Replace steering rag joint
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2017
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Replace steering rag joint
My rag joint is damaged and needs replacing. I have done a few searches and am unsure of few things.
is this a simple diy?
Do I need to drop the column or unnolt it in anyway or is this something just unnolt and replace!!
is this a simple diy?
Do I need to drop the column or unnolt it in anyway or is this something just unnolt and replace!!
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
When I replaced my rag joint on my 77 F100 automatic with power steering, it was fairly simply.
I took off the lower cover on my steering column (right at the bottom of the dash – I think it was held on by two screws, IIRC) and loosened the two bolts holding the U-shaped clamp holding the steering column itself to the underside of the dash. It only needs to be loose enough for the column to slide, it can still rest on the clamp.
Once that’s done, it’s just a matter of disconnecting the rag joint and pulling the steering column up towards you as you sit in the cab. A couple of decent yanks on the steering wheel separated the rag joint enough to replace it.
Replace the rag joint, push the steering column back down, bolt everything together, and you’re done.
Just make sure your wheels are straight when you start, so when you push the column back down your steering wheel lines up correctly (this is, of course, lining up the rag joint the same way it came off).
I took off the lower cover on my steering column (right at the bottom of the dash – I think it was held on by two screws, IIRC) and loosened the two bolts holding the U-shaped clamp holding the steering column itself to the underside of the dash. It only needs to be loose enough for the column to slide, it can still rest on the clamp.
Once that’s done, it’s just a matter of disconnecting the rag joint and pulling the steering column up towards you as you sit in the cab. A couple of decent yanks on the steering wheel separated the rag joint enough to replace it.
Replace the rag joint, push the steering column back down, bolt everything together, and you’re done.
Just make sure your wheels are straight when you start, so when you push the column back down your steering wheel lines up correctly (this is, of course, lining up the rag joint the same way it came off).
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 853
Likes: 62
From: Oxnard
Check if yours has the grounding wire going from the top of the rag joint to the bottom. When I replaced my rag joint, my wire was frayed and had just a few strands remaining, so I replaced it. Although I don't know for certain why the wire is there, I presumed it was to ground the steering column. I'd think someone else will chime in letting us know what the rag joint ground wire is for. Think I used 12guage wire when I replaced mine.
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