Violent steering wheel shake txt ezgo

[DomDotCom]

My 98 ezgo txt has a violent steering wheel shake when going fast downhill. I looked at the rack and pinion steering box and my black accordion looking cover has holes in more than one place. They are more like slits on the protruding areas most likely from age. Could this be the cause or do I need a while new steering box? Can I just buy the boot cover accordion thing and slap it on with the Oring clamps? Also, there's quite a bit of play in the steering wheel. TIA just bought 6 new Duracell 6v 215 Amp batteries to be ready for summer. I just don't want the cart to fall apart when driving. Until it's fixed I will avoid downhill speeds.

[DaveTM]

Have someone turn/shake/steer the wheel as you look under the front to determine wher there is “play” in the steering. Of course, do this with the cart not running & the key off $ out so no harm comes to you. Pay attention to the tie rod ends as there should be zero play on both ends.

Also look at the steering wheel link to determine if you have play there.

As for the rubber boot, I would think holes are not a good thing, but I’ll let others who know more about that comment.