3rd winter project is your ride on the rag or not?

[GOLDCYLON]

Well mine was NOT on the rag joint !

I completed my third winter project yesterday on the 91. I was chasing down a steering issue where I had a dead spot in my steering between the 11-1 o'clock position. I assumed it was the rack which I went ahead and replaced then I thought, well since that didn't do the trick it must be my relocated guldstrand front sway bar as I had already done all the tie rod ends and bushings at the same time. Well that looked all tight so WTH ?

My problem area was the rag joint that was spilt in 4 separate sections. I have to hand it to GM engineers that it still stayed together after being completely compromised. The joint was actually flexing while moving the steering wheel which is hard to determine by yourself.

Drives like it should now. I used a doner shaft from a 96 as I had a hard time finding a replacement. I also researched on Corvette Froum where some folks have up graded to the older solid hockey puck style in the Z51 suspension packages. Regardless if you start feeling play in your steering wheel start here first at the rag joint. GC

http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/l498/goldcylon/Mobile%20Uploads/2017-01/3FDA296C-FD9F-4E8C-A2DC-662BD58CA04C_zpsrgdr3gml.jpg

http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/l498/goldcylon/Mobile%20Uploads/2017-01/0A96CA72-8FB2-4EB3-9ED7-F0B5DE8642CF_zpsbcmguxbx.jpg

http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/l498/goldcylon/Mobile%20Uploads/2017-01/F833A83B-7123-437B-ADFC-9D75EEDD0C10_zpsgqhdbrwu.jpg

[mike100]

I'll have to take a look at mine. Looks like accelerated wear due to the desert environment maybe?? How many miles are on the car if I might ask.

[GOLDCYLON]

I'll have to take a look at mine. Looks like accelerated wear due to the desert environment maybe?? How many miles are on the car if I might ask.

Over 150K closeness to headers maybe a factor as well as time but my headers are coated. You can grab them 10 mins after turning off the car. Touch anywhere else it's like grabbing a waffle iron

[Z51JEFF]

I need to get off my lazy @$$ and replace the coolant hoses.

[Dynomite]

My problem area was the rag joint that was spilt in 4 separate sections.
Regardless if you start feeling play in your steering wheel start here first at the rag joint. GC


Thanks Daryll for posting.......this could be serious......will check all my steering assemblies :handshak::handshak:

Great Photos :thumbsup:

[GOLDCYLON]

Thanks Daryll for posting.......this could be serious......will check all my steering assemblies :handshak::handshak:

Great Photos :thumbsup:

Thanks Cliff that's why we do this to keep the hobby alive and to help out the next guy. I was amazed this stayed together. Damn lucky is another word.

[efnfast]

Looks like your headers are rubbing on the steering shaft a little GC

[GOLDCYLON]

Looks like your headers are rubbing on the steering shaft a little GC

Yep as my oldest son used to say when he was a little guy. "Me noticed that"