How to Install a Borgeson Rag Joint

A Borgeson rag joint, also called a steering coupler, is used to attach the steering column to the steering box on older vehicles from the 1950s through 1980s. It acts as a vibration damper. The center of the joint is a rubber-fabric disk. Over time, this disc will deteriorate, causing excessive play in the steering wheel, requiring replacement. The DIY mechanic should be able to replace a Borgeson rag joint in a couple of hours.

Instructions

1

Park vehicle on a level, paved surface and set the parking brake. Make sure the front wheels are pointed straight ahead, and the steering wheel is centered.

2

Use a ratchet and socket to remove the bolts from the bracket that holds the steering column to the dashboard. Let steering column hang down.

3

Move to the engine compartment and locate where the steering column attaches to the rag joint. Use a wrench, ratchet and socket, to remove the nut and bolt from the pinch-clamp on the rag joint. Use a flat screwdriver to pry the clamp open little bit, while pulling the steering column shaft out of the rag joint.

4

Use a ratchet and socket to remove the bolt from the other end of the rag joint, where it attaches to the steering box. Pull the rag joint off the steering box input shaft. The input shaft is splined and has a rounded notch in it.

5

Install the new rag joint onto the steering box input shaft. The rag joint must be installed so the hole in the rag joint is lined up with rounded notch. Hand start the bolt. If the bolt does not want to start, make sure the hole is perfectly aligned with the notch. You may be off by one spline. If this is the case, pull off the joint and realign it. When you have the bolt started, tighten it with a ratchet and socket.

6

Slide the shaft on the steering column, which is also splined, into the pinch clamp on the rag joint. Make sure the steering wheel has not turned and is still centered. Install the bolt and nut. Tighten with a wrench, ratchet and socket.

7

Move back to the passenger compartment and raise the steering column back up against the dashboard. Install the bracket and bolts. Tighten the bolts with a ratchet and socket.