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Rag joint (flex coupling) question

cmayna

cmayna

DILLIGARA?
Donator
Am I correct in assuming that with this type of setup, there is a little slop in the steering due to the flex or twisting of the rubber/rag joint material itself? I see that there are two different diameter posts connected to the rag joint which I assume is for orientation. My question is that these two posts are quite smaller than their counterpart grooves on the end of the steering column. It is the slop between the posts and the grooves which I am inquiring as being correct or not which is contributing to the slop.

This slop is pronounced more at a stand still allowing the steering wheel to move say 5-10 degrees.
 
Shouldn't the bolts hold things tight? I have never had play that I remember unless the joint was bad.
 
The fastening bolts secure the steering column's lower flange to the rag part of the coupling. This rag part is more flexible since it is made up only of layers of rubber and cloth.
 
Have your better half get in there and turn the wheel and you watch the rag joint. See if you can see flex in it first.
 
Found the problem. The two bolts that attach the steering column's bottom flange to the rag joint coupling were bottoming out (no more threads) before the rubber/fabric flange was firmly clamped. Meaning the thickness of the rubber/fabric flange is getting on the thin side. Thus for now all I had to do was to put a thick lockwasher under the nut. Now the rubber is being grabbed much better.

On to other items on my checkoff list.
 
You have to watch those thin rubbers Craig. They have been known to rupture under extreme pressure... :mid
 
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