Front end noise

[CampingBuggy]

I tried the search function and found nothing. I have a 2007 EZGO TXT PDS. And ever since I bought it the front end has had a loud clonking noise with fast up and down movement of the suspension. So pretty much if you aren't on blacktop, concrete or smooth gravel it is non stop clonking. You can feel it too. I visually inspected the front end parts and did not notice anything obvious. I jacked it up and found that I could move both front hubs in and out enough to make them clonk. I pulled the caps and I was able to tighten the passenger spindle nut one cotter pin position and on the drivers side I got 2 positions. No more movement. I was pumped! Took it for a drive and the noise was still there and exactly the same. I checked the steering shaft knuckle (universal) and it seems like new. The cart has a Jake's lift and the outside steering knuckles seem tight also and I greased them. Nothing has changed in regards to my sound. Could it be the bearings in the column itself? Is this a common noise that happens with these carts? Is there a known fix?

[CampingBuggy]

I didn't notice any slop in the tie rods grabbing them by hand, but I am wondering if they are sloppy under load? The cart drives straight and the steering does not wander around anymore than other golf carts I've driven.

[CampingBuggy]

Sorry I keep thinking of things I should add. There are also no noises, slop, or clonking felt when the steering wheel is moved left and right. It only happens when driving on a surface that causes suspension movement.

[jneubig]

First couple things I would check are A-arm bushings and the kingpin bushings and tube on the spindles. Those are usually just hard plastic and do tend to wear out.

[BBBHC]

Pictures of your front steering and suspension connection points may help us to get you a quicker resolution. Seems to me, it should be something quite obvious for it to make that kind of sound.

[Cobra,1]

Worn shock bushing comes to mind. May need to unbolt one end of shock then wiggle it to check. “Shocks”under semi compression from cart can cover slop up.

When checking for other worn front end parts check for play in tie rod ends,control arm bushings ect. While cart is setting on ground under it’s own wheight.
If those components are checked with cart jacked up and suspension unloaded it can cover up slop since they are at their extreme travel
Cart on ground use small pry bar to pry against tie rod ends,a arms ,ball joints or king pins if applicable.
Sounds like your being very thorall in your diagnostics so far👍

[R.Boyd]

My cart does exactly the same thing. On mine it's the shock on the passenger side. For some reason it's fully extended without anyone in it. When you get in it and drive on rough terrain it makes a clanking sound. I'm sure mine needs a new shock. I may try and shim it so it's more in the middle of travel when not hitting bumps.

[R.Boyd]

Grab the roof support and rock it back and forth real hard and listen.