I replaced my outer tie rod ends and had my 72 aligned. It has new ball joints, bushings, springs and bearings and the shop checked all the other components and they are good.

The car drives straight as an arrow and I can take my hands off the wheel and it continues straight. But I can move the steering wheel side to side and get no steering reaction, and I suspect my rag joint may be worn out.

I there a way to check the rag joint? Is there a way to check the steering gear?

 

OK... Engine on or off? the rag joint is a piece of reinforced rubber. It's out in the open. Not really tough to check. end of steering shaft right at the gear box. More than likely the steering box has a little play in it from years of service.

 

Have someone turn the wheel back and forth and check for play at the rag joint. Also with the engine off and wheels straight, see how far you have to turn the wheel right to left and left to right before the wheels move. One other suggestion, with the engine running, turn the steering from center to all the way left and center to all the way right and count the turns. Should be the same.

 

I'm willing to suspect its the steering box. Not the rag joint. The amount of deflection you feel can mostly be attributed to the Saginaw box it self.

Steering box=Saginaw rotary valve.

Look for shops that re build these. A rebuilt steering box is icing on the cake when the entire front end has been replaced. You'll love it.

If you're on a budget, flush and replace all the fluid from the system and give it a try.

 

... Or just install a steering box from a '93-'98 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

- Eric

 

or for ~$200 get the fast ratio box for your car from rockauto, it fits the original power steering lines and comes w a new rag joint, and a 1 year warrenty to boot....hard to beat the fast ratio boxes for a more modern feel

 

The Rock Auto sounds like the way to go. As I said, the car drives straight, but when you need to make minor corrections, it seems loose. There is not a sure, positive feel.

I haven't read the manual yet, but does the column need to be loosened to drop the gear?

 

Not generally, but it's a good chance to take it out and clean it up, if you've misplaced your MAW helmet.

- Eric