97 EZGO DCS gap causing wheel wobble

athomas03

I have a project cart (97' DCS) that I picked up, needed batteries as well had some other issues. Well, I am getting closer to finishing the major stuff but, found a problem today. Picked up some new to me 20x10x10 tires/rims and pulled off the stock ones. The cart had been given a homemade lift or an axle flip, leafs on top. Also, old owner told me he had replaced the front axle once?? Well, got the new wheels on and rolled it across the driveway and the wheels were wobbling in the front, didn't notice with the stocks as much other than the toe in looked off, but the cart was a roller and I had never driven it. I can lift the cart in the front and grap the top and bottom of the wheel and rock it in and out. The gap in pic is culprit......don't know if it has some mismatched parts (wrong length kingpin?) or if it just needs new bushings and tube. Almost looks like I could shim it with a washer to fill in the gap. Any input would help. Also, I took pin out to try and tighten but, it won't.

Driver's side
2013-02-23_21-52-26_785.jpg

Passenger side
2013-02-23_21-53-44_606.jpg

BGW

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azTony

Excellent timing! I had just finished up maintenance on the rear end and then started on the front. I have a similar issue but not as severe as yours.

I was looking in the service manuals and it tells you how to remove/replace but not how to check for problems and then what to replace. I am not sure of just the spindle pin tube would take care of this or not.

Hopefully someone familiar with this problem will provide a method to determine exactly what is wrong.

athomas03

Its like the spindles dont fit right in the axle.......but I'd rather shim it than buy new spindles or axle.....just dont see new bushing closing gap.

Tony I read your thread and some others before posting, thanks. Adam

azTony

I am interested in hearing how you solve the problem Adam.

I seen the same on mine with the vertical movement and having the gap between axle and spindle. Not ever seeing a new one and reading through the manual I was not clear on how to close the gap or if indeed something is wrong with my axle.

dmi518

is there a bronze washer between the top of the spindle and the axle? It is called a spindle thrust washer.

Gonkulor

I think dmi hit this one. There has to be a thrust washer missing. My Illustrated parts catalog shows a thrust washer for my model.

athomas03

I dont see a bronze washer, only grease, lol. Would it be in between top of spindle and axle? This may be my gap problem. I'm going to take it apart this afternoon.

Gonkulor

Yes. If it's placed above or below the spindle may be particular to your model.

A bronze washer would make sense above the spindle.

dmi518

It is on top cause that is wear the spindle would wear into the axle.
I may be stating the obvious...lol

Gonkulor

Agreed. Not on the obvious but on the fact.