New rag joint question
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Tuned
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 296
Likes: 21
From: Ohio
New rag joint question
I just changed the rag joint in my 1978 F150 4WD. On my initial run around the block the steering seems very stiff. It has power steering and was not stiff before. I did get the rubberish rag not the poly one. I also bought the bearing for the bottom of the column that holds the shaft. Just seems very stiff to me. Will it loosen up as it breaks in or did I do something wrong? Thanks fellas.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,311
Likes: 367
From: Kansas
just replacing the rag joint shouldn't have changed anything...Did the bottom bearing go in without any problems? Any change the column got shifted and is now is a partial bind? Any chance the power steering belt came off/pump low on fluid, etc.?
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Tuned
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 296
Likes: 21
From: Ohio
Belt is still on 
. Bearing went in easily and rolled without effort. Its just seems stiffer trying to turn the wheel. No odd sounds or anything noticeable. Just curious if maybe the new rag needs to stretch out a bit to loosen up.
. Bearing went in easily and rolled without effort. Its just seems stiffer trying to turn the wheel. No odd sounds or anything noticeable. Just curious if maybe the new rag needs to stretch out a bit to loosen up.
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,808
Likes: 2,604
From: The Shenandoah Valley
Any change in stiffness between the steering wheel and the steering box will be felt by a "steering wheel holder" as the power assist only happens in the steering box. I've replaced my rag joint a couple of times and I have never felt a difference in required effort. I have however, never changed the bearing or the holder at the low end of column. I too don't see a rag joint or that bearing increasing effort.
If you mean it feels like the power is gone, might be a loose or slick greased up belt at the pump .... or a blown hose.
You didn't maybe install the rag joint lower half too far down on the shaft against the steering box did you. The cinch bolt fits across the shaft in the rounded groove midway the splines.
If you mean it feels like the power is gone, might be a loose or slick greased up belt at the pump .... or a blown hose.
You didn't maybe install the rag joint lower half too far down on the shaft against the steering box did you. The cinch bolt fits across the shaft in the rounded groove midway the splines.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,509
Likes: 333
From: Arlington,Wa
Replaced the rag joint on my 76...no change in effort but it does feel tighter as in it doesn't wander as much when driving. It's also off center now...my fault when I put the RJ on the steering box...just a matter of loosening it enough to make the adjustment.
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,808
Likes: 2,604
From: The Shenandoah Valley
It's splined to the shaft ..... no? Might be easier to pull the steering wheel off and re-clock it?
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,509
Likes: 333
From: Arlington,Wa
Yes....splined shaft. Just need to re-clock it back to the right 7-8 splines and it should be in the ballpark.
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Tuned
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 296
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From: Ohio
I'm pretty sure you cannot install it wrong. Both bolts holding the "ends" on are in the grooves they are supposed to be. I will check to see if maybe its on the shaft too far, but with the groove in it for the bolt I dont see how. Maybe its just tighter and thats what is strange. I'll give it a few days and see if it loosens up.The old one was so soft it was almost like putty, and ripped almost in 2.
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,808
Likes: 2,604
From: The Shenandoah Valley
If so, I expect you'll get used to it before it changes a lot.
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