Avanti Steering Safety: Replacing the Steering Flange and Insulator (Rag Joint)
Is there excessive play or vibration in your steering? Your Avanti is likely still driving on its original "Rag Joint"—a 35 to 60-year-old reinforced rubber donut located just inches from the searing heat of the exhaust manifold.
In this vital safety guide, Dan Booth explains why visual inspections aren't enough and why driving on an aged insulator is as dangerous as driving on dry-rotted tires. Learn the technical differences between the early Studebaker designs and the improved NOS Part #1701886 with its integrated ground jumper. This article provides a 13-step professional walkthrough for replacing your rag joint, ensuring your steering wheel returns to the perfect 12 o’clock position and, more importantly, keeping you safe on the road.
Replace It Before It Breaks: Authentic NOS Parts Are the Only Solution
Studebaker, Studebaker Avanti, Avanti, Steering Flange & Insulator
This is an Avanti Motors N.O.S part that fits 1963 & 1964 Studebaker Avantis, 1965-1985 Avantis.
These have been breaking quite frequently, because they're 35-57 years old, and they are located about 2 inches away from the exhaust manifold.
All Avantis manufactured from 1963-1985 have a flange and insulator assembly (rag joint) The rag joint connects the steering column to the steering gear box. It has a female splined flange on the top and another on the bottom. These two splined flanges slide over the splined steering column shaft on the top and over the splined shaft from the steering gear box on the bottom.
Part Number 1557139 Superseded by part number 1701886 flange and insulator assembly steering gear (rag joint). Connects the steering column to the steering gear box.
This is an Avanti Motors N.O.S part that fits 1963 & 1964 Studebaker Avantis, 1965-1985 Avantis, and many Studebaker cars and trucks.
Check the 1557139 part number in your Studebaker parts book to see if it will fit your Studebaker car or truck
Steering / Steering gear assemblies 1301A 1557139