Steering shaft

[Clark]

Here's another headache My steering shaft croaked on me.
Has anybody had to replace theirs? If so, is after market a good choice?
A/C Delco ain't cheap.

 

[3rdH3]

I did OEM. Didn't consider anything else.

 

[Happy Hummer]

You can make another rag joint out of conveyor belt material or toro single stage snow paddles. Will work perfectly.

 

[Clark]

You can make another rag joint out of conveyor belt material or toro single stage snow paddles. Will work perfectly.

You mean I can just replace the broken rubber and keep on driving?

 

[Happy Hummer]

I'm not saying you should do anything lol! I'm saying I would simply, for myself cut a piece of heavy duty material like those I described and simply mimic the current part and replace that and drive. Common sense and careful planning on my part and would drive and smile. Or if you feel more comfortable it is more than okay to purchase and new shaft. This is just what I'd chose for myself, providing the rest of the shaft was safe and error free.

 

[Clark]

I'm not saying you should do anything lol! I'm saying I would simply, for myself cut a piece of heavy duty material like those I described and simply mimic the current part and replace that and drive. Common sense and careful planning on my part and would drive and smile. Or if you feel more comfortable it is more than okay to purchase and new shaft. This is just what I'd chose for myself, providing the rest of the shaft was safe and error free.

But your idea sounds so logical to me. after all the broken piece is nothing but a chunk of hard plastic. Thanks though!

 

[Happy Hummer]

I suppose if you have someone available they could 3d print a replacement for you. Otherwise start fabri-cobbeling

 

[lfootmatt]

I suppose if you have someone available they could 3d print a replacement for you. Otherwise start fabri-cobbeling

Fabri-cobbeling, love it, stealing that one. Been doing that my entire life

 

[Clark]

I suppose if you have someone available they could 3d print a replacement for you. Otherwise start fabri-cobbeling

I bought another one But I will take the old and try to fabricate the plastic. Thanks for the Idea!

 

[Jeepwalker]

AC Delco aint cheap, but if you can find one ...spend the $$. I bought two aftermarket ones over the yrs. Neither one was welded 'straight' first of all. They did ok, but didn't last as long as my original AC delco. Two cheap ones and a bunch of work didn't save me much money in the end. So that's what I'm back to.

A guy should lube the top U-joint probably 2x a yr (spring/fall) as a regular maintenance item. Just a couple drops of oil at the joints. That joint eventually gets dry & stiff, probably from the heat of the exh manifold. Keep it lubed and you'll avoid that 'clunk' ...anyway.