Marathon steering rack

[iaefebs]

Hello, does anyone know why E-Z-GO made the tie rod end of the steering rack unserviceable? My tie rod is welded on the threads. My manual suggests that if the tie rod or ball joint need replaced then I need to replace the entire Rack and Rod assembly. I'm thinking I can grind off the weld, replace the tie rod, and re tack it but before I do... what might have been the reason for this weld originally ? Thanks...

[pizzamaker]

i never saw one welded, it sounds like a fast repair was done somewere down the line.

[iaefebs]

Originally Posted by pizzamaker

i never saw one welded, it sounds like a fast repair was done somewere down the line.

Well, This is the only cart I ever worked on so I am not sure what is normal. All the manuals I've looked at show the rack and rod as a assembly. PN# 15407-g1
the tie rod is not listed as a separate item. I just thought the tack weld was the way they prevented removal. The manual say's the tie rod end has to be replaced as a unit.

[pizzamaker]

its been a while but i'm pretty sure you can cut the weld and screw a new one on.

[iaefebs]

OK I think I know the logic behind the tie rod end. It appears to me without removing the old one that the OAL of the threaded end is somewhat shorter than a normal tie rod end. There are fewer threads engaged than usual. With the possibility of separation much quicker? or because it is a modified part...E-Z-go put a tack weld on. Now with a modified standard part there is no longer a part number. Any thoughts out there?

[pizzamaker]

Originally Posted by iaefebs

OK I think I know the logic behind the tie rod end. It appears to me without removing the old one that the OAL of the threaded end is somewhat shorter than a normal tie rod end. There are fewer threads engaged than usual. With the possibility of separation much quicker? or because it is a modified part...E-Z-go put a tack weld on. Now with a modified standard part there is no longer a part number. Any thoughts out there?

it May be the standard right thread tie tod end, you can buy the ends! at one of the sponsers or e-bay ,etc.

[iaefebs]

thanks Pizzamaker, I have a couple extra tie rod ends so that is not an issue. I was curious about the engineering thought behind the non replaceable end. I can't imagine why E-Z-GO would recommend replacing the entire rack. This was over 30 years ago when they designed this. I think at that time they more interested about service on the cart and not selling after market parts. I don't really need to replace the tie rod end but since I have my cart down to bear bones and had the extra tie rod end I would replace it. I will take some pics and post Sunday. I may or may not just tear it apart out of curiosity. Thanks again for your help. Jim

[gaston]

on the beginning there were no regulations nor good engineering on these carts, they were trying to make them cheap, affordable or whatever it could hit big markets, even today you see poor engineering in some of the golf car parts... I have 2 marathon and just checked and both are heavily welded too

[iaefebs]

Originally Posted by gaston

on the beginning there were no regulations nor good engineering on these carts, they were trying to make them cheap, affordable or whatever it could hit big markets, even today you see poor engineering in some of the golf car parts... I have 2 marathon and just checked and both are heavily welded too

gaston Thanks for checking this out for me. A heavily welded spot weld is exactly what I have. I thought that this might be normal but was not sure. Thanks for looking.

[gaston]

you welcome, I learn also!