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Welcome to FordPinto.com, The home of the PCCA => General Help- Ask the Experts... => Topic started by: sarahstubbs on October 25, 2011, 10:43:04 AM

Title: Super loose steering on my 74.
Post by: sarahstubbs on October 25, 2011, 10:43:04 AM

After pulling the steering rack to switch the starter i was able to see why my steering is so loose! there is absolutely nothing (im guessing it was rubber) where the steering assembly connects. 2 bolts 2 star. any ideas?

Title: Re: Super loose steering on my 74.
Post by: PintoMan1 on October 25, 2011, 10:55:20 AM

are you talking about the steering shaft itself or the two mounting areas?

Title: Re: Super loose steering on my 74.
Post by: sarahstubbs on October 25, 2011, 02:09:14 PM

at the end of the steering shaft, the u joint? im guessing. thanks so much

Title: Re: Super loose steering on my 74.
Post by: 82expghost on October 25, 2011, 02:57:52 PM

i think your talking about the rag joint, it has a round disc make of what looks like heater hose material, it is like a u joint but its supossed to act as a vibration and bump asorber, you should be able to get a new one at any auto parts place

Title: Re: Super loose steering on my 74.
Post by: PintoMan1 on October 25, 2011, 05:20:25 PM

that's what i was thinking it was.  the rag joint

Title: Re: Super loose steering on my 74.
Post by: sarahstubbs on October 25, 2011, 06:53:33 PM

thanks so much, i will check it out.

Title: Re: Super loose steering on my 74.
Post by: Cookieboystoys on October 25, 2011, 07:07:07 PM

Sarahstubbs, this is what you are looking for...
 
 

Title: Re: Super loose steering on my 74.
Post by: JohnW on October 26, 2011, 10:16:07 AM

http://www.fordpinto.com/pinto-faq/steering-discsteering-couplerrag-joint/

Here's some info on it.  I don't know of any parts stores that can look it up for you, but the Napa universal #630-1012 fits - I put one in my car.  They could not look it up by application nor could Parts Plus - and Ford told me a couple dealers in other states had old stock.  You need to pull the column and take the rivets off with a grinder, then bolt the new one in.  Not that bad of a job aside from reaching down to unbolt it - as long as you have access to a grinder.

Your car is currently being steered by only the safety bracket put around the joint slapping the steering box - don't drive it much til you fix this.

Title: Re: Super loose steering on my 74.
Post by: Jinxter on October 26, 2011, 10:47:17 AM

I've always used the Dorman parts in the HELP! section.  I can't remember offhand, but it's either #13000 or #13001 that fits. 
one is universal, the other is Chryseler.  IIRC, it's the universal one you want.

Title: Re: Super loose steering on my 74.
Post by: 78txpony on October 26, 2011, 01:52:50 PM

The joint on my 78 failed back in the early 90s - it was made of a plasticky compound.  I drilled out the rivets and cut a round disc from an old bald steel belted tire to bolt in.  It still looks and works great to this date. 

The joint on my Olds came from the factory with - get this - a round steel belted rubber disc!  After cleaning it, it looks like brand new!