton layers of cloth molded together with rubber in the coupling disc. The original flex coupling would have had a ground strap in the center. Service parts would have had a metal screen molded into the face of the rubber disc. (You should be able to feel the sharp screen edges).

The manual flexible coupling would have a flange to accept a 3/4 manual gear shaft. The rubber disc would have 7 layers of cotton cloth. The ground strap or screen would be present as described above.

Jim

The 1970 flexible coupling for the power gear had a flange to accept a 13/16 input shaft. It would also have four cotton layers of cloth molded together with rubber in the coupling disc. The original flex coupling would have had a ground strap in the center. Service parts would have had a metal screen molded into the face of the rubber disc. (You should be able to feel the sharp screen edges).

The manual flexible coupling would have a flange to accept a 3/4 manual gear shaft. The rubber disc would have 7 layers of cotton cloth. The ground strap or screen would be present as described above.

Jim

Jim, how about the spline on the ragjoint? The ragjoint that is in my Chevelle has no spline cut into it and somewhat of a flat area in it. The input shaft on the powersteering gear has a spline on it and a flat surface cut into it. Do you recall if that is correct? Trying to line up the flat areas on the input and the ragjoint does not work. My Chevelle may have been originally manual steering. Thanks for the help everyone.