Is this part easy to replace and what is it called exactly?

[SnowExploder]

I found cracks in this part yesterday, I have asked and searched around, heard it called a bunch of different things, and told I need to replace and do a bunch of different things...
Can anyone tell me exactly what its called and what I need to do to replace it? Would be much appriciated...

 

[DMan446]

I would have to say it is a "steering knuckle". As far as replacing it, its not completely seperated, so I wouldnt worry about it right now. If the shops are telling you to replace a bunch of stuff, they are looking at it from a $$$ standpoint.

Motor mounts do the same thing over time. Its like the old saying "If it aint broke, dont fix it"

 

[DeRocha]

umm...it is part of the steering shaft that connects into the steering gear. I don't think you'd call it a "Steering knuckle" as that term is commonly used for the component with the Ball joints.

 

[SVO]

"Rag Joint"

Have to remove the steering shaft.

 

[Maniak]

As stated, its a rag joint, BUT you cannot buy a replacement (I couldn't find one and I looked for quite a while). You can find universal ones but you have to drill out your old one and replace it with bolts.

I just bought an entire shaft from a junkyard for $30 (much lower mileage vehicle) and haven't had any problem since then.

Here is a pic of how mine started to break apart..

~Mark

 

[elkhunter]

How close in size is it to the ones in Chevy steering columns? I know several resto mags sell them-for Chevy.