Steering coupler opinion

[Angusg]

I am sorry to ask a question on what I know is a common theme however not having had a vehicle fitted with a rubber steering coupler previously the answer is not as obvious as it may seem.

I have what I believe is fairly typical steering play (a good four inches), no return to centre post cornering and quite bad wander down the road.

The pit man arm moves fairly quickly once the lower part of the column (I.e. after the rag joint) moves and I think the track rod ends and wheel bearings are good.

My question is whether the rag joint in the below video looks like it has had it, or if that is a normal amount of play? Given how close the studs come to the notches my guess is that it is worn out, my only surprise being how new it looks - but then maybe that is cheapo parts!

The movement in the video is me spinning the steering wheel to the point the wheels start turning. They are radial tyres.

Thanks for your help.
Angus

Video
https://youtu.be/ZjLOWtABsrY

[jzjames]

Looks like a lot of slop in the “rag joint” to me.

[Angusg]

Thank you for your reply and confirming - I will order a new one and see if that clears it up a bit before trying to tighten up the box.

Cheers,
Angus

[jzjames]

Yes, tighten everything up.
After the rag joint, you’ll be able to inspect the steering gear and all the front steering links.