Steering slop 98 EZGO Gas
 

Hello!

First post and a 98 EZGO Gas owner as of last weekend.

Long story short. I bought a beautiful cart, painted a dark blue, nice and clean underneath, clean oil, spindle lift, 22" tires........ Perfect starter for the a-arm big block buggie I have in mind. So, as soon as I got home I drove it around the house and it was pretty obvious there was a problem with the steering. It would dart in any direction because theres about 3" of slop in the steering. There is no slop in any of the tie rods, ball joints etc. The steering wheel is tight. The hubs are fine.

Its the steering rack. Not only is there a mile of slop inside, the main pivot point for the arm has a ton of slop too. At high speed it will make the bravest man want to slow down as it darts to the left and you try to correct with 3" of steering wheel nothingness.:|

A complete replacment rack is pretty pricey unit.

My questions:

1) Do you guys agree? Past experiences? Solutions?

2) I noticed EZGO updated/revised the steering system in 2001.5. Looks like a much better unit, exactly like a car. I also noticed the Stretch A-arm kit for 2001 & up INCLUDES a steering rack.

The question is this:

Can I convert to the 2001 steering? Will I need anything else beside the Stretch kit? Is it worth it?

Re: Steering slop and stuff..........
 

If it is like my 99 DCS i know EXACTLY what you are talking about. I have looked and I have not seen a way to fix it. Somebody correct me if I am wrong but it looks like the only way to correct the "free-play" of the steering is by replacing the steering system.

Re: Steering slop and stuff..........
 

Re: Steering slop and stuff..........
 

Those assemblies are major $$$. The later model is cheaper but I'm not sure of all of the differences or whats needed to convert. I'm sure its possible if you have fabrication skills.

This may help a little.
OEM part# 70314-G02 (whole assembly)
Fits 1994-2001.5 gas and electric EZGO Medalist/TXT models
as fits 1996-present gas EZGO Workhorse ST350 models

Re: Steering slop and stuff..........
 

So a pre 2001 EZGO can convert to the 2001 steering with just the addition of this kit?

Seems to me there would have to be a different column shaft thats splined and with a yoke. The rest seems like its in the kit. The only other thing that might need to be changed/different are the spindels.

I ask this, because adding a stretch kit for a '98 would not fix the problem. (But it sure would look nice though!!!:-D ) This kit does not include a replacment rack and retains the old style steering system.

I assume the 2001 and up style steering system is better.

:help:

Re: Steering slop and stuff..........
 

Ive found the OEM replacment boxes, new, for less than $500. But add that to a stretch kit... you see my point when the 2001 and up kit is only $100 more.

Re: Steering slop and stuff..........
 

You might want to check the flanged bearing in the steering assembly they wear out and make the steering sloppy!!!!

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/b...70185-G011.jpg

Re: Steering slop and stuff..........
 

You can also buy the rack gear as well as the pinion along with the bushing tungpo listed, its alot cheaper than replacing the whole box.
As far as converting it to new style steering you have to change the frame where the column bolts on, the column itself, the rack and pinion, front axle, and spindles.
It way more work than just bolting a few parts on and not at all worth it when you can just rebuild your streering box thats on the cart now.

Re: Steering slop and stuff..........
 

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/b...70299-G011.jpg
http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/b...75364-G011.jpg

Re: Steering slop and stuff..........
 

Thanks for the replys guys, keep em coming!

So, with a purchase of a 2001 & up Stretch kit Ill also need a 01 column shaft and spindles.

But....

Meaning the way it bolts to the floor by the pedals is different?

Ok, it does look easier to just repair the box. But I was wondering if the new style is better, tighter, more durable etc.

As for the "flanged bearing in the steering assy." Do you mean the large gold bushing in the pivot arm? Or the one at the bottom of the column shaft above the pinon?