98 3 bolt steering box. repair or replace?

beachcarter

Hello all. My 98 has really sloppy steering. I have searched the forums and found where others have said there is a sticky on how to repair or replace the steering box but I can't find it. If anyone has a link or knows how to do so please share. I have checked everything under the cart and everything is tight up to the steering box. I have read where other people have been successful in repairing theirs in about an hour without removing the box from the cart. I can get the repair kit for for about $100 and a complete rack for $238. If I easier to repair it while its on the cart and save some mney at the same time then that's the route I want to take but if its easier just to remove it and swap it out with a new one then I will spend the extra money. I guess what I'm asking is which method is the least labor involved and does anyone have a link to the repair process? Thanks.

BGW

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scottyb

Search deeper, I'm sure I have seen threads on just this subject before. I always removed the unit to repair it, so replacement would be less work and a guaranteed fix in my opinion.

rvkersh

Watch the pitman arm while slowly turning the steering wheel back and forth, if it moves up and down before moving side to side then the bushing is bad. The bushing is under $20.00. Remove the steering unit to replace it, also be certain to line up the grease hole with the grease fitting.

beachcarter

I removed the steering box last night. I haven't disassembled it yet because I need to get a pickle fork so I can remove the ball joint from the pitman arm. After further research I found this thread, http://www.buggiesgonewild.com/elect...-rack-r-r.html which talks about a compression spring that needs to be removed before the new rack can be installed. Where is this spring and how do I remove it?

oneroadkingman

I have a 1993 marathon had the same problem replace the bushings in the pitman arm replaced the rack. in the steering box there are 2 pins with two gears one of the pins was broken. if the pins are broken or lose the gear that is sits on will cause play .the only way to fix it is change the box hope this helps

beachcarter

I replaced the steering box today with a new one. Not a new used one but a brand new one. Put it back together today and took it for a test ride and still the same thing. With the duromax motor in it this thing is not driveable. At high speeds it goes into what I can best describe as a speed wobble like on a skateboard. I dont get it. Everything is new from the steering column all the way to the wheels. The steering box came complete including the pitman arm. All I had to do was bolt it up. Bolt my steering column to it. Connect the tie rods, which were replaced last spring. Any idea what could be wrong?

1989Marathon

Caster, camber, toe. Probably toe. When set correctly, the cart should track straight even without a steering box/wheel.

beachcarter

Caster and camber arent adjustable. I set the to in to 1/8" inch.

1989Marathon

I know the caster/camber is built into the suspension. Check your suspension to make sure nothing is loose or worn. You will have to try different settings with the toe. Do you have a pic of the front tires? Once you get the 3 settings correct, you can run down the road with your hands off the wheel, and it should track straight. The steering box is not causing it to shift side to side. Do you have a lift, or is it stock suspension?

beachcarter

I have a 6" jakes spindle lift with 23" tires.