Real-World Warnings: Avanti Owners Speak Out on Steering Rag Joint Failures
Following our initial safety alert regarding the 60-year-old rubber steering rag joints, Avanti owners across the country began inspecting their own cars. The results were startling. In this follow-up, Dan Booth shares the feedback from readers who discovered their steering was "holding on by a thread."
From joints that tore in half during removal to owners who finally eliminated decades of "mystery play" in their steering wheel, these testimonials confirm a dangerous reality: original rubber components located just two inches from the exhaust manifold are a ticking time bomb. Learn why "rebuilt" joints often use inferior, thin rubber and why authentic NOS Part #1701886 is the only way to ensure your 1963–1985 Avanti stays safely on the road. Don't just take our word for it—read the stories of the owners whose cars were saved by this simple inspection.
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Part Number 1557139 Superseded by part number 1701886 flange and insulator assembly steering gear (rag joint).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
Special pinch bolt for rag joint (steering flange & insulator)
Steering / Steering gear assemblies 1301A 1301-7 1557280 1557139