Does the '87 have a rag joint?

[ASJT3]

Hey guys,

I've got very loose/wandering steering in my '87 Estate. It seems to me from reading other posts is that the rag joint (if it has one) is worn. When I turn on the accessories to unlock the steering wheel, it has lots of play without actually moving the wheels.

So is there a rag joint on this vehicle? Presumably it would be under the large cover that runs from the steering gearbox to halfway up the steering shaft right?

If there is in fact a rag joint on this vehicle, can I buy just the joint or do I have to buy an entire steering shaft? I've been searching all over online for one and can't find any? ( Doorman doesn't seem to make them for this car, hence my doubt as to whether they even have one).

Thanks for the help,

Alex

[silicon212]

Yes, the car uses a rag joint, and it's the same one that most GM cars use from at least the late 1960s on. The rag joint is separate from the steering shaft. It's retained with two bolts to the steering shaft, and a clamp (with through bolt) to the input of the steering gear.

It is located under the large plastic cover.

[ASJT3]

Originally Posted by silicon212

Yes, the car uses a rag joint, and it's the same one that most GM cars use from at least the late 1960s on. The rag joint is separate from the steering shaft. It's retained with two bolts to the steering shaft, and a clamp (with through bolt) to the input of the steering gear.

It is located under the large plastic cover.

Great thanks for the good info! So would the Dorman 31015 be able to fit the '87 caprice then?

[EDIT] On autozone and amazon it says it does NOT fit my vehicle, but I'm not sure if I should be trusting them

-alex

[silicon212]

Try this one, although it's more of a repair kit and not the complete replacement. Note that the original is riveted together, so you will need to cut the rivets and use the bolts provided in this to complete the repair.

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by ASJT3

Great thanks for the good info! So would the Dorman 31015 be able to fit the '87 caprice then?

[EDIT] On autozone and amazon it says it does NOT fit my vehicle, but I'm not sure if I should be trusting them

-alex

before replacing the rag joint have someone work the steering wheel and you observe the movement. could be the steering box is worn or needs an adjustment.

then check all the other front end components especially the tie rods/idle arms........

[ASJT3]

Originally Posted by j cAT

before replacing the rag joint have someone work the steering wheel and you observe the movement. could be the steering box is worn or needs an adjustment.

then check all the other front end components especially the tie rods/idle arms........

Thanks for the replies. I replaced the idler arm very recently b/c it was loose, I was hoping that would solve the problem but no. Any hints as to how to remove the rag joint "shroud"? This would allow me to see whether the coupling really is the culprit. I've tried to slide it up the steering shaft but it only budges slightly. Do I have to remove the whole shaft?

thanks

[silicon212]

Originally Posted by ASJT3

Thanks for the replies. I replaced the idler arm very recently b/c it was loose, I was hoping that would solve the problem but no. Any hints as to how to remove the rag joint "shroud"? This would allow me to see whether the coupling really is the culprit. I've tried to slide it up the steering shaft but it only budges slightly. Do I have to remove the whole shaft?

thanks

You should be able to twist the cover toward the engine (clockwise as viewed from the steering wheel), to clear the retaining lugs from the power steering hoses. Once you've done this, you should be able to simply push it back toward the firewall, and clear of the rag joint.

[ASJT3]

Ok guys so I removed the intermediate shaft and have been trying to get off the old rag joint. As silicon212 mentioned before, it seems to have 4 rivets holding it together. I've tried to drill out the rivets but can't get them off! I've completely drilled through one rivet and still can't pop it. Any ideas?


Much thanks,

Alex

[EDIT] I did what some others suggested and ground off the heads of the rivets and was able to pop them off using a punch. Boy was it a PITA! Thanks!