I have a '70 el camino w/power steering. I bought a rebuild kit for the rag joint coupler that includes new bolts and a replacement rubber disk. However, I can't figure out how to get the old rag joint apart to get the rubber disk out. There are two larger "nipples" (which help guide the steering column) which look like they need to be detached to get the old rubber disk out. It's not clear from looking at it whether these are press-in, screw-in, or rivited in. I don't want to have to purchase a whole new rag joint, so I was wondering if anyone ever rebuilt one before who may give me some insight

I rebuilt mine with a napa rebuild kit. I didn't even have to fool with teh "nipples". its only held together by the 2 bolts (on mine.) and the whole piece comes apart.

The original flexible coupling has the rubber disc held in place by the stop pins that extend through the flange that attaches to the steering gear. The stop pins were hot riveted to the flange. I really don't recommend the rebuild kits. If at all possible, bite the bullet and purchase a replacement flexible coupling assembly.

The reason the stop pins are hot riveted in place at the factory is to insure a secure connection for this critical steering part. If you look closely at the bolts that extend out of the original flex coupling assembly, you will note that they have shoulders that press into the mating flange on the steering column. This is to insure a metal to metal connection. The stop pins also were pressed metal to metal before the electrodes heated and upset the ends.

You NEVER just bolt rubber parts together. The connecting bolts must bottom out metal to metal sandwiching and compressing the rubber part in a controlled manner.

If you must take the flexible coupling apart, you will need to grind off the upset heads of the stop pins. Then you will need to drive the remainder of the pin out of the flange with a punch.