Worn steering rag joint on 3rd gen camaro - dangerous?

[Dildil]

My mechanic has told me not to drive my Camaro because of the worn rag joint on the steering shaft. I'm currently trying to locate a solution, which seems to be the Astro Van upgrade mentioned here http://www.mifbody.com/vbulletin/sho...upgrade!/page7
but haven't yet heard back from Darren.

My question is, can I still drive my car ? Is the steering going to suddenly fail on me or anything?

Thanks

Dylan

[Gregs_gsxr]

how bad is it ? pics? I know where you can get a billet replacement.

[Dildil]

I'll try to get my mechanic to take a pic as it's there at the moment.

So are you saying there is an alternative to the Astrov Van/Cherokee shaft swap? that would be good!

how bad is it ? pics? I know where you can get a billet replacement.

[NullHead]

I have one of Darren's shafts in my car. I'll sell ya my old one if you want. Mine was fine when I pulled it.

Personally I'd wait for Darren, it really is a great solution. I really like mine.

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[bigjon88]

I believe we have a few on the shelf I don't have the time cuz of my job now but I m sure Darren can hook it up believe we have 2 left

[Darren]

I'll respond to your PM. Sorry I don't really come on here much anymore. I have one on the shelf right now and I have a buddy who wants it. I know there is another in my garage tho. I'll investigate and find it.

[Gregs_gsxr]

I'll try to get my mechanic to take a pic as it's there at the moment.

So are you saying there is an alternative to the Astrov Van/Cherokee shaft swap? that would be good!

yup

[Darren]

If it's a rag joint or something similar I'd argue it's as good as a astro shaft

[Dildil]

so what is it Greg?!

Darren is getting me a quote to ship a shaft to Australia, but if there is a cheaper/easier option that would be good too!

[Gregs_gsxr]

the rag piece, the rubber part is replaced with a billet piece. Its going to be same out come as the astro. I'll see what kind of price I can get shipped to you. I didn't realize your so far lol

[Dildil]

Thanks Greg

My mechanic is asking - doesn't the rag joint need to be flexible? and does the shaft need to be modified to fit it? ie what's the labor involved. He also says he suspects the top of my steering shaft is worn so the full replacement astro might be the way to go still...

[Gregs_gsxr]

the astro only replaces the bottom rag joint section. the upper part that the lower slide onto is part of the steering column. You can repack that bearing or replace if need be though

[Dildil]

Greg, here is a photo of the rag joint.

ragjoint.jpg

[hoogiesngrinderz]

That's not going to cause a catastrophic failure, but it's definitely shot. You'd have to snap the two bolts in order to lose steering.

[Darren]

yeah you still can drive the car, the astro shaft replaces everything and connects to the steering column that comes out of the firewall.

Edit: Whats your postal code?