3 bolt EZgo steering. Where to start for repair of loose steering

[Linguolizzard]

Hello,

Have 3 volt EZgo cart with the “big steering box”. Lot of play in steering wheel. When I look under and move wheel back and forth don’t see anything move until it all moves.
The steering box and tie rod kits are both about 200.
Do you think I need to replace both? Or is this one or the other? The tie rods look dirt but hard to tell if worn or not. And I obviously can’t see inside the steering box.
What is the best route to take, should I try tie rods and if not corrected move in to steering box. Or should I start with steering box and move to tie rods.

[Capt. Lenny]

First off, I would start with 2 people, 1 at the wheel and the other underneath the cart. Have someone rotate the sloppy wheel while checking every component. Watch for any play where the steering shaft enters the gearbox and work from there. Tie rod ends are usually pretty easy to diagnose visually and if not tug on them with your hand. They should swivel naturally but not have any slop.

[Cartmaster]

There is a large bronze Bush that the steering box idler arm rotates in. This is the most common wear point in the steering after track rod ends. If you get hold of the idler arm and wiggle it and you feel play it will need replacing if you can still get one.
If I recall correctly the part number was 70185-G01 steering bush

[tedstephens]

The rack and pinion are worn out, need to replace the unit. Unfortunately that is a $200 part, but you will love the results. That steering gear has so many redundant parts, what a poor design.

[Cartmaster]

Originally Posted by tedstephens

The rack and pinion are worn out, need to replace the unit. Unfortunately that is a $200 part, but you will love the results. That steering gear has so many redundant parts, what a poor design.

What are you talking about? These racks are totally rebuildable. Any replacement new racks are imported junk and will not last long at all unless you want a cheap quick fix.

[kgsc]

A common wear part is the steering rack itself. Like was suggested have someone turn the wheel while watching and see where the slack is. Rack I am taking about is #24 on this diagram https://www.countrycat.com/arctic-ca...G01%7c%7eN-1/y