Hey everyone. I have a popping, grinding, and squeaking coming from my steering. It is felt and heard through the steering wheel, but after thoroughly examining all the steering components, I have determined that the steering u-joint is bad. There is a lot of play in it. And having my helper turn the wheel while i observed under the hood, it is obvious that all of these noises are coming from this u-joint. The problem is that it is impossible to find a place that carries this part, other than the dealer. And I am not paying almost $400 at the dealer for the part. Also, people on the board use the term u-joint and rag joint when discussing this part of the steering. Is that just two different names for the same part? Also, any suggestions on where to get this joint for a reasonable price? I would like a new part and not a junkyard or used part. The vehicle is an '87 EA-81 Hatchback with manual steering. Thanks for your help!

 

Bill

a rag joint is a disc of fabric and rubber that is used between some of the non-power steering shafts and the rack.....

 

a universal joint is at the top of that section, attaching to the shaft , and steering column shaft .....

 

which part is bad?cheers, brian

It is definitely the universal joint connecting the two shafts...

finding a new one will prove very tricky.

i tried a few years back through summit motor sports, and a few others.just wouldna fit.....

a good used unit can last a while.so don't rule that out....you might also look into cleaning the one you have up, and seeing if it performs any better.......

Edited May 26, 201015 yr by monstaru

Thanks for the help. I guess I may have no choice but to look into junkyards to find the part. The problem with that is there are just no Subarus around here anymore, and most of them in the junkyard were crushed years ago. I may get a few more months out of the one on the car, but it is getting pretty bad. It is popping and binding with every turn I make. I don't want that joint breaking while I am on the road! Hard to believe that there is not an aftermarket part for a wear item such as this joint!

I won't be surprised to learn this joint was used on a lot of Japanese models. Makes no sense for a car manufacturer to tool up a one-off part. Bet you can find it on a Nissan or Mazda or even on a newer model Subaru.

you could post an add in the "subaru parts wanted" section on the usmb site. im sure somone has it, they hardly ever fail, on ocasion they dry out, but you can grease them with a needle adapter. a good used one would last years

the newer subies do have them.and several others.you just can't find them new.i have about 25 downstairs.cheers, brain

PM me with you're address and I can send you one. I just parted out an EA81 with Manual steering that has a good one on it.

 

All my EA81's are Power steering or have EA82 front ends, so I don't need it.

 

I wouldn't want to see a board member wreck for lack of a easy to ship little part that we have lots of out here.

Gloyale,

Just PM'd you!

Dropped it in the mail.

Thank you so much. It is greatly appreciated!!!