I'm in the process of replacing my power steering box with a quick ratio unit from NAPA. While the box is being removed, I'd like to clean up the steering shaft as well. I've noticed that towards the upper end (nearest the firewall) of the steering shaft, there appears to be a big rubber 'grease cup' that is old and tattered and always getting my hands black with gear grease anytime I go near it. Does anyone know what this part is called and how to replace/repack it?

Also, can anyone share with me some signs of a bad rag joint. Figured I would replace what I can with everything apart, but unsure if the rag joint is really bad or not.

TIA as always!

The "grease cup" that you describe is a "pot coupling". It is a universal joint that is attached to the end of your steering column. It is designed to take up some axial motion (body to frame) as well as the angle between the body and the gear. The rubber boot that is leaking is a GM #7802919. It is still available at GM dealerships.

As regards you flexible coupling. Have someone rotate the steering wheel back and forth with the engine off. Look closely at the rubber disc. Are there any cracks in the rubber showing as it flexes? Look at the stop pins. Is there any evidence of wear where they engage the intermediate shaft flange? Have the person behind the wheel rotate the coupling 360 degrees so that you can check all surfaces and parts for wear.

The flexible coupling is one of the first things to check if your steering seems to be "loose."

Great feedback Jim, I appreciate the info. smile.gif Another question about the pot coupling, why does it seem to have gear grease coming from inside and what purpose does the grease serve or am I missing something else altogether?

I will check the flexible coupling for wear as you suggested. Thanks again!

Aw come on Wes, go for the Flaming River shaft & u-joint setup.

Hey Wayne! I'm trying to make due with what I've got for now. Besides, the extra fundage I save on this might just get the ride closer to a paint booth next summer. ;)

Wes,
The following link will take you to a tilt column blowup picture. The lower right shows the intermediate steering shaft with the pot coupling exploded out:

http://www.corvettefaq.com/acar/TiltColumnBlowup.doc

It's not the best picture but here is a brief description of the "pot coupling."

The bare shaft is #70. #69 is the pot coupling seal that you mention is leaking. Just past the seal (near the end of the shaft) you can just barely see a cross pin that is part of the shaft. The cross pin has a bearing block #68 on each end. The bearing blocks are held out into engagement with #65 pot joint cover by a special designed spring #67. The cover has some special formed tracks inside to engage the bearing blocks. Grease is inside the pot coupling to reduce friction between the bearing blocks and the pot joint cover.

A pot coupling is a rather efficient universal joint with the capability to stroke.

Body-on-frame construction (such as the Chevelle A-car) has rubber mounts mounting the body to the frame. This can result in the possibility of movement of the body relative to the frame under vehicle driving conditions. Also, the body can change positions relative to the frame as the mounts sag with time.

You should be very cautious about about replacing the flexible coupling and the pot coupling with cardon joints. With two cardon joints, a shaft joining the gear to the steering column would not have the capability to stroke with any body to frame motion. Severe strain on the steering column lower bearing will result.