1962 steering column knuckle

[skorper]

Hi folks. In trying to diagnose my loose steering / play in the wheel on my 1962 hardtop I have narrowed down the problem but don't know how to proceed. There is a knuckle or bushing joint with a flange in the steering column itself a little bit above the steering gearbox. When I rotate the wheel left or right I see that this flange is broken. It moves quite a way back and forth before the steering movement even engages. I assume that I will have to separate the column at that point and replace this junction. It is hard to see and hard to get at. My question is what is this called? Or what part do I have to buy?

This page contains affiliate links for which I may be compensated. As an eBay Partner, and Amazon Associate I may be compensated if you make a purchase at no cost to you.

 

[jack-in-sac]

Hi folks. In trying to diagnose my loose steering / play in the wheel on my 1962 hardtop I have narrowed down the problem but don't know how to proceed. There is a knuckle or bushing joint with a flange in the steering column itself a little bit above the steering gearbox. When I rotate the wheel left or right I see that this flange is broken. It moves quite a way back and forth before the steering movement even engages. I assume that I will have to separate the column at that point and replace this junction. It is hard to see and hard to get at. My question is what is this called? Or what part do I have to buy?

Are you referring to the rag joint?

 

[biddle]

Thunderbird, Tbird etc are not required in the subject since we are 100% Thunderbird site. Edited.

 

[skorper]

Are you referring to the rag joint?

I must be. Don't know for sure though. The shaft below this joint is what goes into the steering gearbox. There is a flange around this joint that I can see is broken and moving when I turn the wheel.

 

[skorper]

Yes I googled rag joint and that appears to be it, also called the steering coupler. I am going to need a complete one as mine is well and truly broken. I see that there are a few repair kits online but they only include the rubber grommet and the bolts.

 

[Hadderz]

Try the usual specialist suppliers such as tbirdhq.com or birdsnest.

 

[jack-in-sac]

Yes I googled rag joint and that appears to be it, also called the steering coupler. I am going to need a complete one as mine is well and truly broken. I see that there are a few repair kits online but they only include the rubber grommet and the bolts.

You might also try ***************** in Wisconsin.

 

[FoxyRoxy]

I am about to swap out mine on my 63 with one I rebuilt while I replace the gear box. It appears to be rebuildable with the repair kit from birdsnest. If you are interested It could be for sale. This is the one I rebuilt along with the one currently on the car.