Petroworks Rag Joint Eliminator
With Bill Johnston

You are driving down the trail and you notice the steering isn't as responsive as it used to be. You remember that you 'aired down' at the trail head and figured the lower tire pressure was the culprit. You start to make a hard turn into an obstacle and suddenly the steering wheel spins and the tires now have a mind of their own! This isn't as bad when it happens on a slow trail, but what if the steering decided to let go on the street, on worse - during a turn on the highway. We really abuse our steering on these little monsters by adding larger tires and a more agile suspension. Most of the time the steering joint gets ignored until it fails, and then it's too late. Petroworks has just released a new Rag Joint Eliminator that will replace the little piece of rubber that we trust with our lives.

Click through for a closer look...Click through for a closer look...Suzuki calls it a 'Steering Rubber Joint', but it is more commonly known as a 'rag joint'. this provides a flexible connection between the steering shaft and the steering box. But rubber tears, as we see here. You can also see where the rubber is worn from the excess movement the tear has allowed.

Click through for a closer look...Click through for a closer look...We have removed the rag joint so we could take a closer look. You can see that we caught this one just in time. It had already torn through on one side. One good yank on the steering wheel would have prematurely ended the day on the trail, and possibly a life.
Click through for a closer look...Click through for a closer look...The rubber disc (joint) has been replaced with a u-joint. The new shaft telescopes to accommodate the movement needed during installation. It also ensures a perfect fit.
Click through for a closer look...Click through for a closer look...At the steering box end (close to the radiator), after removing the rag joint, you remove the rubber joint flange bolt and slide the flange off of the steering box shaft. It can be removed with a 12mm wrench.
Click through for a closer look...Click through for a closer look...Back up at the firewall, you can see the steering shaft joint that connects the upper steering shaft (comes from inside the cab) to the lower steering shaft (that you are about to replace. Here again, you have only one bolt to remove that will let the lower steering shaft slide out. The new RJE shaft slides up in its place and is secured with the same bolt. Torque it to 14.5-21.5 ft-lbs (factory specs). The upper section of this new shaft slides to allow adjustment in the length.
Click through for a closer look...Click through for a closer look...This allows you to slide the lower section of the new shaft over the steering box shaft. Be sure that your steering wheel and tire are straight or you may have to adjust it later. Replace the bolt at the steering box end and torque it as above, 14.5-21.5 ft-lbs.

And that's it. You now have a stronger steering system that will hold up better in the rough stuff.

Source:

Petroworks Offroad Products
1-800-952-8915  Order Line
1-760-731-9434  Tech Line
111 W. Aviation Rd.
Fallbrook, CA   92028

07/08/10 21:59

 

Disclaimer: The fabrication, modifications and designs you see on this web site are personal experience.  If you duplicate these modifications you do so at your own risk. These articles were written over many years of that hands-on experience. The companies offering these components may no longer have them on the market. Please use these articles to keep the hobby alive.

 

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