Sloppy Steering

[SCDJW75]

Cobra - There’s still a lot of play in the steering from left to right while at rest. This was on the list when I dropped the cart off at the shop for the upgrades, and they did replace some bushings and said the parts were pretty worn. Budget was maxed out upgrading everything else and I felt I could keep this repair in house if I ended up needing to replace or repair beyond what they could do on the cheap. We all know what happens when you assume, but I would hope the alignment would have been addressed already. That said, you’re correct and it’s definitely worth a look.

[genoz]

Originally Posted by camaroluvz28

I’m a little confused on this to be honest...you had to remove the entire assy to replace it correct? So why not rebuild it after you removed it in the first place? You def can’t rebuild it while it’s still connected under the cart...

I removed the entire assembly from the front by removing 4 bolts. The rebuild kit required me to get under the cart to disassemble. I got almost all the way and I couldn't get something apart. Cant remember what it was but it was not budging. Even beat on it with a sledge. Decided it was not worth it and bought the entire assembly and was good to go in less than an hour. Not saying he shouldnt try the rebild kit just saying it was worth the money to me to replace entire assembly.

[SCDJW75]

I think I’ll do a complete replacement, I’d lay a bet I have the original equipment in place, and it’s worth the piece of mine to be done with it and move on.

Camaro, you jinxed me! Got back from the lake today and my hydraulic steering is leaking fluid in the splash well, time for new seals. Then while cleaning I noticed the skid on the trailers cross brace is broken and the keel has been grinding when I load the boat on the trailer. Not breaking out another grand though, I’ll fix this one myself.

Thanks for all the info guys, much appreciated.

[cgtech]

Maybe that's the best option for you, dont take any thing for granite.

[drewloker]

Hello. I have sloppy steering as well.

I am not sure even where to begin, except that it has gotten worse lately. I am thinking that this nut has loosened up, but I have tried to tighten it. At first it just spun around, but even clamped, could not budge the nut, either directions.

Any suggestions? If I get a rebuild, will I need to cut this off and have a replacement part in the kit? Or, do I need to plan to replace the entire assembly?

Thanks!!

[Cartmaster]

Originally Posted by SCDJW75

I’m assuming you mean this, see pic. I figured that would be an option but I’ve also read it’s a bad design. I wasn’t sure if there was a better option or if a long travel kit would replace the steering system as well? I’m new to carts, never had one before. I’ve read up on replacing with ATV front ends but I don’t want to get that involved with it. Plug and play for me.

Those steering racks where actually very good when working correctly. They suffered wear in the bronze bush that carries the idler arm. grab hold of the arm and try to rock it back and forth (front to back of cart, not side to side as if steering) and see if there is any play. this was common particularly on fleet vehicles that got poor service treatment. That big top hat bush can be replaced easily, but i am not sure if it is still available from EZGO. all you have to do is remove the steering rack, remove the idler arm (drag link) not sure what You call it over there lOL, and knock out the old bush, fit the new one, grease up well and rebuild the rack. if no play in the idler then it may be worn teeth on the rack itself. Its not a difficult job to do that either. Most likely to be the bush though. As someone already said, get someone to rock the steering back and forth anl look under the cart to see what is going on.


EDIT.
Just had a look on EZGO parts site and it looks like your options are just the service kit or a new rack. the top hat flanged bushing is not shown anywhere. I have in the past had these made for me at a bearing specialist and they worked fine. If you go down this route and find someone to make them, I am sure many people would be interested in buying them from you as they make the job way cheaper than buying the whole rack body.

[genoz]

Originally Posted by drewloker

Hello. I have sloppy steering as well.

I am not sure even where to begin, except that it has gotten worse lately. I am thinking that this nut has loosened up, but I have tried to tighten it. At first it just spun around, but even clamped, could not budge the nut, either directions.

Any suggestions? If I get a rebuild, will I need to cut this off and have a replacement part in the kit? Or, do I need to plan to replace the entire assembly?

Thanks!!

The picture didnt post

[bronsonj]

Also something to note that a lot of these racks, king pins, etc never get greased... So the grease in your rack may be what is left from when they put it in 23 years ago... I had an older cart and the steering was horrible. HORRIBLE! Then I rolled under it and greased every zerk fitting I could find and about 65 or 70% of the play was gone!

So before replacing parts, look under it for what had too much plan and give it a good greasing. You just might save yourself a pile of cash.

[drewloker]

Sorry the picture didn't post...thanks for letting me know. Not sure why...I set the share settings on Google Photos so that it should have worked. I'll try another website.

In the mean time, I did get the 11/16 nut of. The nut is definitely toast. The bolt is a bit warn in the middle, but I am thinking if I can get a nut, get the cotter pin in place AND the other hole in the arm/bracket (there are two holes), that I may not need to get a rebuild nor new assembly. At least I can get this back up and running until get the parts.

So, where can I find just that nut?

Thanks!