Steering modification to '91 Marathon

k7pedgbb

I have a '91 EZGo with the frame mounted steering box. I have replaced the box, gears, rack & pinon and upper column bushing. Additionally I performed the 7/16" pin replacement with a firm fitting pin a few thousands larger per the thread by 'Dave Box'. I still get about a 10 degree slack in the steering wheel. Makes for crazy driving.
Question is: Can an '08 or later axle mounted steering system be retrofitted to this cart. Or maybe there is another change that cures the steering slack.
Gordon

BGW

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Dave Box

Are you able to pin down the area of the slack? For me I could see that with a helper oscillating the steering wheel the pitman arm was not moving. From this I deduced (incorrectly) that the rack was defective, but that did lead me to the pin of the pinion.

If the slack is before the pitman arm did you dismantle the steering column? The reason I ask is that at the bottom of the column is a universal joint which on mine was worn. It wasn't so bad as to affect the steering but yours might be worse.

Have you lifted the cart? If so you may have affected the steering geometry and again on mine I had to adjust the toe in back to 1/4 inch.

Good luck

Dave

k7pedgbb

Thanks Dave. Yes, I have done all of the things you mention. I have had the column off the steer rod a couple of times. The U joint is as tight as I think it should be. I took some 1/2" stock and turned it down to .0482, just about as tight as I could and still get good smooth turning. I an really beside myself since I have tried everything you and others have suggested, yet the wheel moves a good 10° before any movement of the vertical steering rod and arm.
I still think that the '08 steer box would be great if it can be married to the '91 without breaking the family fortune. Thanks for you advice and help.
Gordon

1989Marathon

I haven't seen a cart of that vintage that didn't do that. Does the cart wonder, and you are constantly having to bring it back, or does it drive fine, and it's just the 10° of play that bothers you?

k7pedgbb

Yes, it is the steering wheel slack of 10° that bothers. You go down the street jerking the wheel back and forth. I think the neighbors keep the kids inside when they see me coming. Seriously, this a lifted cart with a modified body to look like a WWII jeep. It is a very impressive cart, but loses its appeal when you see how it drives. Toe-in or other alignment problems are not a factor. The wheel slack is rotten when just standing still.
I will just keep trying until I get shot down.
Gordon

1989Marathon

I've had 2 Ezgos. 89 and 93. They both do the same thing. It was so bad that I didn't even want to drive them. I thought it was the play in the wheel causing me to keep having to correct the steering when going down the road, but it was the toe-in. I corrected the toe-in. The play is still there in the wheel, but I don't even notice it now. The cart tracks straight even if I take my hands off the wheel.

k7pedgbb

Good news. I will set the toe-in a little more, or play with it to see if there is any improvement.
Thanks for the tip.
Gordon

1989Marathon

Just keep in mind that toe adjustment is cart specific. There is no hard-fast rule. It depends on your cart geometry. Some(few) carts require toe-out. I started with 1/8" toe-in and drove it a bit. I adjusted it until it tracked the way I wanted it to. Good luck.