Steering coupler

[John Perri#35379]

I have found one source of the loose steering on the 64. The rag joint
between the coupler halves is very worn and cracked. I see all the hot spots have a replacment for this including new studs and bolts. How hard is this to change? It looks like you would need to drill out the rivets and pull the steering colmn. Would it be just as easy to replace the entire coupler?

Bonus point question: Why are the studs a different size?

Thanks

JMP

[Jack H.]

Re: Steering coupler

There were a number of variations of steering coupler (rag joint) over the years depending on year and configuration (column style). As of last summer, some of these couplers were getting hard/impossible to find (going GM discontinued without a source of repro on-line yet). Putting in a fresh coupler is a piece of cake IF you have a replacement.

As far as rebuilding worn couplers, there's a Help kit available that's pretty cheap and uses rubber vs. rag compound. It's a pretty easy job as you indicate (drill out, replace), but it's obviously NOT a factory concours solution as the rubber vs. rag stands out as factory non-original....

[Eric H.]

Re: Steering coupler

John -

I rebuilt my "rag joint" coupler about a year ago with one of these kits purchased from the local auto parts chain stores. It was easy to install, just grind off and poke out the rivits, and seems to be working fine. My original joint actually failed, but the studs make it fail safe so you can still steer the car.

Can't tell you why the supplied bolts are different sizes. If you check your existing coupler however, you'll find that it also has different sized studs. This probably makes it uni-directional so that the center marks(?) on the steering all stay lined up (just a guess).

I believe I once read on this board to never, ever use a rebuilt steering coupler. In my case I did not have a choise. I'm curious to know if there is an obvious fault in doing this.

Ric

[Joe L.]

Re: Steering coupler

John-----

I always recommend replacement of the complete coupling assembly. However, the 63-66 steering couplers, both the tele and non-tele column varieties, are now GM-discontinued. So, that's not an option anymore.

In this case, one has to resort to "Plan B" which is to rebuild the coupler with the kits available in auto parts stores or from Corvette vendors. I'd seek out the highest quality rebuild kit I could find. GM does not now nor ever has supplied a rebuild kit for these couplings.

One more thing: I don't know if an aftermarket source for these couplings currently exists or not. However, Dr. Rebuild lists both of the 63-66 couplings in his catalog. Those may be NOS inasmuch as the non-tele column coupling was fairly recently discontinued. However, the with tele column coupling was GM discontinued MANY years ago and he lists that one, too, and not with an NOS suffix. So, maybe that rascal has identified an aftermarket source for these couplings.

[Tom Sarno]

Making your own rebuild kit

When I needed a replacement rag joint, I went to a friends wrecking yard and pulled a few good condition units that looked very simular. None of these fit and I gave up and bought a rebuild kit from the local auto store. The quality of the 'rag' was very bad. I solved the problem by grinding the rivets out to remove the rag from the best none fitting joint and then reinstalling it on my coupler using the bolts and pins from the kit. not the right way but better then nothing.

Tom

[Dennis F. King]

Re: Steering coupler

John
I replace the entire coupler on my former '63 last year. Bought the "correct GM" unit from Tony's Corvette Shop. Gaithersburg MD. 301-987-0565 I was able to do this without moving the column or steering box. Hop this helps1 Dennis

[Joe L.]

Re: Steering coupler

John------

Check out eBay #601230050. This is just the lower portion of the coupling, formerly available as a seperate part under GM PART #5691327. Until, of course, its untimely death with its brethren complete assembly at the hands of the "GM Parts Hatchet Man". However, it's the only part you need to restore your coupling to as-new condition.

[Harmon C.]

Re: Steering coupler

The two bolts are a different size and if taken out to clean up and installed in the wrong holes the steering wheel is upside down. I did this once.